Just like any other popular buzzphrase, it really has no meaning when left to itself. I think the true power of phrases like, "intentional community", and "servant leadership", and "seeker sensitivity" all require a common understanding of the context and the explicit definition within that context.
Take for example, "Christian".
There are so many ideas, feelings, and impressions that the word excites in the imagination of people. Some find it a repulsive, ugly word that reeks of condemnation and spite. Others find it an inspirational and soothing reminder of the undeserved grace that God has bestowed upon them.
The only reason I bring this up is because when I googled that phrase just a second ago, I got 1.2 million results. Some certainly have a definition for what they mean, and I'm not trying to contradict that, I'm just trying to describe the thoughts that I associate with the phrase.
This is what I wrote down at Church today:
We're not going to Church, we are the Church.
We're not doing the ministry, we're living the ministry.
We don't talk the gospel at people, we experience and share in the transformative power of the gospel together.
We do as we say, and we say as we do.
Incarnational ministry is an extension of the individual's life, and as such, require transparency, humility, vulnerability, teachability, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The extension of a life apart from Christ is not incarnational ministry, it's just incarnational self.
And being myself incarnate is too easy.
Sorry for the long, nonsensical intro, and thanks for reading.
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