Missional Church Model

What Is a Missional Church?

A missional church is a community of believers who intentionally live out the mission of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. Rather than focusing solely on internal church activities or programs, a missional church sees itself as being sent into the world to demonstrate God’s love and share the message of the Gospel through words and actions. The term “missional” reflects a commitment to participate in God’s mission - to make disciples and bring transformation to all areas of society. This understanding is deeply rooted in our teachings and practices, which encourages churches to move beyond the traditional “attractional” model (where the focus is on bringing people into a church building) and instead equips believers to engage with their communities wherever they are.

Core Characteristics of a Missional Church

• Identity as Sent People: Members see themselves as sent by God into their workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, and communities to be a tangible expression of Christ’s love.
• Community Engagement: The church actively seeks to understand the needs and culture of its local context, building genuine relationships and serving others in practical ways.
• Discipleship as a Way of Life: Discipleship is not limited to formal classes but happens as people walk through life together, encouraging one another to grow in faith and obedience.
• Holistic Ministry: The church addresses both spiritual and practical needs, believing that the Gospel transforms all aspects of life—spiritual, social, economic, and emotional.
• Multiplication: Missional churches intentionally develop leaders and reproduce new communities of faith, ensuring that the mission continues to expand and reach new people.

How a Missional Church Works

A missional church operates by equipping its members to live out their faith in every sphere of life. Leadership focuses on empowering and sending people, rather than simply gathering them.

Missional churches often meet in homes, cafés, or public spaces, forming smaller groups that serve specific neighbourhoods or oureach. These groups prioritize building authentic relationships, serving together, and sharing the Gospel through both word and deed. The church as a whole measures success not just by attendance numbers, but by the impact its members are making in their communities and how effectively they are making disciples who make disciples.

Summary

A missional church is focused on sending its people out, rather than only bringing people in. It is a movement of everyday believers living out their faith, serving their communities, and sharing the hope of Christ in practical, relational ways—just as emphasized by cotrglobal.org. This approach transforms both the church and the world around it as people live as agents of God’s mission wherever they go.