Daniel Im

Pastor + Author

life

Mid-Size Communities Part 3: FAQ

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The following is not an exhaustive FAQ list, nor does it contain all information regarding mid-size communities (MSC). It is merely a brief snapshot of MSCs. The upcoming posts will reveal more information regarding MSCs. What are Mid-Size Communities?

  • Mid-Size Communities are a new way to think about community. They are a group of 20-50 people who journey together to celebrate, to grow, and to be a blessing to those they live, work, and play with.
  • A community that is formed around a common affinity, geography, or societal need – and this gathering point becomes the mission focus of the group.
  • A community, not just a scheduled meeting. So typically, every other week, there is a large group gathering, but smaller groups for study and get togethers happen in the off weeks.
    • For example, I lead a Young Families MSC and we have formed around a common affinity – young families. This affinity then becomes our mission focus – so my MSC of young families exists to reach out to other young families in our city. So everything we do, from our every other week gathering to the things we do in the off weeks, all relate to young families and reaching other young families.
  • A group of people on mission with one another – they are the church.
  • A place where you belong before you believe.
  • A sign, instrument, and foretaste of the Kingdom of God.
  • Not a large small group nor a small weekend gathering.
  • Small enough to care, but large enough to dare.
  • Big enough that you won’t be the centre of attention when you’re new, but small enough that you’ll find someone you connect with.
  • An open, inclusive, and safe environment where friendships are formed and we can discover who we could potentially grow a “deeper” relationship with.

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Book Review: Creating a Missional Culture – JR Woodward

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JR Woodward is an American church planter, organizational leader, entrepreneur, author, academic, and leader. His foremost interests are in missional theology, missional leadership, theology and film, spiritual formation, and organizational dynamics (see his website for a full biography).

The main argument (thesis) in Creating a Missional Culture is that the unseen culture of a church is what most powerfully shapes its ability to grow, mature, and live missionally, more so than its vision, strategy, and plans (Location 211). Woodward supports this thesis through four sections that each address a different aspect of that powerful unseen culture.

In the first section, he talks about the force of culture in life, society, and in churches. He then addresses how leaders need to be aware of just how powerful culture is in shaping their leadership style and the life of a church. He concludes this section by introducing the concept of polycentric leadership: leaders as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor, or teachers.

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Mid-Size Communities Part 2: An Infographic

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One of the best ways to describe a concept is through an infographic! So this infographic gives a good summary of what a mid-size community is.

Definition: Mid-Size Communities are a new way to think about community. They are a group of 20-50 people who journey together to celebrate, to grow, and to be a blessing to those they live, work, and play with.

In part 3, we will continue our exploration of mid-size communities by diving down and looking at some frequently asked questions regarding mid-size communities.

Here’s the infographic:

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Mid-Size Communities Part 1: An Introduction

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Over the next while, I’ll be revealing the research and work that I’ve done on mid-size communities. It’s been a two year journey and this weekend we are introducing the concept publicly at our services (www.beulah.ca).

Check out this in-house produced movie that will introduce some of the history around us engaging in this conversation.

This movie is part 1 of this series and the introduction to mid-size communities.

Check out part 2 for an infographic explaining mid-size communities.

Book Review: Exiles: Living Missionally – Michael Frost

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Michael Frost is the vice principal of Morling College, the founding director of the Tinsley Institute, the co-founder of the Forge Mission Training Network, and an author of several books, including The Shaping of Things to Come. He is a leading voice in the missional church movement and an internationally recognized Australian missiologist.

The thesis of Exiles is that following Christ in today’s world requires a critique of and departure from the culture of Christendom and the greater empire. In order to do that, Frost exhorts his readers to embrace their identity as exiles living on foreign soil – “as a pesky, fringe dwelling alternative to the dominant forces of our times” (10). This is a book that will empower all Christians to embrace a Christ-centered faith that is lived out through a missional lifestyle in the everyday rhythms of life. [Read more…] about Book Review: Exiles: Living Missionally – Michael Frost