Granted. But the question is one of focus and intentionality.

That said, loved the poster.

Grace and Peace,
Raffi

So were the crusaders. So was Hitler. So are extremist Islamic fundamentalists. So are extremist "Christian" fundamentalists.

The question is; Is God on the mission with you? And, what form does God's mission take because that makes all the difference in God's world.

Agree with Sam's points. I am reminded of helpful statement read somewhere (via "Deep Church" blog): the issue is not that the church of God has a mission in the world, but rather that the God of mission has a church in the world.

As long as we keep it in that order, we are in less danger of starting a new "Crusades."

The Mission is to spread the Word that Jesus came to forive sinners.

And that the "religious project" is over.

He has finished it.

Didn't He say it! ("It is finished.")

Here's the mission :

"Go into all the world and make disciples, baptising and teaching about Him." (paraphrased)

Rick and Sam make good points. However, the poster is a reminder to those churches and congregations that have forgotten that it is GOD's mission we're on, not our own.

Or, Robert, the poster is from older stodgy churches that post those types of "motivational" posters in their offices and it is actually them arguing the attractional model is just as "missional."

But here's a interesting point... I don't think ANY of the "older stodgy churches" would deny that they are on a mission from God. In fact, at least in my home denomination, that exemplifies life in the church.

I think there is a tendency among "newer hipper churches" to look down with disdain at "older stodgy churches" and criticize what they are doing wrong. Out of humility, I've recognized that I would not have the grounding in faith or the motiviation to participate in God's mission if it were not for the teaching, training, and motiviation given to me by an "older stodgy church". To quote Sir Isaac Newton "If I have seen further it is by standing on ye shoulders of Giants."

What does "Missional" mean? It it just a buzzword for any church's or person's mission, or does this word intend more than that?
As Alan Hirsch recently wrote in Leadership, "There are consequences when the meanings of words become confused... This is why I am concerned about the confusion surrounding the meaning of the word missional... A missional theology is not content with mission being a church-based work. Rather, it applies to the whole life of every believer. Every disciple is to be an agent of the kingdom of God, and every disciple is to carry the mission of God into every sphere of life. We are all missionaries sent into a non-Christian culture... Missional represents a significant shift in the way we think about the church. As the people of a missionary God, we ought to engage the world the same way he does—by going out rather than just reaching out. To obstruct this movement is to block God's purposes in and through his people. When the church is in mission, it is the true church.

I loved this image! we all need reminded frequently that we're ALL on a mission with God, and for God.

Mission is not meant to be done in primarily in the Church (although it might include events in the Church). It was meant to be done BY the Church IN PARTNERSHIP with God (with Him at the helm) IN ALL THE WORLD.

Wherever we are, whatever we're doing, may it be for the glory of God in line with the mission of God.