Strategies of the Missional Transformation of an Attractional Church
by Todd Michero
June 1st, 2013
The purpose of this dissertation is to answer the question, 鈥淗ow does an attractional church become missional?鈥� In it the missional church is presented as an alternative to the attractional-based model that is prevalent in contemporary American churches. I recount the story of how I led my church鈥檚 missional transformation and provide strategic steps for the transformational leader who is seeking to lead missional transformation in their church. The steps that are identified and discussed include:
1. present to the congregation the biblical and historical precedence in support of the missional model
2. eliminate the currently accepted 鈥渃ulture of experts鈥� that creates a false dichotomy between discipleship and mission
3. recognize evangelism as an ongoing process rather than an event that yields immediate results
4. redefine success to reflect missional values
5. model incarnational ministry to leadership and congregation
6. view community problems as opportunities for points of contact to build collaborative partnerships with those outside the church
7. work to change negative perceptions about those outside of the church by changing the terminology used by those in the church to describe their spiritual condition
8. distinguish between mercy and justice and practice both in the community
9. emphasize Jesus鈥� teaching about the mission and message of the Kingdom
10. teach a biblical worldview of sacred and secular
Each of these strategies is supported through literature, my church鈥檚 application of the strategies to facilitate its missional transformation, and research that demonstrates the resulting spiritual growth of the congregation and increase in church vitality. I conclude
with considerations and recommendations for pastors and church leaders who are contemplating or engaged in missional transformation.