In last week’s article, I introduced the topic, ‘Active Faith.’ Through the past fifteen calendar years, I have taught you to consider a four-expression model of Integrated Faith and explained how this model becomes expressed as Missional Church. This is a review.
I have offered four expressions of faith: Undeveloped Faith; Horizontal Faith; Vertical Faith; and Integrated Faith. This approach emerged through research in congregations across the United States. Here is an introduction to the four expressions:
UNDEVELOPED FAITH: In the lives of some people, faith is dormant and undeveloped.
HORIZONTAL FAITH: Expresses service of others without any overt relationship with God..
VERTICAL FAITH: Expresses a personal relationship with God without service to others.
INTEGRATED ACTIVE FAITH: Expresses an integration of a personal walk with God as service of others.
Researchers identified the shape of Integrated Active Faith through interviews with thousands of adults from six mainline Christian denominations, theological scholars and reviews of literature in psychology and religion. The following eight characteristics are evident in people of Integrated Active Faith.
- Trusts in God’s saving grace and believes firmly in the humanity and divinity of Jesus;
- Experiences a sense of personal well-being, security, and peace;
- Integrates faith and life, seeing work, family, social relationships, and political choices as part of one’s religious life;
- Seeks spiritual growth through study, reflection, prayer, and discussion with others;
- Seeks to be part of a community of believers in which people give witness to their faith and support and nourish one another;
- Holds life-affirming values, including commitment to racial and gender equality, affirmation of cultural and religious diversity, and a personal sense of responsibility for the welfare of others;
- Advocates social and inter-religious understanding and global change to bring about greater social justice; and
- Serves humanity, consistently and compassionately, through acts of love and justice.
A community of disciples can foster Integrated Active Faith by offering an effective Christian education ministry for all ages through classes on Sundays, Bible studies, adult forums, family events, music and drama ministries, leadership development, and new member orientation classes. Additional initiatives you can take in your future include:
- Encourage discussion of significant questions, challenge thinking and expect learning;
- Enlist members to volunteer to help people in need;
- Provide meaningful worship and nurture people in prayer and other spiritual practices;
- Express congregational warmth, hospitality, and friendliness; and
- Assure congregational care for all people in the life of the church.
As you develop disciples in Integrated Active Faith, an increasing number of members will be involved in the mission of God. You will continue the ministry of God revealed in Jesus. You will show the city and world how to be the light of the world. Being a missional church is the result of nurturing Integrated Active Faith. And this, beloved, is why you are called Church.
