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After some time to think

I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about the conversation I joined yesterday in regards to the new Missional Network coming from NAMB. As I think about it I get increasingly more excited, and more cautious, at the same time.

First of all, I’m excited because the thought of helping like minded, missional people connect is positive, and necessary. There is no doubt that those who think this way are a minority in most local SBC associations, and so this kind of networking can be a very positive experience. It’s also exciting because of its potential to take uninformed, yet interested, people and help introduce and educate them regarding missional thinking. It will provide a positive environment to research and decide what one thinks about the concept.

Secondly, though, it is something that gives me pause for a variety of reasons. It bothers me, primarily though, because one of the significant factors in the spread of missional thinking, to this point, has been its organic nature. I really fear the beaurocracy that we often overdevelop in SBC life. We are the world’s best at finding something that looks right, and looks effective, and then smothering it with adminstration.

Now, having said that, I sincerely trust Ed Stetzer greatly, and I have heard fantastic things about John Avant. The fact that these men are spearheading this effort gives me reason to trust this thing much more. So, as an overall rule, I’m positive concerning the move. I’m looking forward to watching it unite, and I hope (and pray) that it doesn’t develop into a typical SBC behemoth that struggles with inneficiency.