What does it mean to be “missional”? We talked to Bryan and Terry Harms in Brazil about their thoughts on what they do.
Bryan and Terry, when did you realize the distinction between missionary and missional?
Bryan: While Terry and I are indeed missionaries (living in various places since 1985), it has only been in the last couple of decades that we encountered the term “missional” and became very focused on “seeking to join God’s present activity” in our world.
What does it mean to be missional for you?
Bryan: Being “missional” requires special attention to people, a clear sense of identity in Christ, special listening skills, faith, and changing from a “confrontational” approach to an “invitational” approach in our witness. Each of those is something one learns or acquires.
What are the benefits of being missional?
Terry: Maintaining a missional perspective helps both the local church and followers of Christ to maintain their sense of purpose, vitality, and influence. Jesus once said, “If salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” What a sad scenario; yet how true for those who have become complacent with the “good news!”
Bryan: So true! And ”How shall its saltiness be restored?” I believe that despite the challenge, the Spirit is in the constant business of renewing and restoring His people. I also believe that a big part of our “missionary” call is to challenge and equip others to be “salty” and missional in their day-to-day activities. Training others in a “missional” lifestyle starts with living that way ourselves.
What are some examples of living missionally, practically speaking?
Terry: By doctor’s orders, I need to take my mom to get some sun in the park a couple of times a week. As this park is a natural place for newcomers to get their bearings—visitors, immigrants, people from surrounding areas, refugees—I find opportunities to connect with people. When people stop long enough to understand that you are there to listen to them, with a smile and attentive ear, it is not rare for them to also accept a word of encouragement and even a prayer.
Bryan: My previous time as a building manager in our apartment building gave me a lot of access to people, many of whom continue to look me up for help or assistance in issues around our apartment building, many of them relational. These are starting points for spiritual conversations.
What would you like to tell people about what it’s like for you on the field?
Bryan: We have been “missionaries” most of our lives, but I’m not sure we’ve always been “missional.” Sometimes “missionary” is defined as “someone sent to promote their faith and provide service, often in a foreign or underserved region.” “Missional,” on the other hand, is about having a day-to-day perspective and lifestyle that seeks to join God’s redemptive activity in one’s circle of relationships.
Communitas International is in the work of equipping missional leaders and partners in kingdom work. If you are interested in learning more about Communitas International, reach out to us.
