Beyond the Fringe: Starting a Missional Community

Missional community is the gathering of a small group of people with an intention to connect with a neighbourhood or network that is disconnected from Church. It is proving to be a rich model for connecting with unchurched people and for forming genuinely contextual expressions of church amongst them.

Starting in 2009 Poole Missional Communities (PMC) planted Reconnect a missional community seeking to reach unchurched people in central Poole. Beginning with 9 adults this community has grown to 50 - 60 adults and children of whom perhaps 40% are from unchurched backgrounds. PMC is now bringing others in the area together who are planting fresh expressions of church and working with local parishes and leaders in mission to foster missional communities in a variety of contexts.

Drawing on the experience of Poole Missional Communities and others in the Region from a variety of contexts, this morning workshop offers an introduction to the ethos and practical expression of missional community.

Paul is Pioneer Minister of Poole Missional Communities and Regional Pioneer Hub Facilitator for the South Central Region.