A missional community is a group of people learning to follow Jesus together in a way that renews our city. Our prayer is that we would see 1 missional community for every 1,000 people. We’re thankful you’re engaging this process to explore and learn about leading a missional community.
A Missional community leader is a disciple who takes initiative for the benefit of others by co-leading a community of disciples into growing in love for Jesus, one-another, and their neighbors. They are servant-leaders who labor alongside elders for the care of the church.
We’ll have in-person interaction around all of the concepts with discussion and exercises. For that time to be most fruitful, you will need to complete the pre-work you’ll find laid out on this page and includes:
Prayer following a guided Lectio Divina: Spirit, Lead.
Four-Part Video Training
You will also need to commit to processing and assessing next steps following the in-person training component.
To make the most of this pre-work, we encourage you to set aside 30 minutes each day for five days to do the guided prayer/reading and the video content.
Intro
In this session, we’re going to get our bearings on why, how, and what we’re going to be learning.
Video
In this video, Brad shares the vision of missional communities and this training. He also outlines the importance and practicality of the daily prayer guide, Spirit, Lead.
Process Question:
Spend some time today thinking about this question: How could you be transformed? How do I hope I can better serve and love others through this training?
Pray
As you begin this journey, take 10-15 minutes and follow this guided Lectio Divina, through a reflection on listening to the Spirit: Day 1: Spirit, Lead.
Motiv-
ation
In this session, we focus is on the attitudes and motivations that drive us toward leadership and obedience. We also define the gospel and see how Jesus is the only lasting motivator to a life of service and care for others.
PRAY
Start by using this guided Lectio Divina, pause, reflect, ask, and yield your life to the Spirit’s work using a few passages of Scripture from Romans. Day 2: Spirit Lead
Video
In this video, Brad Watson defines the gospel and how the truth about who God is, what he’s done, and who we are motivates our leadership.
Process Question
Spend some time today thinking about this question: What motivates me toward obedience and faithfulness to Jesus?
Further Learning
Maybe something in this session really sparked your curiosity. Here are a few resources you can engage to learn even more.
Sermon by Trip and Brad: The Gospel
Sermon by Trip: Story of God
Re-
newal
In this session, we focus on the multiple dimensions and facets of the gospel and God is making all things new, even us!
Pray
Start your time through prayer and processing using this guided Lectio Divina: Day 3: Spirit, Lead
Video
In this video, Brad Watson walks through the three facets of gospel renewal. 1, the gospel changes what we believe. 2, the gospel changes who we are. 3, the gospel changes where we live.
Process Question
Spend some time today thinking about this question: Which aspect of the gospel do I struggle with? Which aspect do I gravitate towards? What part of my life do I long to see the gospel penetrate?
Further Learning
Maybe something in this session really sparked your curiosity. Here are a few resources you can engage to learn even more.
Sermon by Brad: Jesus Changes Everything
Gospel Fluency Training by Jeff Vanderstelt: Part 1 | Part 2
Prior-
ities
In this session, we’ll talk through the the definition of and priorities of a missional community. What are we longing to see happen in these communities? What do want the people within our community to grow in? We turn to the commands that Jesus gives: love God, love neighbor, love one-another.
Pray
Start your time through prayer and processing using this guided Lectio Divina: Day 4: Spirit, Lead
Video
In this brief video, Brad defines missional communities as a group of people learning to follow Jesus together in such a way they see themselves and neighborhood made new. He also clarifies the three priorities of a missional community: Gospel Formation, Community, and Mission.
Process Question
Spend some time today thinking about this question: What are my dreams for a missional community?
Further Learning
Maybe something in this session really sparked your curiosity. Here are a few resources you can engage to learn even more.
Saturate Podcast: What Missional Communities Do
Saturate Podcast: BLESS Rhythms
Saturate Podcast: Leading a Community to Abide in Christ
Sermon by Trip and Brad: Following Jesus
Lead-
ership
In this session we’re going to process the role of leadership within a community and the unique part you might play.
Pray
Start your time through prayer and processing using this guided Lectio Divina: Day 5: Spirit, Lead.
Video
In this video, Brad will teach through the posture of an MCL, the perspectives of MCL, and the priorities of MCL.
Brad will reference a few documents and we ask you to download these, reference them and read them in preparation for our in-person training: MCL Role Description, Character Qualifications, Theological Clarity and Alignment.
Process Question
Spend some time today thinking about this question: What kind of leader am I? What practices of a leader do I need to grow in?
Further Learning
Maybe something in this session really sparked your curiosity. Here are a few resources you can engage to learn even more.
Book: In the Name of Jesus by Henry Nouwen
Podcast: How to Share Leadership
Podcast Series: How to Start a Missional Community
Congratulations! You’ve completed the pre-work! We’ll see you at the in-person training. If you have any questions you would like to process, contact Brad: Brad@somaculvercity.com