Treasure In Clay Jar Summary

The book, Treasure in Clay Jars (Barrett, 2004) was excellent. The ideas presented were straightforward. The concept of the missional church and the eight patterns are a resource pastors or ministry leaders can use to analyze their church or ministry. Moreover, the following is a summary of my thoughts and my discussion groups views of the missional church.

Our group concluded the lesson learned from the book was a lesson on “hope.” The book exposed eight churches that encountered challenges at different times in their ministry. However, hope in God helped the churches overcome the hurdles, and they all experienced some degree of congregational growth. Moreover, this lesson of faith led our group to a conversation about personal struggles.

The group decided the eight patterns were essential to the church and church leaders should consider reviewing their church practice of the missional model. However, within our group, there was one individual who expressed skepticism about the eight patterns of the missional church and church in general. This individual shared her experience working with the homeless and LGBT community and the lack of church involvement within these groups. Additionally, my response to my peer’s perspective was of concern and a topic I will explore further with my pastor because my church is guilty of not reaching out to the homeless and LGBT

I was astonished to identify that my local church practices pattern two, four, five, and six of the missional church concept. Model two is observed as the congregation gathers on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings for Bible study. Currently, the church is studying “el character del Cristiano” the character of the Christian. Moreover, pattern four which entails how Christian’s behave towards one another is also visible in my church. Model four drew me to my congregation, as a visitor I was able to observe how the church members treated each other and their visitors with care, love, and hospitality. Additionally, the church on various occasions has come together to help with funeral expenses, housekeeping for individuals recovering from surgery, and financial help when work is