Defining Missional Communities

Since we've decided to officially partner with Renew Communities in the launching of our Missional Community here in Cleveland Heights, I thought it'd be a good idea to share the definition of an MC as stated on their website.  If it sounds a lot like the kind of thing I've been talking about, that's because it IS the same thing.

Missional Communities:
A Missional Community consists of a committed core of believers who live out the mission of God together in a specific area or to a particular people group by demonstrating the gospel in tangible forms and declaring the gospel to others— both those who believe it and those who are being exposed to it.
To clarify, a Missional Community is NOT primarily a small group, Bible study, support group, social activist group, or weekly meeting.
Our hope is that every person who is committed to the Renew family and mission will be fully involved in a missional community and eventually the missional communities in a region will multiply and together form a new expression of Renew Communities.

 Defining Characteristics of a Missional Community

• Is a group of between 10-25 people
• Is unashamed about following Christ, in values and in vision
• While you don’t have to be a Christ Follower to belong to an MC, MC’s center on Jesus, helping people become and then grow as disciples
• Has a defining focus on reaching a particular neighborhood or a particular people group
• Takes place in community and often revolves around shared times of food and fun
• Has a healthy balance of UP, IN, and OUT
• Conducts worship, prayer, and Scripture reading as core practices
• Looks outwards through a mixture of service and verbal witness.
• Has a common mission focus that is the key glue for the shared sense of togetherness
• Gathers informally throughout the week, not just at formal meetings
• Has leaders who receive ongoing help, coaching and accountability
• Has leaders who do not do everything – they facilitate and release others to serve and lead.