lifeasmission

Choosing Mission Over Affinity

July 14, 2007

As someone who is constantly thinking about what what radical (or perhaps just faithful) missional life in the midst of suburban affluence looks like, I really appreciated this post from David Fitch.

Basically, he’s talking about what it looks like to missional communities to navigate a communal life without defaulting to consumer-oriented affinity. 

I have but one point to add.  I am not inclined to advocate (not that he is doing this) individual engagement with those it’s hard or unnatural relate to.  To be sure, this is what local expressions of the Church ought to be doing, but doing together.  There’s nothing wrong with cultivating relationships and growing in love with those to whom it’s easier or more natural to relate.  However, if those clusters of disciples aren’t moving out together and seeking to engage people unlike themselves – those it’s more difficult to love, then there’s probably something lacking in terms of their Christcenterdness. 

Affinity may indeed be one the hardest obstacles to overcome in suburban contexts, but if we are to embody the Kingdom of God for the sake of the world, it’s something we must grapple with together.

Posted in: community, consumerism, kingdom, missional, suburban