Being missional means that the church sees itself as being missionaries, rather than having a missions department, and that we see ourselves as missionaries right where we live
Being missional means that we see ourselves as representatives of Jesus “sent” into our communities, and that we align everything we do with the missio dei (mission of God)
Being missional means we see the church not as a place we go only on Sunday, but as something we do throughout the week
Being missional means that we understand we don’t “bring Jesus” to people but that we realize Jesus is active in culture and we join him in what he is doing
Being missional means we are very much in the world and engaged in culture but are not conforming to the world
Being missional means we serve our communities, and that we build relationships with the people in them, rather than seeing them as evangelistic targets
Being missional means being all the more dependent on Jesus and the Spirit through prayer, the Scripture, and each other in community
From Dan Kimball’s book: They Like Jesus but Not the Church
Last night (Friday the 28th) we launched the first ever Gathering at FBC.
People filled the new coffee bar area to enjoy coffee from the Coffee Mill and other various drinks while connecting with old and new friends. It was very exciting to have two infants join us for the night although they did not add a whole lot to the conversation.
The Gathering began with a random video that was quite funny. I shared with the group for awhile some of what God has been leading me with in light of this group. There were three main elements…
1. We have the opportunity to be part of something bigger then ourselves (Acts 1:12-13). We looked at the disciples gathered with a message that would change the world in a room in this passage. As believers we can link ourselves back to them and their mission…our mission today.
2. We have the opportunity to join with others in mission (John 17). Our desire is to develop deep relationships and community with the goal to be a light for Christ. This happens outside the church walls and in our everyday lives at work, home, school, etc.
3. We need to be where Jesus is at (Rev. 3:20). Jesus said “Here I Am”. Are we living and serving where Jesus is at or running with our own plan?
We closed our night with worship lead by a great team.
After worship people spent time after word talking for a good hour.
Friday night was a GREAT starting point and foundation to some great things that the Lord will continue to do in and through the lives of the individuals who commit themselves to Him.
If this is your first time on the blog, welcome and we hope that this is a useful tool for 20’s and 30’s in the upcoming weeks, months, and so on…
If you are not a part of the 20’s and 30’s ministry this blog could keep you up to date about this group and ministry.
If you are new to blogs…Here is your tour: on the right side you will see the next upcoming event for 20’s and 30’s. Below it you can search recent posts or topics. In the center check out the most recent posts. It is that easy.
A few other things: if you have a blog, let me know and we can put a link up to your page. If you have questions on the blog, how to set one up, or some easy ways to get the info to you, just let us know.
Over time you will find different info here including:
*information about Gatherings and events
*articles/videos/letters to stir thought
*maybe a few pictures or video from our times together
*links to important conversations/topics/websites and more
*and I am sure there will be some very random and odd posts
Just announced…there will be childcare provided on Friday Sept. 30th during the Gathering. The nurseries next to the sanctuary will be open. As of today we have a few volunteers (adult and teen). Feel free to bring the kids if you do not have near-by relatives or someone for cheap child care!
It is not: a small group, a sunday school class, a service like sunday morning, youth group, men’s group, women’s group, or anything else that you can imagine.
What is it then?
To be 100% honest, we really do not know. It is really going to be organic and grow with the group over time.
What are some things I can hope to get out of coming?
1) Connection with other 20’s and 30’s, community 2)To be a place where you can ask all the questions you really care about but were afraid to ask 3) A time to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus and what he means to your life 4) Encouragement, following Jesus is messy. We all need to be encouraged. 5) Life change. No matter where you are at in life, Jesus has a greater life and mission for you. 6) Challenge to influncene the world you live in
What should I expect when I come?
A typical night may include some of the following…greeted when you arrive, grab a drink or snack at the coffee bar. Join a conversation and enjoy your drink. Once we get started you can join a table to discuss a topic or question for the night. Some people might share their thoughts with the group. We will all look into the Bible and talk about what God has to say. To wrap up our night we will sing together praise and worship, and pray together.
Where is it at?
At Family Bible Church at 14995 Old US 27 in Marshall, Michigan. Take exit 110 off of I-94. Go south, we are the first church on your right. Enter the south doors of the church.
What time?
The coffee bar opens at 6:30PM. The gathering is from 7-8PM. At 8PM the coffee bar will open again.
I have questions, who should I contact?
Contact Kris at 269-781-8400 or ktarkiewicz@familybiblechurchmarshall.org
Tim Keller gives a glimpse of a conversation toward some important values and issues when it comes to being a missional community and relating to the world by breaking or throwing away a bubble of Christianity and experiencing and being Jesus.
Posted by Kris 
Posted by Kris 
Posted by Kris 
