Relates a Biblical View of the Mission of God that Informs Missional Practice.
Understanding and embodying the mission of God in daily life requires a deep and ongoing engagement with scripture. The Bible offers a rich mixture of narratives, personal reflections, poetical musings, pithy sayings, prophetic utterances, and doctrinal instructions that demonstrate how God’s redemptive work permeates every aspect of human existence, including culture, society, community, creation, prophetic voices, and creative expressions. By relating these biblical views to everyday missional practices, believers can actively participate in God’s ongoing mission in the world, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for divine encounters and kingdom advancement. The following approaches provide a framework for integrating a biblical view of the mission of God into everyday life, equipping believers to live missionally in a way that is both faithful to scripture and relevant to the world around them.
1. Cultural Engagement
Cultural engagement involves the intentional and discerning interaction with the diverse expressions of human culture and society, recognizing that God is actively at work within these contexts. The Bible illustrates that God often uses cultural norms, practices, and systems to reveal His purposes and to advance His redemptive plan. For instance, the laws given to Israel were culturally situated, designed to set the Israelites apart while also communicating God’s holiness and justice to surrounding nations. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, frequently used parables drawn from the everyday life of His audience—agriculture, family dynamics, commerce—to convey deep spiritual truths in ways that were accessible and relevant. Similarly, the Apostle Paul’s engagement with Greco-Roman society, particularly in Acts 17, demonstrates a profound cultural adaptability where he uses the language, philosophy, and religious context of his audience to introduce the gospel.
In missional practice today, cultural engagement requires Christians to be aware of and responsive to the cultural dynamics around them, understanding that God’s mission includes redeeming and transforming every aspect of culture. This approach challenges believers to find and build bridges between the gospel and the prevailing cultural narratives, addressing contemporary issues with biblical wisdom and sensitivity. It calls for a careful balance of being in the world, yet not of it—engaging culture with a transformative, rather than conformative, mindset.
Biblical Illustration:
The Apostle Paul’s approach to the Athenians in Acts 17 is a prime example. Paul uses the cultural context of Athens, referencing their altar to an “unknown god” and quoting their poets, to introduce them to the one true God. By engaging with their culture, Paul was able to communicate the gospel in a way that resonated with them.
Applications to Everyday Life:
- Listening and Learning
Christians can practice cultural engagement by taking the time to listen to and understand the cultural narratives and values of those around them. This involves staying informed about current cultural trends, media, and societal issues. By being attentive to the concerns, hopes, and fears of the culture, believers can find common ground and opportunities to introduce gospel truths in ways that resonate with the cultural context. For example, understanding the cultural emphasis on social justice can open doors to discuss the biblical foundations of justice and God’s heart for the oppressed. - Bridging Cultural Gaps
Believers can create bridges between the gospel and the cultural expressions of their communities. This could involve participating in cultural events, using relevant cultural references in communication, or showing how the gospel speaks to contemporary societal issues. For instance, a Christian might attend a local art exhibit or music festival, engage in meaningful conversations about the themes presented, and then relate these themes to the hope and redemption found in Christ. This approach not only builds relationships but also shows that the gospel is relevant and transformative in every cultural context.
2. Community Involvement
Community involvement highlights the central role of relationships and communal life in God’s redemptive work. Throughout scripture, God consistently works through communities to fulfill His purposes, from the establishment of Israel as a covenant people to the formation of the early church as a new community of believers. The communal aspect of faith is emphasized in the way God’s promises and commands are often given to groups rather than individuals, and in how the New Testament repeatedly stresses the importance of love, unity, and mutual support within the body of Christ.
The early Christian community described in Acts 2:42-47 exemplifies this approach, as believers shared life together, breaking bread, praying, and holding all things in common. This communal life was not only a source of strength and encouragement for the believers but also a powerful testimony to those outside the community. The unity and love demonstrated by the early church attracted others to the faith, showing that community involvement is a vital component of missional practice.
In today’s context, community involvement requires Christians to actively participate in the life of their local communities, both within and outside the church. This involves building genuine relationships, offering support and service, and fostering environments where the love and justice of God are tangibly expressed. By doing so, believers can model the kingdom values of unity, hospitality, and mutual care, drawing others into the transformative community of Christ.
Biblical Illustration:
In Acts 2:42-47, the early church is depicted as a community that shared life together—breaking bread, praying, and meeting each other’s needs. This communal life not only strengthened the believers but also served as a powerful witness to those outside the church.
Applications to Everyday Life:
- Building Relationships
Christians can focus on building strong, genuine relationships within their communities. This might involve participating in local activities, helping neighbors, or simply being present in the lives of others. For example, a believer might host a neighborhood barbecue or volunteer at a local community center, using these opportunities to connect with others, build trust, and reflect the love of Christ. By prioritizing relationships and showing consistent care, Christians can create a sense of belonging and demonstrate the relational nature of the gospel. - Supporting Community Initiatives
By supporting local community initiatives, such as food banks, neighborhood clean-ups, or community centers, believers can embody the gospel’s call to love and serve others. For instance, participating in a community garden project not only meets a practical need but also allows Christians to model stewardship, cooperation, and generosity. These acts of service can open doors for spiritual conversations and provide a tangible expression of God’s love and concern for the well-being of the entire community.
3. Creation Care
Creation care reflects the biblical mandate for humans to steward the earth as part of God’s broader redemptive mission. The scriptural narrative begins with the creation account, where humanity is given the responsibility to “work and keep” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15), establishing the principle that caring for the earth is an integral part of human vocation. This stewardship is not merely about environmental preservation but is deeply connected to the flourishing of all creation, which is a vital aspect of God’s shalom—a state of wholeness and harmony in all relationships.
Throughout scripture, there is a consistent call for God’s people to respect and care for the natural world. The laws given to Israel include provisions for the land, such as the Sabbath year, which allowed the land to rest, and the Year of Jubilee, which restored land to its original owners. The Psalms and prophetic writings also reflect a deep reverence for creation, acknowledging the earth as the Lord’s and calling for its care and restoration.
In the context of missional practice, creation care challenges believers to recognize that God’s mission includes the renewal of all creation. This approach encourages Christians to adopt sustainable practices, advocate for environmental justice, and educate others on the biblical call to stewardship. By participating in creation care, believers not only honor God’s creation but also witness to the hope of restoration and renewal that is central to the gospel.
Biblical Illustration:
In Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it,” highlighting the divine mandate for humans to steward creation. This responsibility is echoed throughout scripture, emphasizing that creation care is integral to living out God’s mission.
Applications to Everyday Life:
- Sustainable Living
Christians can adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as recycling, reducing waste, and conserving energy, as a way of honoring God’s creation and participating in His mission of stewardship. For example, a believer might choose to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation, or by participating in a local recycling program. These everyday actions, though seemingly small, contribute to the larger mission of caring for creation and reflect a commitment to living in harmony with God’s design. - Advocacy and Education
Believers can advocate for environmental protection and educate others on the importance of caring for creation, demonstrating that creation care is a vital aspect of living out the gospel. This might involve organizing or participating in environmental awareness campaigns, leading educational workshops at church, or supporting policies that protect natural resources. By taking a stand for creation care, Christians can influence others to see environmental stewardship as an essential part of their faith, encouraging collective action towards a healthier planet.
4. Prophetic Witness
Prophetic witness involves the courageous and faithful proclamation of God’s truth, particularly in calling individuals, communities, and societies to align with God’s standards of justice, righteousness, and mercy. Throughout the Bible, God raises up prophetic voices to challenge the status quo, confront injustice, and call people to repentance. These prophets, from Isaiah to Amos to John the Baptist, often stood against powerful forces, speaking out against corruption, oppression, and idolatry, even at great personal cost.
The role of the prophet is not just to predict the future but to reveal God’s perspective on the present, exposing sin and injustice and pointing the way to a restored relationship with God. This prophetic function is seen in Jesus Himself, who, in His ministry, challenged the religious and social structures of His day, calling for a radical reorientation of life toward God’s kingdom.
In modern missional practice, prophetic witness requires believers to speak and act boldly in the face of injustice, advocating for the marginalized, and calling for societal change in accordance with biblical principles. This approach involves both words and actions, as Christians live out the values of God’s kingdom in ways that challenge unjust systems and practices. Prophetic witness is about being a voice for the voiceless, standing for truth in a world of compromise, and embodying the justice and righteousness of God in tangible, impactful ways.
Biblical Illustration:
The prophet Amos is a powerful example of prophetic witness. In Amos 5:24, he calls for justice to “roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos’s message was a direct challenge to the social injustices of his day, urging the people to return to God’s standards.
Applications to Everyday Life:
- Advocating for Justice
Christians can engage in social justice by advocating for the marginalized, speaking out against injustice, and supporting causes that align with biblical values of justice and righteousness. This might involve participating in peaceful protests, supporting organizations that fight human trafficking, or standing up for the rights of the oppressed in their workplace. By actively engaging in the fight for justice, believers can reflect God’s heart for the downtrodden and contribute to the transformation of society. - Personal Integrity
Believers can live out a prophetic witness in their own lives by consistently practicing integrity, fairness, and compassion in their personal and professional interactions, thus modeling God’s justice. This might involve making ethical decisions at work, treating others with respect and kindness, or refusing to participate in corrupt practices. By living with integrity, Christians can demonstrate the values of God’s kingdom and inspire others to pursue righteousness in their own lives.
5. Creative Expression
Creative expression recognizes the role of imagination, art, and innovation in communicating the truths of the gospel and participating in God’s mission. The Bible itself is rich in creative forms, from the poetic Psalms to the symbolic visions of the prophets, and the parables of Jesus. These creative expressions are not just ornamental; they are essential means of conveying complex spiritual truths in ways that engage the heart and mind.
Jesus frequently used parables—short, vivid stories drawn from everyday life—to illustrate profound spiritual principles. These stories were memorable, accessible, and often surprising, challenging listeners to see the world and God’s kingdom in a new light. Similarly, the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, with its rich imagery and symbolism, invites readers to envision the ultimate victory of God in a way that transcends ordinary language.
In missional practice, creative expression involves using the arts and innovation to engage people with the gospel in fresh and compelling ways. This might include visual arts, music, theater, digital media, or any other form of creative communication that resonates with contemporary culture. Creative expression in mission is about breaking through the barriers of conventional communication to touch people’s imaginations and emotions, drawing them into the beauty and truth of the gospel. By embracing creativity, believers can reflect the creativity of the Creator, making the gospel accessible and relevant in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
Biblical Illustration:
Jesus often used parables—simple, yet profound stories—to convey the truths of the Kingdom of God. For instance, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) creatively challenges the listeners to rethink their understanding of neighborliness and compassion.
Applications to Everyday Life:
- Artistic Outreach
Christians can use various forms of art—such as music, painting, writing, or drama—to express the gospel message in creative ways that speak to the emotions and imaginations of people. For example, a believer might write a song that reflects the hope of the gospel, create a mural that depicts a biblical story, or produce a short film that explores themes of redemption. These creative efforts can open hearts and minds to the gospel in ways that traditional methods may not. - Innovative Communication
Believers can find innovative ways to communicate biblical truths in their workplaces, schools, and communities, using creativity to make the message of Christ accessible and engaging. This might involve using social media platforms to share faith-based content, developing a podcast that discusses spiritual topics, or creating a blog that explores biblical themes in a contemporary context. By leveraging modern tools and creative approaches, Christians can reach a wider audience and engage people in meaningful conversations about faith.
Conclusion
Relating a biblical view of the mission of God to everyday missional practice requires a holistic approach that integrates cultural engagement, community involvement, creation care, prophetic witness, and creative expression. Each of these approaches finds its foundation in scripture, providing believers with a rich resource for participating in God’s redemptive work in the world. By living out these practices, Christians can more effectively embody the mission of God in their daily lives, drawing others into the life-giving message of the gospel. Through faithful and creative participation in God’s mission, believers can transform ordinary moments into sacred opportunities, advancing the kingdom of God and bringing hope, healing, and renewal to a world in need.
Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice. Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.
