The relational missional event

Thinking a lot at the moment about our Lab event, Explosion, and what direction we should take it this year. Think that the format of the event should change, and hopefully the name too as we launch something fresh. Working with an established family church, Bethel, will a large student group so there's also an element of finding something that works for both of us. Trying to stay positive and flexible, and not be too stubborn with what I want (which is difficult as it seems to be a family trait on both sides of my family ;-).

Anyway, so it got me thinking about how an "evangelistic" or missional event fits in and works with my extremely relational approach to church. How can we create an event which invites people to join in community, to interact, to belong - rather than one which just "sells" the gospel?

This means we need to go right back and look at our whole approach and philosophy towards mission and evangelism...

• If we want to give out tickets into heaven - then we plan an event which is punchy and flashy. We plan a sales pitch.

• If we want people to come to a place of believing what we believe - then we plan out a concise way of presenting our beliefs. We present our proofs, our reasoning for those beliefs.

• If we want people to change their opinions of the church and Christianity, if we want them to think Christianity is cool - then we come up with an event with dumbs down the elements of church which are perceived as "uncool" and plays up the good stuff. We market our Christianity to a consumer generation - but we run the risk of producing consumer Christians.

On the other hand...

• If our longing is to build relationships, if the loving the person is more important than what they believe - then our events will be based around conversation and interaction. They will be opportunities for relationships to grow.

• If we long to enable people to belong, then we create events which are inclusive, rather than elite ("are you a Christian yet?") and where the conversation is in two directions. Why should we force people to listen to what we believe, if we have no interest in what they actually think and believe themselves?

• If our aim is to enable people in their own spiritual growth, rather than to educate them in our way of thinking - then the events we run will be build around helpful interaction and discussion. They will be about asking the right questions to provoke people to think - rather than presenting what we think are the right answers without allowing an opportunity for discussion.

Phew, that felt a little like a mind-dump - me trying to clear up my own thoughts a little, but hopefully it's useful.