Explaining our Purpose and Goals (December 2025)

The Missional Church Network (MCN) was conceived as a response to the troubling ease with which many Evangelicals were drawn into the power struggles of American politics. While we acknowledge that certain aspects of political engagement may align with authentic Christian values, we have been concerned that many other values have been overshadowed by a fascination with political power.

Our perspective is that Faith and Belief must embrace rationality and critical thinking. Christianity celebrates wisdom and discernment; without these, believers risk being “blown about by every wind of doctrine” (and ideology). As fish are ill informed of the water they swim in, Christians can easily exist in a “sea of beliefs” without clarity about the very nature of their conceptual environment. Where, then, can we turn to better understand the essence of Faith and Belief, whether religious or secular?

This question is especially relevant as Evangelicals aim to present Christian Faith with integrity to a watching world.  Confusion on such promotes retreat into comfortable isolation and complacency—far removed from Christ’s call to Go Out, Be Salt and Light, and Engage the World with Good News.

Our focus on “laity” is to raise expectations that every believer is called to be a Missional Member of the Body of Christ. Living a life of faith amid the chaos of modern society is a serious challenge. How are we preparing ourselves for influence within this missional call? How can we be better equipped to engage successfully in ways that reflect the distinguishing character of Christian faithfulness?  While answers may be elusive, the questions deserve to guide and motivate.

The emphasis on “borderlands” lies at the heart of the Missional Movement. It seeks to clarify the distinction between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. In defining ourselves as children of God, we aim to distinguish between our love for Transcendent Truth (God and righteousness) and the pursuit of human desires and related pleasures (sin and idolatry). Our goal is to project the richness of Service to Others over preoccupations with self.

The Missional  emphasis Includes:

— A Gospel-centered commitment to Scripture and its careful interpretation

— Preparation in discipleship—Christ-likeness in understanding, values, and lifestyle

— Awareness and understanding of culture among those we seek to serve

— Engagement through respect, service, humility, and faithfulness

The Missional Movement differs from historic foreign missions in its orientation toward Western culture and its need for re-evangelization. Contemporary life is shaped by both Christendom and the Enlightenment, creating unique barriers to re-emergence of Christian faith. Rationality does matter. We must also address the history of past abuses with humility and be on guard for distortions caused by pseudo-Christian beliefs and practices that undermine integrity of our biblical faith.

Missional Christianity is therefore a theme requiring deep reflection, careful understanding, and effective leadership. By emphasizing this outward-focus of our Christian life and faith, we recognize the need for personal preparation, strategic refocusing, and skill development to effectively bring the Gospel into an increasingly pagan culture. This mission is not for the faint of heart.

We function as a network, welcoming participation and our collective study and insights. There is potential here for distributed leadership, diverse viewpoints, and collaborative strategies. We seek to learn from one another and from the insights of the global Christian community—with sensitivity, always, to guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s connect.  We welcome your participation.

 

This page by: Ron Richmond
First published:  2025/12/28
Latest revision:  2026/01/10