Theology of Missions Paper
Content
0
A Shorter Theology of Missions
Michael V. Paddy ICST 500 ± World Missions May 31, 2009
1
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 Relevant Old Testament and New Testament Texts Related to Missions .............................. 1 The Nature of God in Relation to Missions ............................................................................. 2 Personality of God........................................................................................................... 2 God is Love ......................................................................................................... 2 Holiness of God ................................................................................................... 3 Attributes of God............................................................................................................. 3 Omniscience ........................................................................................................ 3 Omnipresence ...................................................................................................... 4 Omnipotence ....................................................................................................... 4 Mission Theology¶s Relationship to Other Aspects of Theology ............................................. 5 Bibliology ....................................................................................................................... 5 Theology Proper .............................................................................................................. 5 Christology...................................................................................................................... 5 Pneumatology ................................................................................................................. 5 Anthropology .................................................................................................................. 5 Hamartiology .................................................................................................................. 6 Soteriology ...................................................................................................................... 6 Ecclesiology .................................................................................................................... 6 Angeology....................................................................................................................... 6 Eschatology..................................................................................................................... 7 Key Themes and Patterns of Mission Theology ....................................................................... 7 The Effect of a Mission Theology ............................................................................................ 8 The Missionary ............................................................................................................... 8 The Professional Church Leaders .................................................................................... 8 The Non-professional/Bi-vocational/Lay Christians and Congregants ............................. 9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 9 Bibliography ............................................................................................................................ 10 Introduction ii 2
From the beginning of creation itself, God has been setting forth the goal and outcome of His purpose for humanity. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; were creating a design that would propagate and manifest Himself toward a fellowship and reproduction towards God giving honor, glory and worship to Him that no other creation could. The Bible shows forth a theology of this propagation, which is defined as, missions. From the outset to the very end of the Biblical texts, the very nature of God Himself is seen as a Divinity bent on seeing an entire globe filled with this expression of evangelism, propagation, and missions. Basic Biblical theology which could be defined as humanities¶ attempt at defining God, His nature, and His relationship to man, 1 are building blocks on which this elementary belief is built. Mission theology¶s key themes and patterns are clearly defined when the serious student of missions explores these truths. Everyone who calls themselves Christian, missionary, church clergy or lay person; benefits from the knowledge of these truths as they try and define themselves within the context of their personal calling to God and fulfilling not just their purpose in life but the true purpose of all creation, missio Dei! Relevant Old Testament and New Testament Texts Related To Mission The whole concept of missions is related to the Latin term missio Dei, ³mission of God.´ Beginning with creation, God¶s mission was to create a world full of people who knew Him, fellowshipped with Him and trusted Him.2
Mark G. Cambron. Bible Doctrines, Beliefs That Matter. (Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1977), 13 A. Scott Moreau and others, Introducing World Missions, A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic), 17-18 3
2
1
³Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth«´3 starts the process where God made a declaration of His mission and was requiring humankind to fulfill. Another similar mandate is ³«be fruitful and multiply, teem on the earth and multiply in it.´4The eight saved from the flood are commanded as Adam and Eve to procreate and fill the world with people like themselves, people of faith. New Testament references abound with the same mission, idea and mandate. From the Great Commissions in the Gospels and Acts to the epistles where we are to live as the church, the body of Christ, as light, salt, living epistles declaring God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John 20:19-21, the resurrected Jesus declares the mission, as He had been sent so the disciples are being sent. Acts 1:6-8, they were to wait for the Holy Spirit and then in a geographically, multitasked effort propagate God¶s mission to the world! The explicit and implicit mandate is clear, missio Dei, is a worldwide in its scope and evangelistic in its strategy. In addition, its revelation to us through the Old and New Testament is relevant, mandatory for missionaries to see the full impact of their mission. The Nature of God in Relation To Missions Personality of God God is Love God is love.5 It is God¶s nature, who He is fundamentally. In the spiritual rebirth of humankind through missions¶ efforts, ³the ones born of God become partakers of the nature of
3
Gen. 1:28 (English Standard Version) Gen. 9:7 1 Jn.4:8 4
4
5
God.´6 Theability then to love with a godly love is possible making missionary efforts a visible motive to target groups reached with the gospel. Holiness of God Becoming more like Christ in holiness is a calling for all Christians.7 ³In being called to become more like Christ, Christians have the responsibility to teach others to obey all that Jesus taught.´8 Missions then becomes a new kind of ³make-over´, one where the old person, the target individuals, are reborn into a new creation9 into beings with the ability to pursue the nature of holiness through faithful obedience to God and His Word. Attributes of God Omniscience The all-knowing God has more knowledge than His creation. When asking about the lost heathen without the Gospel, the answer given to William Carey shows the audacity and foolishness of man when Carey was told, ³Young man, if God wants the heathen savages to be saved, He would do it without you.´10 The all-knowing God has the mental aptitude to design the most incredible strategy to propagate the world with His glory, which is far beyond the normal mentality of humankind. Reproducing the image of God, not just in an anthropological sense but also in a spiritual sense is Josef Tson. ³Suffering and Martyrdom,´ In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Library), 196.
7
6
1 Pet. 1:16 A. Scott Moreau and others, 165 2 Cor. 5:17
8
9
F. Deaville Walker, William Carey. Missionary Pioneer and Statesman (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), 54 5
10
a complex structure and design that only a God with an omniscient capacity can create. The missio Dei component needs that wisdom and knowledge to see success in this process especially with a humanity that has fallen from its original state to a position as a sinner in a sin cursed world. Omnipresence ³«Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!´11 I would like to think that the passage refers to more than knowledge of the Almighty, but a sense of His spiritual presence all times everywhere as well. The one who is missionary in the Americas, benefits from His spiritual presence always as does the missionary working in Asia, Europe, all places of the globe at all times. The text also is an inspiring message that tells everyone who can hear that God¶s presence in a spiritual sense is recreated in a presence wherever there are people called by His name, a goal of missions. Omnipotence The faithless disobedience of humankind witnessed God¶s awesome power in the flood12 and the confounding of language with the resulting destruction of the tower of Babel.13The former showed a people who dispersed themselves with no moral compass and goal of filling the earth with the knowledge of God. The latter demonstrates God¶s power at work in the lives of a peoplewho had no desire to fill and subdue the earth. The New Testament texts from the Gospels¶ mission mandate, the book of Acts dispersing the new church using persecution as a tool in the dispersion, to the admonition of the epistles in their global outreach and endeavors are filled with the awesome power of God in
11
Isa. 6:3 Gen. 6 ± 9 Gen. 11:1-9 6
12
13
fulfilling the Great Commission of Christ both in miracles done and provisions provided. God¶s omnipotence is at work in fulfilling His mission. A Mission Theology¶s Relationship to Other Aspects of Theology Bibliology Without the Biblical text, no understanding of the mandate would be available. Nor would there be a context in understanding what exactly is required of those who would perform missio Dei. Theology Proper ± Doctrine of God The foundation of a missionary¶s communication of the God wepropagate in ourlives and our message can only be done with clarity when we know God fully. The broad spectrum of whoGod is the basis of an appropriate theology proper. Christology Placing faith in the true Savior and Lord Jesus Christ must be understood in the capacity of our teaching and preaching as missionaries. How else can one come to know, understand, and trust the One who is the pivotal character in God¶s plan? Pneumatology Christ Himself declared the power that would come from the Holy Spirit, the Helper who would remind of the words and teachings spoken that are relevant to the process of evangelistic efforts that is carried by the missionary to the target people they wish to reach with the gospel. Anthropology Humankind¶s need for the gospel no matter whatrace, tribe, family group, or nation is covered in anthropology. Why would anyone put forth the efforts exerted for missions unless
7
one¶s belief system did not embrace an anthropology seen from the standpoint of humankind¶s relationship with God? Hamartiology The understanding of sin and its relationship to God and man is fundamentally the disease problem facing humankind. Sin is the disobedience factored problem that makes missions necessary in its propagation of eternal life to all who embrace the message of grace found in the gospel, Soteriology The great doctrine of salvation gives missions its message. Understanding the relationship between God and the salvation of His creation is fundamentally the challenge most missionaries will face. Years of cultural influence, denominational authority, and confusing verbiage in the exact message of the Gospel needs a theology that breaks down to the simplest form, the salvation of humankind. Ecclesiology The church, ecclesia, the called out ones, are the results of a missio Dei. The church is made up of individuals saved to propagate more individuals, peoples groups and communities. The church then becomes ³the agent in the world of God¶s plan for the reconciliation of all things.´14 Angeology Angeology and missiology are implicitly related through the ministration of each, angels and missionaries. Angels like missionaries are messengers and the message they bring is the Howard A. Snyder. ³The Church in God¶s Plan,´ In Perspectives on The World Christian Movement, A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena:William Carey Library), 158. 8
14
revelation of God.15 There are records of providence when angels appear in the Biblical text in Acts helping the first century missionary Peter when he was bound in prison. 16 Hebrews declares that angels are all around us and we can be unaware of their presence and influence.17 Eschatology One only needs to read the Book of Revelation to see that the operation of missions is at its zenith. It brings to a close the missionary efforts. The letters to the churches at the opening of the book urges them to be expedient in their spiritual lives and missions ministry. The picture of the damned, condemned forever to an eternity in hell without Christ gives missions theology a motivation for its final thrust forward around the globe. Key themes and patterns of mission theology Several missiologists have come up with different motifs, patterns that define the key themes of missions.18 Academically speaking these are defined theological points that help the missionary in the work of missions even necessary to the serious missiologists who wants to make sure they are successful in their missionary endeavors. These key themes include the aforementioned theologies. Lists vary from academic to academic but the main themes and motifs are found in a solid study of missiology and its connection to the individual theologies. More or less defined they encompass knowledge of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and their work in the propagation and spiritual growth of individuals and the church. They set the stage not just for the salvation of the target people, but ensure they get a full picture of their new
15
Heb. 1:7 Acts 12:6-11 Heb. 13:2
16
17
18
A. Scott Moreau and others, 79-89 9
life in Christ and their responsibility to Him and His Kingdom. The Effects of a Mission Theology The Missionary Missionary is not a particular leadership gift, or calling in the Biblethough, some would say it is apostolic in nature. There is no spiritual gift set or leadership gift designated ³missionary´. It is not seen in the framework of Israel or the church in Biblical history.The missionary is a contemporary designation for one who takes the Gospel message to a place other than his or her own church, home, or familiar place of residence. The task can be overwhelming without a clear plan or understanding of missiology in the context of what they believe God is calling them to do. A clear Mission theology helps give the missionary an outline of goals and expected outcomes from their endeavors. It will as previously stated, give the missionary a playbook to go back intricately linked to the other theologies. This helps them understand what missions are in their context and it helps them stay the course from any possible heresy that could arise within the target people they work. A good theological basis in missiology and the other theologies helps stay the opportunity of syncretism especially working with primitive groups that have a very high spiritual-world influence. The Professional Church Leaders No one can define the calling on anyone person¶s life completely. In the context of church leadership, understanding the theology behind missions and the correlating theologies help the church leaders identify within their care those who show potential calling, desire and spiritual maturity to take on the task of missions. By teaching the basic tenants of missiology,church leaders expose their congregants to the influence of missions on their own
10
lives. It puts into perspective the church¶s responsibility laid out in a clearly taught missiology, missio Dei, the mission of God. The Non-professional/Bi-vocational/Lay Christians and Congregants A set forth earlier, the bulk of teaching in the epistles, letters to churches and their leaders, there is a divine nature of God within the context of missiology. The duty of the congregants of any church no matter its geographical, ethnic, base should have a world focus on the message of God and how they in particular can serve. Conclusion I find myself a new enthusiast of the term missio Dei, mission of God. The theological basis for this mission is clearly set forth in this shorter mission theology paper. From the standpoint of the Bible and the theologies that are interpreted in its text, the relevant mandate for missiology and its inclusion in any logical discussion on missions is necessary! The very nature of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and their defining theologies give substance and credence to the ongoing missionary efforts around the globe!
11
Bibliography Snyder, Howard A. ³The Church in God¶s Plan,´ In Perspectives on The World Christian Movement, A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Library 2009) F. Deaville Walker, William Carey. Missionary Pioneer and Statesman (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980) Josef Tson. ³Suffering and Martyrdom,´ In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, a Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Library) Mark G. Cambron. Bible Doctrines, Beliefs That Matter. (Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1977) A. Scott Moreau and others, Introducing World Missions, a Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic)
12
A Shorter Theology of Missions
Michael V. Paddy ICST 500 ± World Missions May 31, 2009
1
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 Relevant Old Testament and New Testament Texts Related to Missions .............................. 1 The Nature of God in Relation to Missions ............................................................................. 2 Personality of God........................................................................................................... 2 God is Love ......................................................................................................... 2 Holiness of God ................................................................................................... 3 Attributes of God............................................................................................................. 3 Omniscience ........................................................................................................ 3 Omnipresence ...................................................................................................... 4 Omnipotence ....................................................................................................... 4 Mission Theology¶s Relationship to Other Aspects of Theology ............................................. 5 Bibliology ....................................................................................................................... 5 Theology Proper .............................................................................................................. 5 Christology...................................................................................................................... 5 Pneumatology ................................................................................................................. 5 Anthropology .................................................................................................................. 5 Hamartiology .................................................................................................................. 6 Soteriology ...................................................................................................................... 6 Ecclesiology .................................................................................................................... 6 Angeology....................................................................................................................... 6 Eschatology..................................................................................................................... 7 Key Themes and Patterns of Mission Theology ....................................................................... 7 The Effect of a Mission Theology ............................................................................................ 8 The Missionary ............................................................................................................... 8 The Professional Church Leaders .................................................................................... 8 The Non-professional/Bi-vocational/Lay Christians and Congregants ............................. 9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 9 Bibliography ............................................................................................................................ 10 Introduction ii 2
From the beginning of creation itself, God has been setting forth the goal and outcome of His purpose for humanity. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; were creating a design that would propagate and manifest Himself toward a fellowship and reproduction towards God giving honor, glory and worship to Him that no other creation could. The Bible shows forth a theology of this propagation, which is defined as, missions. From the outset to the very end of the Biblical texts, the very nature of God Himself is seen as a Divinity bent on seeing an entire globe filled with this expression of evangelism, propagation, and missions. Basic Biblical theology which could be defined as humanities¶ attempt at defining God, His nature, and His relationship to man, 1 are building blocks on which this elementary belief is built. Mission theology¶s key themes and patterns are clearly defined when the serious student of missions explores these truths. Everyone who calls themselves Christian, missionary, church clergy or lay person; benefits from the knowledge of these truths as they try and define themselves within the context of their personal calling to God and fulfilling not just their purpose in life but the true purpose of all creation, missio Dei! Relevant Old Testament and New Testament Texts Related To Mission The whole concept of missions is related to the Latin term missio Dei, ³mission of God.´ Beginning with creation, God¶s mission was to create a world full of people who knew Him, fellowshipped with Him and trusted Him.2
Mark G. Cambron. Bible Doctrines, Beliefs That Matter. (Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1977), 13 A. Scott Moreau and others, Introducing World Missions, A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic), 17-18 3
2
1
³Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth«´3 starts the process where God made a declaration of His mission and was requiring humankind to fulfill. Another similar mandate is ³«be fruitful and multiply, teem on the earth and multiply in it.´4The eight saved from the flood are commanded as Adam and Eve to procreate and fill the world with people like themselves, people of faith. New Testament references abound with the same mission, idea and mandate. From the Great Commissions in the Gospels and Acts to the epistles where we are to live as the church, the body of Christ, as light, salt, living epistles declaring God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John 20:19-21, the resurrected Jesus declares the mission, as He had been sent so the disciples are being sent. Acts 1:6-8, they were to wait for the Holy Spirit and then in a geographically, multitasked effort propagate God¶s mission to the world! The explicit and implicit mandate is clear, missio Dei, is a worldwide in its scope and evangelistic in its strategy. In addition, its revelation to us through the Old and New Testament is relevant, mandatory for missionaries to see the full impact of their mission. The Nature of God in Relation To Missions Personality of God God is Love God is love.5 It is God¶s nature, who He is fundamentally. In the spiritual rebirth of humankind through missions¶ efforts, ³the ones born of God become partakers of the nature of
3
Gen. 1:28 (English Standard Version) Gen. 9:7 1 Jn.4:8 4
4
5
God.´6 Theability then to love with a godly love is possible making missionary efforts a visible motive to target groups reached with the gospel. Holiness of God Becoming more like Christ in holiness is a calling for all Christians.7 ³In being called to become more like Christ, Christians have the responsibility to teach others to obey all that Jesus taught.´8 Missions then becomes a new kind of ³make-over´, one where the old person, the target individuals, are reborn into a new creation9 into beings with the ability to pursue the nature of holiness through faithful obedience to God and His Word. Attributes of God Omniscience The all-knowing God has more knowledge than His creation. When asking about the lost heathen without the Gospel, the answer given to William Carey shows the audacity and foolishness of man when Carey was told, ³Young man, if God wants the heathen savages to be saved, He would do it without you.´10 The all-knowing God has the mental aptitude to design the most incredible strategy to propagate the world with His glory, which is far beyond the normal mentality of humankind. Reproducing the image of God, not just in an anthropological sense but also in a spiritual sense is Josef Tson. ³Suffering and Martyrdom,´ In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Library), 196.
7
6
1 Pet. 1:16 A. Scott Moreau and others, 165 2 Cor. 5:17
8
9
F. Deaville Walker, William Carey. Missionary Pioneer and Statesman (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), 54 5
10
a complex structure and design that only a God with an omniscient capacity can create. The missio Dei component needs that wisdom and knowledge to see success in this process especially with a humanity that has fallen from its original state to a position as a sinner in a sin cursed world. Omnipresence ³«Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!´11 I would like to think that the passage refers to more than knowledge of the Almighty, but a sense of His spiritual presence all times everywhere as well. The one who is missionary in the Americas, benefits from His spiritual presence always as does the missionary working in Asia, Europe, all places of the globe at all times. The text also is an inspiring message that tells everyone who can hear that God¶s presence in a spiritual sense is recreated in a presence wherever there are people called by His name, a goal of missions. Omnipotence The faithless disobedience of humankind witnessed God¶s awesome power in the flood12 and the confounding of language with the resulting destruction of the tower of Babel.13The former showed a people who dispersed themselves with no moral compass and goal of filling the earth with the knowledge of God. The latter demonstrates God¶s power at work in the lives of a peoplewho had no desire to fill and subdue the earth. The New Testament texts from the Gospels¶ mission mandate, the book of Acts dispersing the new church using persecution as a tool in the dispersion, to the admonition of the epistles in their global outreach and endeavors are filled with the awesome power of God in
11
Isa. 6:3 Gen. 6 ± 9 Gen. 11:1-9 6
12
13
fulfilling the Great Commission of Christ both in miracles done and provisions provided. God¶s omnipotence is at work in fulfilling His mission. A Mission Theology¶s Relationship to Other Aspects of Theology Bibliology Without the Biblical text, no understanding of the mandate would be available. Nor would there be a context in understanding what exactly is required of those who would perform missio Dei. Theology Proper ± Doctrine of God The foundation of a missionary¶s communication of the God wepropagate in ourlives and our message can only be done with clarity when we know God fully. The broad spectrum of whoGod is the basis of an appropriate theology proper. Christology Placing faith in the true Savior and Lord Jesus Christ must be understood in the capacity of our teaching and preaching as missionaries. How else can one come to know, understand, and trust the One who is the pivotal character in God¶s plan? Pneumatology Christ Himself declared the power that would come from the Holy Spirit, the Helper who would remind of the words and teachings spoken that are relevant to the process of evangelistic efforts that is carried by the missionary to the target people they wish to reach with the gospel. Anthropology Humankind¶s need for the gospel no matter whatrace, tribe, family group, or nation is covered in anthropology. Why would anyone put forth the efforts exerted for missions unless
7
one¶s belief system did not embrace an anthropology seen from the standpoint of humankind¶s relationship with God? Hamartiology The understanding of sin and its relationship to God and man is fundamentally the disease problem facing humankind. Sin is the disobedience factored problem that makes missions necessary in its propagation of eternal life to all who embrace the message of grace found in the gospel, Soteriology The great doctrine of salvation gives missions its message. Understanding the relationship between God and the salvation of His creation is fundamentally the challenge most missionaries will face. Years of cultural influence, denominational authority, and confusing verbiage in the exact message of the Gospel needs a theology that breaks down to the simplest form, the salvation of humankind. Ecclesiology The church, ecclesia, the called out ones, are the results of a missio Dei. The church is made up of individuals saved to propagate more individuals, peoples groups and communities. The church then becomes ³the agent in the world of God¶s plan for the reconciliation of all things.´14 Angeology Angeology and missiology are implicitly related through the ministration of each, angels and missionaries. Angels like missionaries are messengers and the message they bring is the Howard A. Snyder. ³The Church in God¶s Plan,´ In Perspectives on The World Christian Movement, A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena:William Carey Library), 158. 8
14
revelation of God.15 There are records of providence when angels appear in the Biblical text in Acts helping the first century missionary Peter when he was bound in prison. 16 Hebrews declares that angels are all around us and we can be unaware of their presence and influence.17 Eschatology One only needs to read the Book of Revelation to see that the operation of missions is at its zenith. It brings to a close the missionary efforts. The letters to the churches at the opening of the book urges them to be expedient in their spiritual lives and missions ministry. The picture of the damned, condemned forever to an eternity in hell without Christ gives missions theology a motivation for its final thrust forward around the globe. Key themes and patterns of mission theology Several missiologists have come up with different motifs, patterns that define the key themes of missions.18 Academically speaking these are defined theological points that help the missionary in the work of missions even necessary to the serious missiologists who wants to make sure they are successful in their missionary endeavors. These key themes include the aforementioned theologies. Lists vary from academic to academic but the main themes and motifs are found in a solid study of missiology and its connection to the individual theologies. More or less defined they encompass knowledge of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and their work in the propagation and spiritual growth of individuals and the church. They set the stage not just for the salvation of the target people, but ensure they get a full picture of their new
15
Heb. 1:7 Acts 12:6-11 Heb. 13:2
16
17
18
A. Scott Moreau and others, 79-89 9
life in Christ and their responsibility to Him and His Kingdom. The Effects of a Mission Theology The Missionary Missionary is not a particular leadership gift, or calling in the Biblethough, some would say it is apostolic in nature. There is no spiritual gift set or leadership gift designated ³missionary´. It is not seen in the framework of Israel or the church in Biblical history.The missionary is a contemporary designation for one who takes the Gospel message to a place other than his or her own church, home, or familiar place of residence. The task can be overwhelming without a clear plan or understanding of missiology in the context of what they believe God is calling them to do. A clear Mission theology helps give the missionary an outline of goals and expected outcomes from their endeavors. It will as previously stated, give the missionary a playbook to go back intricately linked to the other theologies. This helps them understand what missions are in their context and it helps them stay the course from any possible heresy that could arise within the target people they work. A good theological basis in missiology and the other theologies helps stay the opportunity of syncretism especially working with primitive groups that have a very high spiritual-world influence. The Professional Church Leaders No one can define the calling on anyone person¶s life completely. In the context of church leadership, understanding the theology behind missions and the correlating theologies help the church leaders identify within their care those who show potential calling, desire and spiritual maturity to take on the task of missions. By teaching the basic tenants of missiology,church leaders expose their congregants to the influence of missions on their own
10
lives. It puts into perspective the church¶s responsibility laid out in a clearly taught missiology, missio Dei, the mission of God. The Non-professional/Bi-vocational/Lay Christians and Congregants A set forth earlier, the bulk of teaching in the epistles, letters to churches and their leaders, there is a divine nature of God within the context of missiology. The duty of the congregants of any church no matter its geographical, ethnic, base should have a world focus on the message of God and how they in particular can serve. Conclusion I find myself a new enthusiast of the term missio Dei, mission of God. The theological basis for this mission is clearly set forth in this shorter mission theology paper. From the standpoint of the Bible and the theologies that are interpreted in its text, the relevant mandate for missiology and its inclusion in any logical discussion on missions is necessary! The very nature of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and their defining theologies give substance and credence to the ongoing missionary efforts around the globe!
11
Bibliography Snyder, Howard A. ³The Church in God¶s Plan,´ In Perspectives on The World Christian Movement, A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Library 2009) F. Deaville Walker, William Carey. Missionary Pioneer and Statesman (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980) Josef Tson. ³Suffering and Martyrdom,´ In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, a Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Library) Mark G. Cambron. Bible Doctrines, Beliefs That Matter. (Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1977) A. Scott Moreau and others, Introducing World Missions, a Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic)
12
