Mission Alive is deeply committed to an incarnational approach to starting new churches, or what we call Innovative Faith Communities (IFCs). This means we train church planters to embody and live out the presence of Christ within their communities, following the model of Jesus becoming human and dwelling among us. For Mission Alive, this is more than just starting new churches, it’s about birthing communities deeply interwoven within the fabric of their communities.
The “incarnational” aspect emphasizes a profound level of presence and identification. Inspired by the incarnation of Jesus (John 1:14), planters and church members embed themselves within their communities. This involves building authentic relationships through serving in the community, sharing meals, participating in local events, and understanding the rhythms of daily life that move beyond merely running programs. Mission Alive equips leaders to become integral parts of the local landscape, understanding the culture, social dynamics, and addressing both spiritual and tangible needs. The aim is to cultivate a unique expression of faith that organically grows from the community’s specific context. Ultimately, Mission Alive’s missional-incarnational approach seeks to create deeply rooted churches actively reaching out with tangible love and the message of Jesus, embodying the Gospel through genuine relationships and acts of service to foster flourishing within individuals and the wider community.