Making a Missional Community

In a local church, thriving and transformative small group environments are intentional about experiencing Jesus together. Many small groups study the Bible and provide strength and encouragement for its members, providing room for the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds. This type of community is transformative where people are challenged to a life of change in Christ.

However, many small groups may have sincere desire to serve together but struggle to take action. In this informative video, Jeff Vanderstelt highlights the consequences of a community without a mission. These groups exist to meet each other’s needs rather than to fulfill our God-intended purpose of making disciples.

Instead of viewing mission as an add-on to Bible study and fellowship, we should make it the central focus. Having an outside-the-church focus on those who don’t know Jesus doesn’t come naturally for most Christians. It’s much more comfortable to gather with those who share our beliefs than to engage with people who are different from us. It’s exciting to consider becoming a group of people on mission rather than simply a mission-oriented group of individuals.

To move your small group into what Jeff Vanderstelt calls a “family of missionary servants sent to a particular place to make disciples who make disciples,” you need to change routines, expectations, and behaviors without dismantling the entire structure. Matt Smay, co-author of The Tangible Kingdom Primer, frames Missional community discipleship as integrating three activities: incarnational community, communion with God, and mission. 

• Serve others in your community.
• Build relationships with your neighbors.
• Create safe spaces for people to share their burdens.
• Be present with those around you.

• Worship with a local congregation.
• Study the Bible together.
• Pray and worship together.

• Practice gospel fluency in conversations with couples in crisis.
• Invite your neighbors to participate in community service projects.
• Gather with your community for meals or celebrations and invite others, especially those who don’t yet know Jesus.

Small group ministry has long been a hallmark of Western churches. By designing and deploying small groups with these three elements in mind, we can create a movement of families impacting families. Building genuine relationships that reflect God’s love to the world has the potential to transform communities for the glory of God.

As you learned about Missional Communities, what was your initial reaction? Did any of this resonate with you? Which aspects of a small group do you feel like you’re doing well? Which area could use a little more focus and attention?

As you think about the three aspects of a missional community, communion with God, incarnational community, and mission, how could you incorporate more of these discipleship elements into your current small group rhythms?