Phase 3: Mission
As the body of L2 comes into increasing conformity to a biblical worldview, and begins to better understand their own lives within the context that God has sovereignly placed them, the third step in our vision and purpose is to ensure each member engages obediently in personal mission. This will be an opportunity for people to explore the application of their spiritual gifts and their new understanding within the context of their life. Our service will focus on two primary areas: internal mission, and external mission.
It should go without saying that the primary purpose of Phase 3 is to create a strong sense of mission-mindedness, where the redemptive truths of Jesus are integrated in to one’s whole life, starting inwardly, and moving outwardly.
Internal Mission
This is the aspect of the missional mind where one discovers a broader and more informed biblical worldview, which in turn brings an expanded understanding of self. Our role will be to help our congregation consider how their spiritual gifts, their station in life, their personal struggles are integral to the primary relationships in their life. The genesis of mission in each individual begins with their own life, as it is. In this sense, mission has already commenced with Phase 1 and Phase 2, though they may not realize it. As one applies their new understanding of self and worldview, their obedience in personal holiness begins the groundwork for future mission out into the world.
External Mission
As people witness changes in their life and grow into increasing conformity to the revelation of God through his word and begin walking in righteousness, these changes will be not only evidence of the internal work of the Spirit, but will be the basis upon which we will help people to go on mission to the world.
Acts 1:8 depicts the progress of Mission (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth) and likewise we will use this model as a lens by which we will teach people about their own Jerusalem, Judea, and so forth. By the completion of Phase 2, people will have a better understanding of their spiritual gifts (whether they have employed them or not) and will be working toward integrating their innate passions/interests into their external mission.
This is where we as a church will do our most valuable work in Phase 3. We will serve to coordinate each person's natural ability, passions, and giftedness, along with their personal walk with Jesus, into simple mission objectives within the context of their lives. It’s key we help them to see the simplicity of their influence with those closest in relationship to them.
The church is here for you, not you for the church (Eph 4:10,11). It is not the church's job to give you a new life, but to equip you to live the life that God already gave you.
Being "on mission" is the best way to realize true religion (Joh 3:21; Eph 2:10). Until one goes on mission, faith is obscure, ambiguous, and based on hope in their hope. Until a person goes on mission, they likely won't discover the power and authority of the gospel.
