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Missional Imagination: Preparation for Kingdom Innovation
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July 7, 2026
Moon’s focus throughout this book really fits its title, “Missional Imagination.” And he did this by asking two missional thought-provoking questions. One is “What if…?” and the other is “Is it right that…?” These are good questions to ask when trying to figure out what we should be doing within the mission of God. The question “What if…?” encourages us to think about trying something. The question “Is it right that…?” helps us consider whether what we are doing is the right thing to do at this time and place.
Moon had an interesting take on missional imagination. He mentioned and used proverbs and idioms throughout his book. I will use one to describe his book, even though he did not use this one. ‘Think outside the box.’ This involves thinking about and being creative in doing something or solving issues that are out of the normal way of approaching it. But I also noticed Moon approaches the mission from inside the box at times. That is, at times, we have what we need within the box, resources and solutions, we just need to use them and do it.
Speaking of doing it. Reading Moon’s book, I noticed that when people went and did it, Moon included, they enjoyed the mission. They enjoyed imagining the what-ifs, going out and implementing their plans, learning from their mistakes, and seeing the ‘Is it right that…?’ gets corrected. Is it always easy? No. Moon discussed how the church and the community leaders clash at times. Even groups within the church come to disagreements at times.
But Moon showed, especially in chapter 12 ‘Gospel and Culture Issues,’ where the Builsa area of Ghana, West Africa, clashed with a community leader. In this situation, the church clashed with the community leader, and groups within the church clashed with each other. This chapter was a great example of how to handle issues inside and outside of the church. And in handling it the way they did, they did not go against Christian beliefs, and the church gained respect from the leaders and the community. And not only that, they were missional.
One of the things Moon talked about that would be hard for me to imagine is having a for-profit business inside a church. However, his examples were good to help me understand the concept. Even Moon helps explain the meaning and reason for Jesus overturning the tables. It was not because they did business at the Temple. It was because of their unfair business practices. But still, it is hard for me to say yes to a for-profit business in the church. If this is something that comes up or a need for financial stability for the local church, I will need to pray about it a lot and ask God for a vision of what this would look like and how it would help His mission.
Reading this book has gotten me to think about missional imagination. Thinking about how the local church I am a part of could be more missional within our community. I also know this has to be the local church’s mission, not mine. If it were mine, I would more than likely be doing all the work, therefore, causing no enjoyment. It has to be a group idea, so the group will get the satisfaction of being missional. I plan to tap into some of the leaders of my local church's missional imagination. Who knows, they may have some great ideas and have been praying about doing something, but are afraid to say it. I am getting excited while writing this reading engagement to have that conversation with them.
Moon and his book have also gotten me thinking of how to blend culture and Christianity. While I was at Panda Express, I saw a sign that stated, "Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come." At the bottom of the sign, it stated it was an ancient Chinese proverb. A church plant can use this proverb by making those happy in the community, then people from a greater distance will come and see about this church.
Read this book if you want to be encouraged to be missional and gain missional ideas, or, should I say, gain a missional imagination.
Moon had an interesting take on missional imagination. He mentioned and used proverbs and idioms throughout his book. I will use one to describe his book, even though he did not use this one. ‘Think outside the box.’ This involves thinking about and being creative in doing something or solving issues that are out of the normal way of approaching it. But I also noticed Moon approaches the mission from inside the box at times. That is, at times, we have what we need within the box, resources and solutions, we just need to use them and do it.
Speaking of doing it. Reading Moon’s book, I noticed that when people went and did it, Moon included, they enjoyed the mission. They enjoyed imagining the what-ifs, going out and implementing their plans, learning from their mistakes, and seeing the ‘Is it right that…?’ gets corrected. Is it always easy? No. Moon discussed how the church and the community leaders clash at times. Even groups within the church come to disagreements at times.
But Moon showed, especially in chapter 12 ‘Gospel and Culture Issues,’ where the Builsa area of Ghana, West Africa, clashed with a community leader. In this situation, the church clashed with the community leader, and groups within the church clashed with each other. This chapter was a great example of how to handle issues inside and outside of the church. And in handling it the way they did, they did not go against Christian beliefs, and the church gained respect from the leaders and the community. And not only that, they were missional.
One of the things Moon talked about that would be hard for me to imagine is having a for-profit business inside a church. However, his examples were good to help me understand the concept. Even Moon helps explain the meaning and reason for Jesus overturning the tables. It was not because they did business at the Temple. It was because of their unfair business practices. But still, it is hard for me to say yes to a for-profit business in the church. If this is something that comes up or a need for financial stability for the local church, I will need to pray about it a lot and ask God for a vision of what this would look like and how it would help His mission.
Reading this book has gotten me to think about missional imagination. Thinking about how the local church I am a part of could be more missional within our community. I also know this has to be the local church’s mission, not mine. If it were mine, I would more than likely be doing all the work, therefore, causing no enjoyment. It has to be a group idea, so the group will get the satisfaction of being missional. I plan to tap into some of the leaders of my local church's missional imagination. Who knows, they may have some great ideas and have been praying about doing something, but are afraid to say it. I am getting excited while writing this reading engagement to have that conversation with them.
Moon and his book have also gotten me thinking of how to blend culture and Christianity. While I was at Panda Express, I saw a sign that stated, "Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come." At the bottom of the sign, it stated it was an ancient Chinese proverb. A church plant can use this proverb by making those happy in the community, then people from a greater distance will come and see about this church.
Read this book if you want to be encouraged to be missional and gain missional ideas, or, should I say, gain a missional imagination.
Displaying 1 of 1 review