Abstract
The concept “integral mission” denotes the contribution of churches in helping people and communities with material resources. It remains unclear as to how this widely held theological concept is done practically. At a theological level, there has been a general silence on reflection regarding how organisations can practically do integral mission. Using an institutional theological understanding of compassionate ministry within the church of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), this article demonstrates the convergences and divergences that may arise in an organisation as it attempts to implement integral mission interventions. It is also an empirical case study of leadership and grassroots (implementation) level staff to show the differences that may exist and weaken integral mission efforts. At a theory formation level, the article contributes to understanding the dynamics of implementing integral mission.
Highlights
Despite the generally held position that integral mission is the legitimate and responsible way of doing Christian mission, it remains somewhat unclear as to how this is done practically
The following question is explored: What is the theological understanding of integral mission driving Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) at institutional leadership and grassroots members? How could this understanding be a window to gain insight into integral mission implementation dynamics?
In order to answer this question, this article deals with the following issue: What is the theological understanding of integral mission driving NCM at institutional leadership and grassroots members? How is this NCM theology understood across the organisation from the top to grassroots implementation levels?
Summary
Despite the generally held position that integral mission is the legitimate and responsible way of doing Christian mission, it remains somewhat unclear as to how this is done practically. This subject is worth examining from a practical case study perspective. The article proceeds to examine this topic by first sketching the context of Magezi & Mutowa. Towards doing practical integral mission integral mission. This is followed by an outline of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM). After establishing these two positions, the article considers a case study based on empirical information
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