Mark stated it clearly and directly from the get-go: All of it is attractional. Missional is attractional. How we love, serve and lead is attractional. Here are some highlights from what followed:
- Jesus lived on the earth as a winsome, charismatic leader who's teaching attracted people.
- The way he loved was attractive. The way he forgave was attractive. The way he accepted was attractive.
- The challenge for all of us to be like Christ. And in doing so, to be attractive.
- God doesn't wait 'til our character is pristine before he calls us. He doesn't wait 'til we're "attractive" to call us. The scriptures are filled with stories of people who were at the low end of the character scale. We talk of the biblical characters as "heroes" of the faith. They really weren't so much heroes. God was the Hero.
- At the same time, people often add a "little Jesus" to their live and expect their life will somehow be attractive.
- Rather, the closer we get to Jesus, the more intimate our relationship with him, the more we live like him... the more attractive we become to others.
- Multiplying "attractive" Christ-followers, who will live out their missional impulse as their character in Christ grows is the AND of discipleship.
- Thousands with developing character will do more to reach our world than relying on a few power house leaders.
- 2 Peter 1.5-12... the picture of character/spiritual/personal growth will help us bring attraction and mission together to reach our world with the love of Christ.
- God remains the Hero of this story.
As I've tried to listen and take notes, I'm aware that Mark's delivery and content is impossible to capture here. Not because Mark isn't a brilliant communicator, but because I stopped too often to laugh, think and connect to Mark's message.
Now Mark didn't say any of this, but I'll add that Mark illustrates his point with his life.
Mark's teaching is attractional. Not because he's ever tried to fit inside some model of ministry. Mark's communication is attractional because...
- Mark's character is attractive. He has integrity. He teaches what he lives.
- Mark owns the personal growth curve and next step that is his as he continues to journy with Christ. That's attractive.
- Mark is transparent and vulnerable. That's attractive.
- Mark engages the story of God in scripture, acknowledging the humor, the stupidity, and the wonder in the real human lives that show up there. That's also attractive.
- Mark is a leader with a God-sized dream, a compelling vision. Attractive.
Mark is real. I work with him. Process with him. Share life with him. We're friends. I see Jesus in him. That's attractive to me.
