In The Forgotten Ways, Alan Hirsch places Jesus at the center of his missional DNA (mDNA). You can't get anywhere without the grace and mercy of Jesus. You can't get anywhere without Jesus as your Lord.

In subsequent chapters, Hirsch unpacks each component of the mDNA: missional-incarnational impulse, disciple-making, communitas not community, organic systems, and apostolic environment. Each of these components are connected to the core teaching of Jesus is Lord. We'll get to these in the following weeks.

Hirsch makes clear his desire to simplify the message of Christianity, to distill it to the simple truth that Lutherans recognize as law and gospel: We are sinners in need of a Savior. We encounter the Savior in the person of Jesus Christ who died on our account and rose in His mighty power. Hirsch explains that in a mission field, there is not time enough to be spent on weighty theologies. As a student of the Word and theology, I felt a pinch in these words. I understand his meaning: we must ensure each person hears what is most important. Yet clarity in our simple message requires study and understanding.

Questions to ponder and to respond:

1. How do we balance a need for a Gospel message that "travels light" and the need to be clear in our teachings?

2.  On a personal level, how does the core teaching of Jesus is Lord change your daily life? How, then, do you see it changing your ministry and mission?