Darrell Guder, editor of the book, Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America, is backed by a solid team of collaborators. Lois Barrett, Inagrace Dietterich, George Hunsberger, Alan Roxburgh and Craig Van Gelder team up under Guder's coordination to discuss the implications of an missional ecclesiology.
As I understand it, the missional ecclesiology comes primarily from the influence of Lesslie Newbigin. This project seeks to write a systematic missional ecclesiology for North America, including the States and Canada (however they focus primarily upon the USA).
Unlike typically edited works, this book is not a collection of essays, with differing voices attempting to expound on one person's agenda. Each member of this team takes responsibility for the chapter, but each is written as if they come from the same voice. Work is done in a collaborative manner, making the integrity of this work truly unified.
This is important as the concept of unity reigns through, streamlining the entire book. Particularly unity of reconciliation. The divisive nature of the "Christendom" model church requires the need for a missional ecclesiology.
It appears as though this book is a defining blue-print for the Emergent Church. Nearly every chapter in this book describes the direction that the Emergent Church is moving. It truly is a mission minded, outward church, engaging with culture, not by assimilation, but rather by active, open set-apart-ness.
Another portrait that this book seems to describe is that of New Monasticism. The outward, distinct features of a missional ecclesiology described in this book certainly advance the integrity and fervor of New Monastics.
Certain propositions seemed nearly unachievable, not settling for less, however it is this strong push that provides momentum for the sluggish church as it is. I disagreed with the books distaste for institutions as they stand now and would have preferred it to coax churches rather than drag them into their agenda. I also disagree with their post-modern portrayal, however, I recognize that my views are limited primarily to observation, no doubt this team holds the academic backing to justify their claims. Nonetheless I had a difficult time relating to their post-modern picture.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I will borrow heavily from it when working on a systematic theology through the lens of reconciliation. I appreciate the radical, active nature of the engaging church. I certainly end reading the book desiring to adjust some of my own views of ecclesiology and implement them in my own church.
I would recommend this book to any with a decent theological background. It may not be embraced by the average church reader, however, I believe that the implications of this book can be translated into action at the immediate level, grasping supporters who would otherwise not read the text. Missional ecclesiology goes way beyond the writing, but the proof is indeed in the pudding. Pastors, church leaders and laity that read this book will be forced to try their hand again and again, seeking reconciliation, unity and an outward, evangelical, missional ministry.
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