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What does "missio dei" mean anyway?

Before we talk about the missio dei, let’s first talk about lighthouses. Cape Elizabeth is home to a famous lighthouse called the Headlight. The Headlight is much like other working lighthouses in that it provides safe passage to sea fairing vessels by offering orientation and direction. Yet, to many, this purpose is forgotten based on the assumption that modern technology has replaced the central function of the lighthouse, which in some cases is true. This belief, I think, is reinforced by the atmosphere surrounding some lighthouses, which suggest that it is “retired.” The Headlight has this feel, although it is a working lighthouse. In fair weather, you can visit the Headlight to find the keepers quarters turned into a museum with artifacts and displays. You can also pick up gifts and other trinkets at a seasonal shop located on the Headlight premises, not to mention the recreational opportunities that the Headlight grounds provide. The point, if you have not gotten it yet, is that the central purpose of the Headlight has been clouded, and for some called into question, as culture has emerged around it, which for the Headlight is OK.

The church finds herself in a similar situation. It is very easy for the central purpose of the church to become clouded, diluted, and even lost, as culture and Christian sub-culture emerge around it. As a result, the church can become less of what Jesus intended and more a reflection of man’s selfishness and self-righteousness.

Enter the "missio dei"...

Missio Dei simply means “mission of God.” Missio Dei is what offers us as a church orientation and direction in an ever-changing culture by reminding us that God is going before us and preparing our way. It also reminds us that the central function of the church is no to be a social club where people “come and get”, but rather a community on mission who “go and give”, as embodied in Christ and the incarnation.

So, to keep things simple Missio Dei Church is not a place to get religion. Missio Dei is a place to experience the life and love of Christ as we love the world around us and the God above us.