011: Exploring the Missional Incarnational Impulse with Rowland Smith
In this episode of the 100Movements Podcast, Brian Johnson and Lindsey Harwood sit down with Rowland Smith, National Director of Forge America, to explore one of the most misunderstood—and essential—elements of movement DNA: the missional–incarnational impulse.
Rowland unpacks why mission is not primarily about geography but about being sent people, why discipleship without mission becomes incomplete, and how the Western church has unintentionally trained followers of Jesus to live inside a “12×12 cage.” Through the powerful Mohini the Tiger metaphor, he challenges leaders to reimagine discipleship, mission, and the future of the church.
In this episode:
What the missional–incarnational impulse actually means (and why the name matters)
Why mission must be central to discipleship—not a side program
The danger of separating “overseas mission” from everyday mission
The Mohini Trap: how the church trained people to stay constrained
Why rewilding faith is essential for the next generation
Why movements require mindset shifts, not new models
How Forge America helps churches rediscover mission and cultural engagement
Practical examples of rewilding mission inside institutional churches
Why the future of Christianity may flourish beyond attractional systems
Key Idea:
“We didn’t cage the church on purpose—but if we don’t rewild it, we’ll never see movement.”
Next Steps:
Explore Forge America at forgeamerica.com
Learn about the Missional Culture Project for churches ready to reorient around mission
Take the mDNA Strengths Assessment
Share this episode with a leader who’s sensing the need for change