Missional Spirituality

Book Review.

Helland, Roger.  Hjalmarson, Leonard.  Missional Spirituality.  Embodying God’s love from the inside out.  IVP Books, 2011.

R.H.-district executive coach of the Baptist General Conference in Alberta.                    L.H.-lead pastor at Aylmer Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church, Aylmer, Ont.

Comment.  Henry.

Roger and Len have provided us with an excellent resource that is relevant to the culture of the day when it comes to really being salt and light in an environment that is hostile to the traditional, evangelical approach to evangelism.  They have been thorough in substantiating their presentation with valid ‘research’.  I see this resource as an effective ‘text’ for some valuable interaction in a study group.

Right off, we are introduced to a word that is key in understanding the environment in which missional spirituality is applied: “liminality- a threshold, an in-between place of ambiguity and uncertainty, disorientation and transition.” (14)   Both Roger and Len went through a period of personal ‘liminality’ that is reflected in their materials that they are presenting.  To be ill-prepared for the future is to invite some form of annihilation, e.g. Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated search for the Northwest Passage.  “Missional spirituality- feeds mission.” (27)  Living by the Book can make the Bible a fixed document rather than the living Word of God.  

“An excarnational, knowledge-based approach to spiritual formation” (40) is a major challenge for missional spirituality.  There is often a high level of consumerism and entitlement evident in church culture that is destructive. 

The Trinity, the incarnation, the priesthood of believers and “shema” spirituality are the theological foundation of spiritual missional spirituality. 

“Classic Pietism” (78) as observed in the Moravians and Christian and Missionary Alliance is presented as “missional spirituality in action.

Loving God with all our heart and soul will not happen without the practice of obedience and humility.  It is further ‘enhanced’ by the practice of “missio and prayer”. (112)  Worship is an expression of loving God.  It is public with private being an extension of the public.  “We can venture into a wonder-filled world of worship through the practice of enchantment.” (124)

“To love God with all your mind is a willed choice.  He must occupy your thoughts.” (141)  Theological reflection, an exercise of the mind, is a practice of loving God.  It helps us to make a spiritual connection with our culture, art, music, literature, etc.  “Theological imagination” (148) can be helpful in understanding spiritual (biblical) truth.  The practice of gratitude is a practical application of loving God with our entire mind.  We use our talents and our time in the practice of loving God with all our strength.

Loving our neighbor (part two of shema) calls for the practice of “presence” (181), “refuge” (183), and “hospitality” (185).  “Exegeting culture” (198) must be part of our approach to being an effective missionary.

Appendix 1 provides a practical help for “equipping for a missional spirituality in the church and academy”. (214)  Appendix describes a model church that is “missional spirituality in action”. (229)  The church is Gateway Community Church in Hinton, Alberta.

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