A Missional Paradigm

Leonard Sweet is talking to me about the church. I am intrigued. He notes that we are no longer in a Reformation paradigm which has been concerned with making every disciple a minister. We are now in a Missional paradigm where the concern is making every disciple a missionary as well as a minister. We are now concerned with "going" into the world with a focus on a life to be lived rather than a set of beliefs to be embraced or defended.
I like this. I am tired of trying to understand and explain all the right set of beliefs. Correct theology. Orthodoxy. Conformity. All of these are making me tired. I want "life." Something to touch. Someone to touch. I hope that I am learning to embrace Jesus and all those with whom he identified. The least, the imprisoned, the hungry, the needy. This is much less organized and structured. Not safe. I do have this need for order. Ask anyone who has watched me set up chairs in our gathering place at the building some call our church. I can be downright anal about everything being lined up perfectly. But relationships are not nearly as tidy. They are messy things.
We are starting down a road less clear and structured. Our superhighways are no longer leading us anywhere. So we are rediscovering back roads, trails, and paths. We can't just speed to our destination taking clear highways designed to get us there in the least amount of time with the least amount of distraction or confusion. Large, well-travelled, multi-lane strips of pavement and concrete with their untold thousands hurrying and scurrying have become boring and dull, even debilitating. We want off this road much travelled. We want to see the trees again, smell fresh air, enjoy a quiet time along the trail without smog, smoke, and the pollution of nameless, faceless, masses.
I want to see people, have time for people, know people, and love people. Can we do this? I think so.
God help me to keep off the superhighways. Kill my need for speed and quick passage to faraway places. Help me to slow down enough to see what You already see right here. Help me to see the least, the poor, the hurting, the imprisoned, the blind, the wretched and the needy. I want to see transformation for me and for all who long for Your presence and grace in their lives. Help us with this messy business.... please.