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On Sunday evening, Little Flowers Community gathered for our weekly potluck and time together. I had been wanting to show everyone the short animated film “The Man Who Planted Trees” since I had it recommended to me by my friend, Bill Kinnon. As he promised, it was a simple, yet profound missional parable. Many in our group were moved deeply by the film. Rather than try to explaint the premise, I would encourage you to try and get a copy.
From this viewing, our group began to ask the question about what our unique missional identity was as a community. It is an excellent question, one that we will be exploring more intentionally in the months and years to come. However, they asked me to give them some input on the first steps in that direction. I paused to think about it and felt two focuses come to mind. They are not, of course, exhaustive, but give a good start for us (and others) when considering missional identity.
The first point I shared was my deep conviction that ministry is born out of intimacy- intimacy with God and with each other as His Body. Social engagement and friendliness do not equal intimacy. The need for genuine community is a critical foundation for missional engagement. Of course, they happen together (as I would hate to suggest that we cannot be missional until we have “arrived” at true community), but pursuing genuine relationship with God and each other is an essential first step.
It is here where we often fall, seeking to demonstrate the external manifestations of community without the costly internal changes required it to truly be born. It is easier to behave well together than to work through the inevitable paind and chaos of trust, accountability, affirmation and love. This topic could be the focus of several posts (or books), but I will sum up by saying that we must face the costly and difficult work of true community if we hope to fully discover our missional identity.
The second point was the encouragement towards personal discipline. This one can be tough, especially with those who have become disillusioned by an individualistic expression of faith where “doing devotions” was the endless mantra. However, as we seek to embrace the shared, communal identity of Christ’s Body, this does not give license to ignore or diminish the importance of individual choice, free will and responsibility.
Our consumeristic approach to discipleship has given rise to the common expectation that we will receive our spiritual formation entirely from “service providers”. Instead, we must recognize that we have to work very hard at developing our relationship with God and others, understanding of God and others and service to God and others. Personal discipline does not lessen as we enter true community. In fact, it should drive us to deeper levels of commitment.
This is where we are working now as Little Flowers. Pray for us as we seek God in these and other ways.
