Ecclesiology: A Missional Formation
A great deal of discussion on the blogosphere these days has been about ecclesiology. This is such a crucial topic, as I believe that the emerging missional movement is define more by its ecclesiology than by its theology. Recently, my friend Len sent out a question to several people about the interplay or relationship between ecclesiology and missiology (the first reply is posted on his blog here). While I am not confident about the hasty answer I sent his way, it has had me thinking a great deal.
As many people talk about the ecclesiology of the emerging missional church they make the common mistake of over simplifying it down to "how we do church". While there are elements of that in ecclesiology, it robs it of its deeper meaning and purpose. I began to wonder if the Church is the medium for the Message- that is, as Christ embodied the Truth and we are His Body, then our very embodiment as the Church is defined by the nature of Christ (Christology) and His ultimate purpose (missiology). In that respect, the medium is the Message, at least on one level.
When I consider ecclesiology in respect to missiology and Christology I begin to see how intrinsically these three elements are tied together. I am not sure if we can say that one precedes the others without robbing them of their complex interconnections, though it can be helpful in understanding how we are shaped together. Therefore, as I seek to understand what it means to be the Church, I look first to God, first as Trinity, then specifically to Christ and His Lordship. Out of this it seems to me that the Missio Dei is vitally central to God's nature, shaping my own missional emphasis, both as an individual and as a member of the Body. It is out of this that my ecclesiology is formed.
Do you think it is right to see the Church as the medium for the Message? How does your ecclesiology find formation? Be sure to head over to Len's site and interact there too.
P.S. Check out the new addition to my sidebar- a fully editted "Exploring The Community Coming To Be Known As Missional" in PDF format. Check it out.
When must know who Christ is First, then what mission He is on and that determines what our church in its context looks like.
They are stepping stones.
I believe the church is where it is becuase it has determined what it wanted to be and tried to makes its mission fit that. (Comment this)
As I posted above, I would tend to agree with you. Even the story of God lays itself out for us this way to a degree. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Thanks! I agree. While I affirm the need to be shaped by Christ, I am seeing more and more that we must start with God as Trinity before we can move through to Christ. Just a thought.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Well said. Thanks.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)