The Three Marks of a Missionary Parish
How can we recognise what a missionary parish is?
Jesus has commissioned each of us to make disciples (Matt 28:19). In this video series, Three Marks of a Missionary Parish, we learn how our parish can become a place where Christ is encountered, disciples grow, and the Gospel reaches out to our neighbourhoods.
Each mark is explored, not as abstract ideals, but as realities to be cultivated prayerfully, patiently, and together. Every video includes reflection questions to help us reflect either individually or as a parish team. At the heart of these discussions is one important question: What might change if Christ’s mission truly shaped everything we do in our parish?
Whether as priests, parish leaders, ministry team members, or parishioners, this series helps us deepen our understanding of a missionary parish—why it exists, what it produces, and how it lives out the mission commissioned by Christ Himself in practical, everyday ways.
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An Introduction to the Three Marks of a Missionary Parish
This video series is hosted by Keith Neubronner, ONE’s formation manager.
The pilgrim Church is missionary by her very nature, since it is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin, in accordance with the decree of God the Father.
Mark 1: A Culture of Encounter
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Communal Prayer Exercises
This handout was first issued during the Missionary Parish Symposium 2025.
Mark 1: A Culture of Encounter
A missionary parish is one where everyone feels known, valued, and is growing in Christ through genuine connection. Through this mark, let us embrace a way of life in which relationships are prioritised – with God, with one another, and with the wider community.
A Culture of Encounter - The What & Why
This video names what a culture of encounter truly is—not as a programme or strategy, but as a way of life rooted in relationships with God, with one another, and with the wider community – as well as why it matters.
A Culture of Encounter - The How
Learn practical ways to foster a culture of encounter that is cultivated in everyday parish life—through intentional relational postures of the heart.
Mark 2: A Pathway for Missionary Discipleship
A Missionary Parish intentionally forms disciples who live out their faith daily. This means there is a clear, intentional pathway that moves people from initial curiosity about Jesus to full, active discipleship.
A Pathway for Missionary Discipleship - The What & Why
The discipleship pathway is not about control or offering a checklist. Instead it provides clarity and assurance on taking the steps we need to journey with others in their faith journey. The whys of discipleship outlines reasons for parishes to craft intentional pathways that help people grow in faith.
A Pathway for Missionary Discipleship - Designing It
Drawing on Scripture, and parish experiences, we offer four key movements with clear explanations and practical suggestions to implement the discipleship pathway in the parish.
Mark 3: Evangelising Presence in the Neighbourhood
A Missionary Parish goes beyond its walls, extending itself as a living presence of Christ in the neighbourhood. It constantly explores how the love of Christ can be brought to those who may never step inside the church.
Evangelising Presence in the Neighbourhood-See & Serve
How can we truly see our neighbourhood through the lens of a missionary parishes? Begin by cultivating awareness and discernment of the needs, struggles, and opportunities for connection around us. With this, we move to respond with concrete acts of Christian love, sharing Christ’s presence with our neighbours in tangible, life‑giving ways.
Evangelising Presence in the Neighbourhood – Send
A missionary parish does more than gather within. It sends its people out as Christ’s witnesses through presence, relationships, and love. By discerning opportunities and taking practical steps, we go forth to share Christ’s love tangibly, bringing the Gospel to all in the neighbourhood.