The Missional Mind

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

If I am being honest, I am not the biggest fan of acronyms. Coming out of the nonprofit homeless services space, much like many other industries, we were filled with so many different acronyms that it was hard to keep up. And, if you were not immersed in that environment then all I can say is … good luck. Again, this is not unique to one specific industry as I know countless others who operate within a common language and that common language oftentimes is shortened using acronyms. All that said, I am going to use an acronym when thinking about the missional mind. 😊

At the KBC (see there is an acronym right there), we just wrapped up another series of Equip courses. Equip, for those who do not know, are six different evenings in six different parts of Kentucky where church leaders and congregants can come together with the hope of growing in specific areas of ministry. Our KBC teams divide up, create specific topics within our area of ministry, and offer two different sessions for participants to consider. Our missions team, through collaboration with two men, Garret Wall and Todd Robertson, opted to focus on the topic of incorporating persons with disabilities into the life of the church, as well as a session we called, What about the 51? This session was focused on how we are to live missionally in our everyday lives as we reside in our respective communities week after week. This session got me thinking about this topic of the mind. The mind, I believe, is where our commitment to missions begins. There are conscious efforts that must be made internally if we desire to see fruits externally. In one of the sessions I facilitated, I quoted a book I read many years ago called, Red Letters. In it the author said, “You cannot think your way into new living, you must live your way into new thinking.” So, it is with this in mind, that I simply want to share a few considerations about the missional mind, through the utilization of the acronym, AIMS. Missions is purposeful, there is an end, there is a goal, there is a target, so I thought the acronym AIMS fit well as related to the missional mind.

This will not be an exhaustive list but I hope it encourages us to begin thinking and possibly maneuvering our minds toward a missional disposition in our everyday lives.

As such, I believe some characteristics of the missional mind are:

• Aware: The person with a missional mind operates with a keen sense of awareness. They go about their everyday life and movements aware of the people they intentionally or unintentionally come across. They watch, observe, and discern their surroundings and circumstances and lean into opportunities as they arise (Matthew 9:35-38).
• Intentional: Another characteristic that I believe is a mark of the missional mindset is that of intentionality. There is so much in our culture that is longing for our attention, we must be very careful to ensure we prioritize that which is most important as we carry out the missional call (Acts 17:16-34).
• Motivated: Thirdly, the individual with a missional mind is disciplined in such a way that they remain motivated to carry out the call to make disciples. Motivation can be tricky because it is so intertwined with our emotions but the person with a missional mind is compelled so much so that no matter the emotions of the day, the resolution to be a minister of reconciliation triumphs (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).
• Sincere: Finally, a person with a missional mind lives out their call with a sincere heart. Genuineness, honesty, and integrity are core to who we are as Christ followers. The one with a missional mind is willing to examine their own heart to ensure their missional pursuits are done with the utmost of sincerity, love, and care for a fellow image bearer in need of gospel transformation. The sincere one can break down many barriers and bring a great light into the darkness of the soul. They listen well, empathize, and are deeply moved to share the hope we have in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 1:5).    

Again, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list by any means, however, I hope we are encouraged to live our days as a people who are aware, intentional, motivated, and sincere, for the sake of making Christ known.

To God be the glory!