Moving Beyond Models: How to Cultivate a Missional Mindset

In a culture where church often gets reduced to Sunday gatherings and programs, Jacob Hoyer of Forge America challenges us to think differently—to embrace a missional mindset.

Jacob, a fifth-generation pastor and Resource Director for Forge America, joined me on the Nexus Church Planting Podcast to unpack The Five Core Principles that have shaped Forge’s work across the country. These principles aren’t new strategies or systems. They’re paradigm shifts. They help pastors and everyday believers reimagine what it means to be sent by God, together, into their local context.

The Five Core Principles

1. Mission Is a Mindset, Not a Model

Jacob put it simply: “Mission isn’t a program we add—it’s a posture we live.”

Too often, church leaders hunt for the next model that promises growth. But mission can’t be franchised. It’s not about copying what worked in another city or movement. A missional mindset means starting where you are—listening to the Spirit, learning your neighborhood, and loving people well.

It’s less about what you build and more about how you behave.

2. Mission Means Go

This principle cuts to the heart of what Jesus meant when He said, “Go and make disciples.”

We don’t wait for people to come to us; we go to them. We take the church to people instead of trying to bring people to church.

That shift might sound small, but it changes everything—from how we preach to how we spend our time. When pastors start living as missionaries in their own towns, evangelism moves from an event to a lifestyle.

3. Mission Happens Together

“Living sent” isn’t a solo project. Jacob reminded us that mission happens with people. Jesus didn’t send His disciples out alone—He sent them two by two.

Every missional community needs both whom they’re sent to and whom they’re sent with. A missional mindset requires learning how to collaborate, trust, and journey with others as you engage your city.

This kind of shared mission builds deeper community and a sustainable movement.

4. Kingdom Is in the Overlap

As Jacob described it, “The kingdom emerges where your relationships overlap.”

Missional culture starts in specific spaces—a neighborhood, a workplace, a coffee shop—but its real power is in the overlap. When relationships and networks intersect, the gospel spreads naturally, without a program to manage it.

Church planters who cultivate overlapping circles of influence see discipleship multiply in unexpected ways.

5. Growth Starts with Action

For many leaders, the temptation is to plan endlessly before stepping out. Jacob flips that script: “Spiritual formation in the way of Jesus comes with a bias toward action.”

If we want people to grow, we have to help them move—try, fail, reflect, and try again. A missional mindset values experimentation over perfection. The goal isn’t to get it all right but to take the next faithful step.

6. Mission Is a Journey

Developing a missional lifestyle isn’t a one-time project. It’s a lifelong journey. And like any journey, it’s best walked with a guide who’s been there before.

Forge America exists to help practitioners walk the way together—to move from ideas to practice, from isolation to community, and from maintenance to mission.

If you’re ready to lead your church or small group beyond programs and into purpose, this is where it begins: embracing a missional mindset that shapes everything you do.

The Importance of Community in Mission

Community plays a crucial role in fostering a missional mindset. When individuals come together, they can share their experiences and insights. This collective wisdom enhances understanding and encourages growth.

Being part of a community allows for accountability. Members can support one another, ensuring that everyone stays focused on their mission. This support system is vital for overcoming challenges and celebrating successes.

Practical Steps to Cultivate a Missional Mindset

1. Engage with Your Neighborhood: Start by getting to know the people around you. Attend local events, visit parks, and frequent local businesses. Building relationships is key.

   
   

2. Listen Actively: Pay attention to the needs and concerns of your community. Listening is an essential part of understanding how to serve effectively.

   
   

3. Collaborate with Others: Partner with local organizations, churches, and community groups. Collaboration can amplify your efforts and create a larger impact.

   
   

4. Be Open to Change: Embrace the idea that your approach may need to evolve. A missional mindset requires flexibility and adaptability.

   
   

5. Share Your Journey: Document your experiences and share them with others. This not only encourages you but also inspires those around you.

   
   

Learn More

If your church or team dreams of unlocking a missional mindset, we can help!

And if you haven’t yet, listen to my full conversation with Jacob Hoyer on the Nexus Church Planting Podcast—a practical look at what it means to live sent in your own community.