DownshoreDrift

I wonder if the people would go for it.

They seem to trust in highly structured government like the SBC. Except for us bloggers, anyway.

I really, REALLY like the networking ideas. That allows for so many different kinds of networks. It's not new though. It's how it used to be. At least, I think so. I thought that's what the SBC was supposed to be.

Great plan!

I wouldn't be down here in New Orleans if it weren't for Networking. Thanks to Joe K getting me into blogging and meeting Jason Sampler thru his. I'm interested in pursuing this with you!

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What's a segue ??
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There is definitely a place for what you refer to as "missional networks and relationships" but I don't think they will ever take the place of incarnational missionaries giving their lives for the cause of Christ. Maybe I haven't understood your points and I do look forward to reading your "Emerging Network Theory". I say this because for the past 20-years we have served as IMB M's overseas, I have seen many people come and go over the years. Many arrive all pumped up and ready to change the world, but after a few months reality begins to set in. Soon reasons are found to "move on" and those they have used as networks and relationships become history. To be honest, I am not sure what the answer is, but I do believe that until something better appears on the scene, there is definitely a need and a place for denominational missions. All I can say is you have to be here to understand the great blessing it is to have a strong organization backing you on the field--not only financially, but emotionally, spiritually, and truly "holding the ropes" for you as you guys do when you support us through your prayers and giving to the CP and LMCO. We too are exploring ways to expand the missional networks and concepts you allude to--this is vitally necessary for the future of missions, but right now they are not enough to truly make the needed impact upon a lost world--at least IMHO!

P.S. We continue to pray for Caelan and you all in the midst of this trial.

Guy,

I think the vision for missional networks would look SIMILAR to, but not totally like, multiple missionary teams working together. Think if three Peru teams got together and helped each other out at different times. This is sort of what we're talking about- viewing life as a mission field, and then bringing our missional people together for some projects or church plants.

Guy,

Thank you so much for your response. I DEFINITELY respect your opinion and will consider all you have said. What I am saying does not replace denominational missions - rather, it is more of a both/and strategy. I would love to see networks of churches/believers emerge to accomplish things for the Kingdom. A small example of this occurred after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Our church partnered with another church in our city to partner with a church on the MS Gulf Coast for the purpose of rebuilding it and hosting teams from all over the country to minister to the community. Groups of churches/believers could come together to plant churches, send mission teams, or focus on unreached or underreached people groups. These networks could pray, pool money and resources, and develop strategies for effectiveness alongside the IMB, NAMB, etc. Then, when problems arose with the IMB, it wouldn't shut us down. We just keep going because we can and try and change the system through example. Frankly, with the new IMB policies, if you find yourself on the wrong side of them, this is the only recourse you have. The IMB is now a closed door. So, what else are we to do, unless we just give all our called out folks to parachurch organizations and forget about missions all together.

As far as individual believers living a missional lifestyle, the same principle applies across domains (professions). Medical professionals could network together to influence the medical community and use their skills to impact the world (like I said, this is already happening - just more on a parachurch level instead of a local church/partnering level). The same applies with the military, education, the arts, etc. They can relate to one another and to others in their field around the world far better than a full-time pastor can when it comes to training, providing opportunities, and sharing Christ, etc., as they see their whole lives as a mission field.

Ideally, these stateside networks would only enhance and strengthen what the IMB and NAMB are doing by providing focused, determined networks of churches to work with established missionaries and strategy coordinators. This is what the IMB has been encouraging anyway through trying to get churches to focus on unreached people groups. My point just involves groups of churches focusing on a holistic approach to being missional together by helping engage their people with God's redemptive purpose in the world through their lives, professions, abilities, resources, etc. If the SBC would help us do that, great. So, both/and, not either/or. But, if we do not have the both/and, we stay isolated, get frustrated, and are always dependent on the denomination for everything. This is more of a local church based approach, I believe.

So, that was a real short response, eh? Thanks for praying for Caelan as well. God is doing some awesome things.

Joe and Alan,

Thanks for the clarifications that help me understand better what it is you are trying to communicate. Since commenting I also checked the "Emerging Network Theory" link above and found it quite interesting reading!

"Thus, we see that networks, through access, collaboration, and the development of critical mass have the capacity to create ideas and to speed the flow of resources and information exponentially faster than hierarchical organizations."

It is indeed a both/and thing along with the incarnational on-sight M's. On our own local level we have been trying to do this very thing (though not knowing what to call it!) We are very non-hierarchical and function much in the way you describe. Our biggest obstacles are more along the lines of communication (huge city and difficult to communicate with people who do not have phones/internet, etc.) Anyway, it is a fascinating concept. I still have a ways to go in fully understanding all that you are suggesting, but am quite open to learning more! Much of what we do on the field sounds like the kind of thing you are describing. Thanks for the good post that has got me thinking!

Thanks, Guy, for interacting. This is a good example of how information and understand can flow through conversations. Conversations lead to relationships. Relationships of like minded people can develop into missional networks, where resources, people, and prayer can flow back and forth. Conceivably, as folks like Joe, you, me, and others converse, positive things that have Kingdom impact can emerge. That is the challenge the SBC Blogger Community faces right now, lest we become a group that is only capable of pointing out problems. I pray that something tangible and positive come out of this. I think that a concept like "missional networks" could be something that goes ALONG with our denominational missions agencies that could make all of this worthwhile.

Alan, I came to your blog because of your excellent post on Wade's regarding his three options. Your words here are very good as well. Whenever we focus on any one denomination, one set of doctrine, or anything other than the King of Kings and His Kingdom, we are falling short of His glory. I agree with what you are saying here generally and believe that any opportunities for Christians to work together to further the Great Commission, regardless of their cultural differences, is tremendous for accomplishing the Great Commission. God is glorified when people who otherwise probably wouldn't work together do because they have at least one thing in common: a regenerated heart and spirit through the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I fear that the SBC today is doing more harm than good for the gospel of Christ in the United States. I am grateful that its missionaries are still having an impact outside of this country, but, internally, all the infighting is creating a disdain by those outside of the SBC for what has become known as the conservative resurgence inside the SBC. From my perspective the SBC has shifted from a message of love to a message of legalism, and it is impacting its ministry. Thank you for fighting the fight.

Thank you, Bryan, for visiting and your comments. I am very conservative theologically, but the methods of the powers that be and the denominational machinery turn me off as well. I just want to be about the work of the ministry. If we can do that within the denominational structure and there is a chance for change, that's great! No one wants that more than me. But, if those doors are closed and we have to find other ways to work together for Kingdom purposes, I am open to that as well. Thanks for stopping by.