In a world yearning for hope and healing, the call to live missionally resonates deeply with believers seeking to align their lives with God’s redemptive purposes. Traditional missionary practices, often characterized by distant outreach and institutional frameworks, are giving way to a transformative approach known as missionizing. This shift invites every individual to discern God’s active presence in their local communities and participate through relational, incarnational engagement. Rooted in the biblical concept of missio Dei—God’s mission to reconcile and renew all creation—missionizing empowers believers to weave faith into everyday life, fostering transformation through humble collaboration. This article explores the mindset shift from institutional missionary practices to missionizing, offering practical steps for individuals to embody Missional Care and Missional Living as described by Missional University and the School of Missional Practice. Through biblical reflection, theological insight, and actionable strategies, you’ll discover how to join God’s mission right where you are.

 

Understanding Missional Care: A Call to Participate

Missional Care is more than a service-oriented activity; it’s a way of life that invites believers to participate in God’s ongoing redemptive work. Unlike traditional missionary models that often emphasized sending individuals to foreign lands to convert or “fix” communities, Missional Care begins with discernment: Where is God already at work? This question shifts the focus from task-driven outreach to a posture of presence and partnership. Missional Care integrates word and deed, spiritual support and social action, Gospel proclamation and cultural humility. It’s about embodying the gospel in everyday contexts—whether through trauma counseling, community advocacy, or simply listening to a neighbor’s story.

Biblically, this approach finds its foundation in John 20:21, where Jesus declares, “As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (CSB). Jesus’ mission was incarnational—He entered human culture, met people in their pain, and revealed God’s kingdom through relationships. Similarly, Missional Care calls individuals to cross cultural and social boundaries, not to impose solutions, but to collaborate with God’s Spirit in addressing spiritual and societal needs. This mindset aligns with the School of Missional Practice’s emphasis on “joining Jesus on the margins of people’s lives” through self-donating practices that reflect the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

 

Defining Missional Living: A Holistic Engagement

The School of Missional Practice’s Department of Missional Living provides a robust framework for understanding missionizing as a lifestyle. It rejects the sacred-secular divide, asserting that the missio Dei is best expressed by living missionally to and within all domains of culture and society. This perspective challenges believers to see their workplaces, schools, homes, and recreational spaces as mission fields where God is already active. Missional Living equips individuals to integrate biblical reflection with missional action, enabling them to present the gospel coherently in a complex world.

Consider the biblical example of Daniel, who lived missionally in Babylon (Daniel 1–6). Rather than withdrawing from a pagan culture or imposing his beliefs, Daniel engaged with humility, excellence, and faithfulness, influencing the empire for God’s glory. Similarly, Missional Living encourages believers to embody the gospel in contexts like the arts, sports, family life, or the military. Whether you’re a teacher advocating for students, an artist creating gospel-inspired work, or a neighbor fostering community, your life becomes a witness when aligned with God’s mission. As Wilbert Shenk observes, “The Great Commission institutionalizes mission as the raison d’être… of the church,” extending to every disciple’s daily life.

 

The Mindset Shift: From Missionary to Missionizer

The transition from a missionary to a missionizer mindset is both theological and practical, requiring a reorientation of how we view mission. Traditional missionary practices often operated within institutional frameworks, emphasizing structured outreach, professional clergy, and measurable outcomes like conversions. While these efforts bore fruit, they sometimes fostered a top-down approach that overlooked local contexts and marginalized lay participation. In contrast, missionizing embraces a decentralized, relational model where every believer is a co-laborer in God’s mission. Here are key distinctions:

1. From Sending to Dwelling

Traditional missionaries were often “sent” to distant regions, implying a separation from their home context. Missionizing, however, emphasizes dwelling—being fully present where God has placed you. As Erlank writes, “You don’t need to cross an ocean to be missional. You just need to be willing to cross the street.” This echoes Jesus’ incarnational model in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (ESV). By living authentically in your neighborhood, workplace, or school, you create opportunities to discern God’s work and join it.

2. From Task-Driven to Relationship-Focused

Missionary work often prioritized tasks like evangelism or church planting, sometimes at the expense of relationships. Missionizing shifts the focus to incarnational presence, where relationships become the context for proclamation. The School of Missional Practice highlights creating environments of belonging that lead to believing, reflecting Acts 2:42–47, where early Christians’ communal life drew others to faith. Listening to a coworker’s struggles or volunteering at a local shelter becomes a missional act when done with gospel intentionality.

3. From Professional to Participatory

Institutional missionary models often relied on trained professionals, sidelining lay believers. Missionizing democratizes mission, inviting everyone to participate based on their unique gifts. Erlank’s concept of missionizers—teachers, healthcare workers, or neighbors using their vocations for God’s glory—aligns with 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (NIV). The Missionality Survey, offered by Missional International, helps individuals identify their missional strengths, empowering them to contribute meaningfully.

4. From Conversion-Centric to Kingdom-Oriented

Traditional missions often measured success by conversions, risking a narrow focus on individual salvation. Missionizing adopts a kingdom-oriented perspective, seeking holistic transformation that includes reconciliation, justice, and renewal. As George Hunsberger notes, “The Church is pointing beyond itself to the kingdom of God,” emphasizing God’s reign over all creation. This approach aligns with Isaiah 61:1–2, where Jesus’ mission includes proclaiming good news, healing the brokenhearted, and setting captives free.

 

Biblical Foundations for Missionizing

The missionizer mindset is deeply rooted in Scripture, reflecting God’s sending nature and the call for His people to participate in His mission. Key biblical principles include:

• God’s Sending Nature (Missio Dei): The concept of missio Dei—God’s mission—originates in the Trinity. The Father sends the Son (John 3:16), the Son sends the Spirit (John 16:7), and the Spirit sends believers (Acts 1:8). As David Bosch writes, “Mission is not primarily an activity of the church, but an attribute of God.”
• Incarnational Witness: Jesus’ life exemplifies missionizing through incarnational presence. He engaged culture without compromising holiness, as seen in His interactions with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:29–32). Believers are called to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16, NIV) in everyday contexts.
• Empowerment of All Believers: The priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) underscores that every Christian is a missionary. Acts 8:4 shows ordinary believers scattering and proclaiming the gospel, a model for modern missionizers.
• Holistic Mission: Jesus’ ministry integrated proclamation and demonstration, preaching the kingdom while healing and serving (Luke 4:18–19). Missionizing follows this model, addressing spiritual, emotional, and social needs.

These principles challenge the institutional mindset, inviting individuals to see themselves as integral to God’s mission, equipped by the Spirit to make a difference.

 

Practical Steps to Embrace Missionizing

Transitioning to a missionizer mindset requires intentional steps to align your life with God’s mission. Here are practical ways to embody Missional Care and Missional Living:

1. Discern God’s Activity

Begin by asking, “Where is God at work in my community?” Prayerfully observe your surroundings—notice local needs, community initiatives, or individuals God places on your heart. As the School of Missional Practice suggests, discernment involves dwelling in the Word and dwelling in the world. Journal your observations and seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture (Psalm 25:4–5).

2. Build Relationships

Missionizing thrives on relationships. Invest time in getting to know your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates. Listen to their stories, share meals, or participate in community events. As Paul adapted to different cultures to “win some” (1 Corinthians 9:19–23), embrace cultural fluency by learning the values and language of your context.

3. Serve with Your Gifts

Identify your unique strengths and use them to serve. Missionality Survey can guide you toward roles like prophetic advocacy, relational care, or environmental stewardship. For example, a graphic designer might create materials for a local nonprofit, while a nurse could volunteer at a community clinic. As Ephesians 4:12 teaches, God equips believers “for works of service” to build up the body and the world.

4. Join Community Initiatives

Collaborate with existing efforts rather than starting new ones. Volunteer at a local shelter, join a neighborhood association, or support a food bank. These acts amplify God’s redemptive work and provide opportunities to share your faith naturally. As Darrell Guder notes, missionizers participate in “the continuing conversion of the church” by engaging the world humbly.

5. Embody the Gospel

Live in a way that reflects Christ’s love, integrity, and justice. Small acts—like offering a listening ear or advocating for the marginalized—demonstrate the gospel’s power. Colossians 3:17 urges, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Your life becomes a proclamation when aligned with God’s purposes.

6. Reflect and Adapt

Regularly evaluate your missional engagement. Ask, “Is my approach biblically faithful and contextually relevant?” Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors, and be open to adjusting your strategies. The School of Missional Practice emphasizes designing contextualized missional strategies to ensure fruitfulness.

 

Overcoming Challenges in Missionizing

Embracing a missionizer mindset isn’t without challenges. Common obstacles include:

• Cultural Resistance: Some communities may be skeptical of faith-based initiatives. Overcome this by building trust through consistent, humble service, as Jesus did (Mark 10:45).
• Time Constraints: Busy schedules can hinder missional living. Start small—dedicate an hour a week to volunteering or intentional conversations. God honors faithfulness in the little things (Luke 16:10).
• Fear of Rejection: Sharing faith can feel daunting. Focus on loving others authentically, trusting the Spirit to open doors for gospel conversations (Acts 1:8).
• Institutional Mindset: If you’re accustomed to structured mission programs, missionizing’s flexibility may feel unfamiliar. Lean into discernment and relationships, trusting God’s guidance over rigid plans.

By relying on the Holy Spirit and community support, you can navigate these challenges and grow as a missionizer.

 

The Impact of Missionizing: Stories of Transformation

Missionizing transforms both individuals and communities. Consider these real-world examples from South Africa:

• A Teacher’s Advocacy: In Soweto, a teacher noticed students struggling due to poverty. She started a tutoring program, integrating biblical values of dignity and hope. Her relational approach led students and families to explore faith, embodying Missional Care.
• An Artist’s Witness: In Durban, an artist used her paintings to address social issues, hosting community exhibitions. Her work sparked conversations about God’s justice, aligning with the School of Missional Practice’s focus on missional arts.
• A Neighbor’s Care: In Cape Town, a retiree began checking on elderly neighbors, offering prayer and practical help. His presence fostered a sense of belonging, leading some to church for the first time.

These stories illustrate how missionizing amplifies God’s redemptive work through ordinary lives. As Christopher Wright asserts, “There should be no mission of the church carried on without deep theological roots in the soil of the Bible.”

 

Conclusion: Step Into Your Missional Calling

The shift from missionary to missionizer is an invitation to reimagine your role in God’s mission. It’s about moving from institutional, task-driven outreach to a lifestyle of incarnational presence, relational engagement, and kingdom-oriented impact. As Missional Care and Missional Living teach us, every believer is called to discern God’s work, use their gifts, and collaborate with others to bring healing and hope. Whether you’re crossing the street or serving in your workplace, your life can embody the gospel in ways that transform communities.

Take the first step today. Discern where God is at work, build relationships, and say yes to becoming a missionizer. As Jesus reminds us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37, NIV). Your story is part of God’s grand narrative of redemption. Step into your calling and let your life become a beacon of His love.

Ready to discover your missional strengths? Take the Missionality Survey at Missional International and join God’s mission today.

 

Sources

• Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1991.
• Guder, Darrell L. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.
• Hunsberger, George R. “The Church and the Kingdom: A Missional Ecclesiology.” International Review of Mission 87, no. 347 (1998): 525–534.
• Shenk, Wilbert R. “The Great Commission and the Mission of the Church.” International Bulletin of Missionary Research 11, no. 3 (1987): 99–103.
• Wright, Christopher J.H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
• Van Gelder, Craig. The Ministry of the Missional Church: A Community Led by the Spirit. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007.