Missional Community as a Model for Integrated Discipleship in an American Context

Abstract

Missional Community as a Model for Integrated Discipleship in an American Context

Todd Randall Engstrom, D.Ed.Min

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014

Chair: Dr. Michael Wilder

This project will to argue that missional communities present a compelling integrated model of discipleship in American culture.

Chapter 1 will provide an understanding of the purpose and goals of the project as well as a brief survey of The Austin Stone Community Church. Chapter 2 will explore the predominant model of small groups in the American church and their potential limitations in light of gospel movements. Chapter 3 will examine the underlying worldview of American culture, particularly as it pertains to consumerism, materialism and individualism. Chapter 4 will explore the theological underpinnings of missional communities.

Chapter 5 will present a strategic approach to discipleship, develop a framework for a tri-perspectival approach to discipleship, and illustrate how missional communities can integrate the model over an extended period of time. Finally, Chapter 6 will practically apply the preceding work into a definition of missional communities and a communal framework for discipleship practices.