Missional attraction:
by kjbake01
I work at a church developing a missional model. Missional, for those of you unfamiliar with the term, essentially took the place of
“emerging” after we learned about it’s Calvinist core, “emerging” took the place of “emergent” after Brian McClaren and Rob Bell espoused some radical theologies about Christ’s divinity and and the nature of salvation.
Missional churches then, are essentially socially-minded Armenian churches with fair-trade coffee and all natural clothes, who get their groceries from local co-ops.
If contemporary evangelicalism can be represented by Nike, then missional churches can be represented by Toms shoes.
My supposition is that missional churches still grow like any organization: by attracting people to join, and in that sense are still essentially attractional.
Where the model differs from others is in how the community is built: rather than building superior programming that presents a slick and impressive organization with low costs of buy-in, the organization must embody the ideals of the community they are trying to reach, and because one of the values of the postmodern culture is authenticity, the leaders must embody these ideals in themselves and their own lives. But that authenticity is ATTRACTIVE to the culture being reached.
Thinking Creator 
“My supposition is that missional churches still grow like any organization: by attracting people to join, and in that sense are still essentially attractional.”
It seems to me that the term “missional” would mean the opposite of attractional, just as Jesus came not to be served but instead TO serve…
“But that authenticity is ATTRACTIVE to the culture being reached.”
I can make sense of this statement in the context of an outreach which is done by a missional church, but not in the context of having to “market” the idea of getting off of their collective duff’s and actually doing something to church members…you shouldn’t have to do that
I’ve probably misunderstood your meaning here, if so I apologize…it’s just an issue that’s on my front burner.
Alton, thanks for your comment. My thoughts on these topics are still developing.
I just began reading “the shape of things to come,” and I think we may be using ‘attractional’
differently. I do think that vibrant communities that embody authenticity are desired by pistmoderns
and a community that represents them will be attractive.
Keep talking, I love the discussion.
You’re right; missional is normally used as a contrast to ‘attractional’.
I’m deliberately combining them for this discussion.
I do really think (based mostly on my suppositions) that in order
for any of us to to desire repeat an experience, the experience needs to be attractive on some level.
Theme parks, U2, restaurants, indie coffee shops, bohemian co-ops are all repeated and those communities are built
because the people involved come and come again.
For an audience to ‘come again’ part in my view means the
experience or event is attractive.
K
“I do think that vibrant communities that embody authenticity are desired by post-moderns”
That’s what George Barna thinks too…
And since he’s got the statistics to back it up I agree!
“a community that represents them will be attractive.”
That’s true, but why?
It’s got to be about the power and the testimony of changed lives!
What frustrates me is the cart before the horse idea of attracting people to church’s with marketing techniques, be it door to door,media or whatever, but not having the “authenticity” or the presence/power of the Holy Spirit to keep them coming back!
The secret of successful ministry has always been for man to get out of the way…
Alton! What a great discussion! I don’t mean marketing techniques,. More in a bit
Kyle Baker Creative Director Harpeth Community Church c: 502.594.0410
“Let the size of the task and the weight of our responsibility keep us daily at the throne of God”
Sent from my iPhone.
My thinking on this is shaped by my experience working in the hospitality industry. I worked for a large chain restaurant that grew to 188 locations with NO advertising. So I agree that better marketing is not the answer. However, the chains secret lay in it’s values: 1) exceptional food: if the food’s not awesome, you won’t come back.
They create an experience (which is why it’s called hospitality, not food service) that people wish to repeat.
Kyle Baker Creative Director Harpeth Community Church c: 502.594.0410
“Let the size of the task and the weight of our responsibility keep us daily at the throne of God”
Sent from my iPhone.
Exactly! So what does the church have to offer?
The only worthwhile answer to that has to be the power of Christ manifested in each of us!
So revival has to begin with each of us individually,
be encouraged within our congregations.
Then the Holy Spirit will do the “promoting” and none of the terms or labels will matter anymore.
Sadly, some are hesitant or fearful to go this way because they don’t want an (out of their control) “wildfire” on their hands. I say…
“better a wildfire than NO fire!”
How will the church move forward?
By going back to the start!
Unfortunately, when we talk about church strategy, it’s almost entirely devoid of God moving through revival, but yes, it is God’s spirit, through the efforts of man that change the world.
Kyle Baker
c: 502.594.0410
“Let the size of the task and the weight of our responsibility keep us daily at the throne of God”
Sent from my iPhone.