Briefing the Briefing

Right Here, Right Now creatively portrays an engaging shared writing style. Alan writes a “Briefing” chapter at the start, and bookends the work with a “Debriefing” chapter at the end. In between, Lance unpacks a three-fold outline containing the following components: “Putting Our Hearts Into It (Missional Paradigm),” “Wrapping Our Heads Around It (Missional Analysis),” and “Doing Something About it (Missional Action).” Lance’s contributions are, oftentimes, poignant, personal, and practical, and in the midst of his reflections, Alan chimes in with theology, philosophy, critique, and/or cultural analysis that make for a thoughtful and productive dialogue. In other words, for a non-fiction book, the writing style successfully draws the reader into the “story,” and allows for different perspectives and people to share time during the conversation.

Alan’s initial “Briefing” chapter glides the reader through four movements. To me, his two-fold thesis is as follows: 1) “I believe with all my heart that the future of Christianity in the West is somehow bound up with the idea of becoming a people movement again. Somehow and in some way, we need to loosen up and learn how to reactivate the massive potentials that lie rather dormant within Jesus’ people if we are going to make a difference to our world;” (p. 31) and therefore, 2) “We suggest that there are a number of movements needed on our behalf if we are indeed going to partake of the movement that Jesus started. We have to be willing to move out (into missional engagement), move in (burrowing down into the culture), move alongside (engaging in genuine friendships and relational networks, and move from (challenging the dehumanizing and sinful aspects of our culture).” (p. 35)

First, Hirsch unpacks the need for the people movement of Jesus to “move out (into missional engagement).” As a result, at the bottom of page 35, he challenges, “…it might not be far, but the obligation is on us to go to them, not them to us.” It seems simple enough, but I remain stunned at my own stubborn ability to slothfully wait for people to come to me (or come to us). And you know what? In response to that posture, very few come and even fewer stick around. I don’t have a color-coded Microsoft Excel spreadsheet; however, I feel confident in saying that most of the churches I am connected to or have history with are in decline. Those that are not in decline are thankful for already-Christian move-ins that are looking for their flavor of church. That’s a harsh reflection and I hesitate to type it, but our failure to admit it would be more terrifying.

In August 2010, Bret Wells and I shared a podcast conversation (Missional Monks Podcast) with Alan. During our chat, he challenged us to a re-reading of the “Great Commission.” According to Alan, we have misinterpreted Matthew 28:16-20 labeling it as an evangelistic text instead of a discipling text. There are several implications that result from such a misreading; however, the one most obvious to me right here, right now is the lack of urgency about going to my neighbors.

We are well connected in our neighborhood, and share many good surface relationships. However, because of our existing relationships in the neighborhood, we also have a good idea as to the struggles and burdens our neighbors are carrying, and what are we doing about any of that? The couple on the corner just moved in…doesn’t know anyone…and is adjusting to life with a new school, neighborhood, and town. The couple across the street continues to struggle in their relationship with each other. The other couple on the corner just had a baby, and the late nights aren’t ceasing any time soon. The couple around the corner battles consistent health problems and rebellious children. Let alone the folks in our hood that we don’t know!

We’ve got to prayerfully go to them. In spite of any and every taboo in neighborhood suburban culture, Jesus said, “Go;” and therefore, we go empowered by the Holy Spirit and trusting in Christ to take care of the rest. On page 37 after a four-suggestion outline entitled: “Learning the art of the small,” Hirsch insightfully asserts, “For most of us, what will be required to engage in missional Christianity is to simply reach out beyond our fears and ignorance of others, to overcome our middle-class penchant for safety, to take a risk and get involved in what God is already doing in our cities and neighborhoods. It’s not a science really, although as we will see, there are sometimes tricky cultural elements to deal with. It is all about love. Just read 1 John again to remind yourself of this.”

I’m one step ahead of you, Alan! Before reading Right Here, Right Now, I had recently cracked open 1 John. Consequently, while reading Right Here, Right Now, this passage from 1 John rang in my head, “…but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, ‘I abide in him,’ ought to walk just as he (Jesus) walked.” Christ, have mercy. Help us to walk (into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and third places) just as you walked.

This “Briefing” chapter is almost 30 pages, and there are numerous good and needed treasures to be discovered within it. We’re nearing 11:30pm CST, and I’ll be up for work at 6:30am. As a result, I’ll blog again soon on the “move in (burrowing down into the culture). For now...

*What are your reactions to Alan's two-fold thesis? What implications do you anticipate or are you seeing in your context when acting upon this thesis?

*Share a story of a "move out into missional engagement," so that we might praise God for his work in and through you or your group of friends. (Click here for a great one.)

*Wrestle with Matthew 28.16-20 and 1 John. What else is the Lord saying to us through these texts that contributes to this conversation?

*How can I pray for you and your "move out into missional engagement" among neighbors or social groups in your context?

Peace.