Mission Of Church Research Articles

Women of Faith: Overcoming Challenges in the Church's Mission and the Academy

AbstractTwo recent books navigate the challenges and possibilities women encounter in church and society. Each proceeds from starkly different vantage points and targets distinct audiences. Dzubinski and Stasson's historical approach homes in on the horizon of ecclesial mission as depicted throughout the centuries of Christianity. This work is tailored especially for historians. Yuen and Collier‐Goubil focus on contemporary issues confronting women at the intersection of faith, the home, and the academy. This volume is written by and will appeal to a broad range of religious scholars, although it holds particular significance for those balancing a career in academia with motherhood. A comparison of these works offers unique insights into the shared concerns women with an array of vocations confront, as well as the distinct issues emerging from the arenas of ecclesial leadership, on the one hand, and the academy, on the other.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Stella Maris: chaplaincy to seafarers

ABSTRACT An important form of chaplaincy is the mission for seafarers. Since the 19th century, various charitable organisations have provided physical and spiritual support for seafarers when their ships are berthed. This article examines the history and contemporary work of the Catholic organisation, Stella Maris, the largest ship visiting network in the world. The history begins in 1920 in Glasgow and the foundation of the Apostleship of the Sea which grew quickly into a major international organisation. Over the years the invaluable work of the chaplains and volunteers has been perceived to be integral to the mission of the Catholic Church to protect the dignity of the worker, and aid migrants and displaced and vulnerable people in need. A Stella Maris chaplain and a volunteer, based in Glasgow, recount some of their experiences in supporting seafarers and this provides insights into the scope of their duty of care.

‘Social Dimension’ in Christian Mission: An Appraisal of Social Mission of the Church in India

The social dimension of the Christian mission played a vital role in the mission of the church. This has to do with uplifting the poor, eradicating social evil, reflecting fraternity, bringing social justice, seeing the progress of better humanity, peace, unity, etc. With the arrival of colonial rule in India, the mission of the church appeared to be engaged in so many social activities. Foreign missionaries arrived with their strategy, but with the pressure of colonial rulers in India, they could have achieved exactly what the mission of the church was supposed to be. However, an attempt to strengthen society is always as appreciable as service to God in favour of human beings. In the present era, the social dimension has gone down in the mission of the church. Therefore, it is important to research for better humanity when one thinks of the service of the church. Even amid difficulties in the church, social division is seen as a service to God. Here I appeal for continuing the social acts in Indian society in service of God as a reflection of the true mission of church. For this article, I have used the technique of socio-historic analysis in an ethno-religious approach.

Schooling the Gospel: Village School Teachers as Agents of Mission in the Early Mizo Church

In the study of early Mizo Christians as active agents in the Christianisation of the region the early Mizo pastors, the evangelists, the Church elders and the ‘Bible Women’ have been given more prominence. The contribution and role played by the teachers in the early mission schools have not really been the focus of the research. This article attempts to give an account of the early schools in Mizoram and focus on the role of the village primary school teachers. They are shown to be the main agents for transformation in the formative period of the history of the Mizo Church.

Dinamika Kepemimpinan Pastoral dalam Konteks Manajemen Gereja Modern

Abstract This research depicts the results of an in-depth analysis of pastoral leadership dynamics within the context of modern church management through a qualitative literature study approach. The study reveals the importance of integrating solid managerial skills with spiritual dimensions to strengthen church leadership. Research findings affirm that creating a balanced equilibrium between managerial and spiritual aspects is crucial in guiding the church through various challenges in contemporary times, including adapting to evolving technological changes and social dynamics. Furthermore, this research highlights the necessity of adaptation to contextual changes as a critical element in building successful church leadership, wherein church leaders are expected to discern and respond to the dynamics of the external and internal church environment wisely and proactively. In conclusion, this research provides a deeper understanding of how pastoral leadership can be enhanced to manage modern churches more effectively, fulfill the church's mission calling, and serve the community in a more holistic manner.

Efektivitas Manajemen Kepemimpinan dalam Gereja

Abstract This research discusses the effectiveness of leadership management in the context of a church. The church, as a Christian community, possesses distinct characteristics, including the diverse backgrounds of its members in terms of age, occupation, education, and social status. Unlike other organizations with financial orientations, the church aims to fulfill the spiritual needs of its members, emphasizing a focus on conformity to Christ. Church leaders are expected not only to exercise authority for regulation but also to empower the congregation. Effective church leadership involves empowerment, exploration of potentials, and acceptance of differences. Church leaders play a crucial role in the effective growth of the church, and leadership management is key to achieving the church's vision and mission. The research methodology employed is a qualitative descriptive approach with literature review. In-depth analysis of the concept of leadership management in the church is conducted by connecting information from various sources, including books, journals, articles, and relevant websites. The findings indicate that the understanding of the church involves spiritual and organizational dimensions, necessitating effective leadership management. Leadership centered on biblical values, resource management, and the empowerment of congregation members becomes crucial in attaining church goals. The differences and uniqueness of the church demand leaders to implement suitable leadership styles, such as democracy, to support the potential of each member. From this research, it can be observed that effective leadership management in the church plays a crucial role in achieving spiritual and organizational objectives. Church leaders need to develop strategies in line with the church's characteristics and leverage the potential of congregation members for sustainable growth.

Reformed theological education and formation

This article will hold up a mirror to the Reformed tradition’s theological education past and present, specifically in the context of the DRC. This paper will also make proposals for the future, peering through the window towards possibilities for theological education and formation and the reformation of Reformed spirituality. The Reformed tradition has always maintained a high academic standard when it comes to theological education and the formation of its clergy. The curriculum used by the DRC, modelled on the European system, still to a great extent reflects the needs of the church decades ago and is challenged by the DRC’s current ecclesiological understanding. A missional church, as portrayed by the DRC’s policy document, requires missional clergy, or missional leadership, and thus theological education that supports this type of formation. This article proposes a more holistic spiritual formation programme that cultivates a sound Reformed spirituality and enables the formation of these missional leaders.

Vanaf Wellington na Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland (UWK)

The years between 1958 and 1994 saw radical shifts in the theological training of the DR Missionary Church (DCMC) in South Africa. This article offers a chronological overview of those changes by extensively quoting from and offering interpretation of the original documents. The shifts are analysed thematically as a journey from a pietistic inspired curriculum taught by missionaries in a single-church seminary in Wellington, to an academic education at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Belville. This was guided by well-trained theologians and represented a further leg of the journey, representing development from a single-church institution to an ecumenical collaboration with the University of the Western Cape (UWC).This article presents a historiographical overview of the development of theological training under the influence of the specific contexts of an era. It offers a window on an overview of the educational changes that were affected and indicates the need for the acceptance of a discipline that can consistently continue to accommodate formation, reformation, and transformation. The article in itself testifies to a changing and developing educational process and to the way that the passage of time enhances its growth and development.

Leaps in the womb of Asia: Transformative intercultural discipleship in a sacred space

The 21st century is marked by the explosive growth of Christianity in the Global South. While discipleship is identified as the key to success in the missional movement in the western church, it has been inherently embodied in the indigenous church movement in Asia in the endeavor of evangelism and mission. In addition to the traditional gospel proclamation through church planting strategies, spiritual companionship, a ministry of accompanying someone in a sacred space through deep listening and discernment, has been gradually recognized as an effective one-on-one discipleship in recent years among groups who are receptive to the untamed movement of the Spirit. Using the metaphor of a pregnant mother carrying a baby and experiencing leaps in the womb (Lk 1:41), this article traces the engagement of intercultural discipleship through listening to the sacred stories of several mission leaders in Asia. Following the transformative narratives of their divine encounters, it discerns three key movements of the Spirit, metaphorically speaking, the “leaps” in the womb: listening with trust; turning with symbols; and kicking with expectation. Drawing from the works of anthropologists, theologians, and missiologists, it interacts the contemporary Asian experience with ancient Confucian texts and the Christian Scriptures, nuancing the traditional understanding of intercultural discipleship and evangelism. It aims to show that prophetic spiritual companionship is an integral part of discipleship and evangelism, therefore indispensable to the indigenous church mission movement. It is hoped that it also provides an impetus and resources for teaching and practice of the global church in its endeavor to revitalize faith in a post-Christendom and post-secular world.

THEOLOGICAL DEFINITION OF THE ECUMENICAL PARADIGM AND THE VALUE SPECTRUM OF INTERFAITH SOCIAL PRACTICES

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The theological intentions and practical initiatives of ecumenism of the Orthodox Church are the focus of Yu. Korniychuk's research attention [17, 18]. R. Protsyuk [19] analyzes the role of the social teaching of Orthodoxy in the formation of civil society in our country. Such domestic researchers as S. Kiyak, P. Yarotskyi, V. Yelenskyi, and O. Kiselyov were engaged in the analysis of the problems of ecumenism as a post-secular paradigm. The research objective. Given the lack of coverage of the issue of ecumenical efforts as a Christian response to the challenges of modern global society, there is a need for a critical and objective analysis of the ecumenical concept as a whole, as well as in the realm of social practices. The statement of basic materials. Ecumenism as a phenomenon originates in the Christian environment and its primary goal is to restore unity, first of all, between Christian denominations. An important component of ecumenical activity, which researchers single out, is the social dimension of ecumenism, the consequences of which are much easier to characterize in the social plane. It is worth noting that this dimension is important, given the fact that there are a large number of supporters of the ecumenical movement, who claim that the effectiveness of building ecumenical dialogue and achieving agreement in theological matters is largely determined by social unity, the development of cooperation in a social direction. The transfer of the emphasis of their ecumenical activity by Christian denominations to the sphere of social service, as a result of the confrontation with the difficulties that arose during the theological and dogmatic dialogue, created a favorable environment for the formation of a visible image of Christian unity, which is one of the main elements of the Church's mission in the world. §12 of the “Decree on Ecumenism” states that social cooperation should be aimed at: “proper appreciation of the dignity of the human person, nurturing the good of peace, applying evangelical principles in social life, developing the sciences and arts in the Christian spirit, (...) overcoming such tragedies today, such as hunger and natural disasters, illiteracy and the poor, lack of housing, unfair distribution of material goods.” Such cooperation will also contribute to better interdenominational knowledge of Christians and pave the way towards unity.

Decolonizing Ableist Pedagogy

AbstractHow can someone born without a privileged language and not educated in a privileged educational institution engage in decolonization? This is a very relevant question for most people who live in the context of the global South. This paper proposes a constructive imagination to decolonize ableist pedagogy through feminist disability analysis. I argue that colonial pedagogy is inherently ableist. This paper is situated in an anti‐ableist and anti‐patriarchal framework, unveiling the normate culture and patriarchal‐colonial logic. However, the main source of analysis and epistemological tool is my body and experience as an Indonesian woman living with a disability. In trying to decolonize pedagogy, the experience of the body becomes more important than forming a new abstract theory of decoloniality. This paper proposes decolonizing ableist pedagogy as a communal work which requires examining colonial language and the binary thinking of body and mind through delinking the colonial space and crippling the colonial time. Based on this awareness, the decolonialization of ableist pedagogy is as imperative as the decolonialization of church mission.

Misi Rekonsiliasi: Misi Gereja Katolik dalam Memulihkan Martabat Manusia Pasca Kekerasan di Indonesia

Various forms of violence still occur in Indonesia. This violence brings suffering, both to the victims and the perpetrators. Essentially, violence destroys human dignity. The purpose of this research is to answer the question of what the Catholic Church should do to combat violence and restore human dignity affected by violent acts. The method applied in this research is a qualitative method using literature studies. By employing critical discourse analysis, the thoughts of theologians and Church documents regarding the mission of the Catholic Church in the reality of violence and injustice are carefully examined. This research finds that in the face of the reality of violence and injustice that destroys human dignity, the Catholic Church cannot remain silent; it is called to promote a mission of reconciliation. The Church must strive to show forgiveness to restore the dignity of both victims and perpetrators of violence. It also must engage in dialogue with followers of other religions to address issues of violence. In these ways, the Church presents God Himself, who forgives sinners and restores their dignity.

The Dynamics of Evangelism in a Multicultural Context: Challenges and Opportunities for Contextualization

Evangelism in a multicultural context has become a primary concern in the mission of the modern church. In an effort to comprehend the dynamics involved in evangelism within multicultural environments, this research aims to identify the primary challenges faced by evangelists while also detailing the emerging opportunities in the endeavor to contextualize the message of the Gospel. Through an in-depth literature review in qualitative research, this study reveals the complexity of the multicultural context within the scope of evangelism. The main challenges encompass differences in religious beliefs, language disparities, and cultural tensions, all of which necessitate a prudent and adaptable approach. However, within these challenges, significant opportunities also arise. These opportunities include the formation of intercultural bridges, an improved understanding of religious pluralism, and the potential for collaboration among people of different faiths. The research findings emphasize the importance of contextualizing the Gospel message to establish an effective and meaningful approach within a multicultural context. This study provides valuable insights for churches and evangelists operating in multicultural environments, stimulating discussions about the role of contextualization in disseminating the message of the Gospel in an increasingly diverse society.

Re-actualization of Javanese Ethical Values in Contextual Church Missions in the Samironobaru Javanese Christian Church

Re-actualization of Javanese Ethical Values in Contextual Church Missions in the Samironobaru Javanese Christian Church

Ways of enhancing unity among churches in Tigania East Sub-county, Meru County, Kenya

The aim of this study was to investigate the ways of enhancing unity among churches in Tigania East Sub-county, Meru County, Kenya. In Tigania East Sub-county, Meru County, lack of unity among different churches has emerged as a major challenge to the church's mission. Churches have struggled to come together and establish a shared stance on certain outdated traditional beliefs and practices that no longer contribute positively to the lives of people. The study used descriptive design in collection, analysis, comparison and interpretation of data. The research used questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions to collect the required data. Data collected was presented using tables and pie charts for easier comparison and making of conclusions after the study. The study found that Churches in Tigania East need to invest towards the unity of the church. The Church in Tigania East Sub-county needs to invest more in its unity for effective evangelisation. Theological schools are supposed to aim at producing people who understand the dynamics of society and its needs so that the church can produce Christians who embrace and cope with the challenges that are facing human life. The church must remain united in order to defend the poor and the oppressed from all forms of political exploitation because it is the voice of the voiceless.

Book Review: God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church by Lalsangkima Pachuau

Book Review: <i>God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church</i> by Lalsangkima Pachuau

Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda: W.A. (Wim) Dreyer and the reformation of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa

Prof. W.A. Dreyer played an important role in the continuous reformation of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA). This contribution to his Festschrift is not about him. He would not want that. It is about the church and how his understanding of reformed ecclesiology became the basis on which the transformation from ‘Volkskerk’ to missional church took place. According to himself, that was his calling and his life’s work. The importance of his contribution cannot be understood without the historical background in which it played out. Neither is it possible to envisage what really happened without acknowledging the theologians who played an important part in his life. This article therefore starts with a short overview of the history of the NHKA. It then proceeds with an overview of how important theologians in the NHKA influenced his ecclesiology. It concludes with three specific contributions that Prof. W.A. Dreyer made which makes him a key role player which led the NHKA on the way of Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda.Contribution: Prof. W.A. Dreyer became an important church leader in the Netherdutch Reformed Church. His leadership resulted in important changes in the church and especially in the ecclesiology of the church. This article, which is part of his Festschrift, gives an overview of his theological contribution through the lens of semper reformanda. By doing so, it indicates how important is the role of church leaders. All the research is based on his scholarly work.

FACTORS INFLUENCING CATHOLIC FAITHFUL’S INTENTION TO REVISIT CHURCH THROUGH SUNDAYS ‘MASS ATTENDANCE AT THE ANNUNCIATION CHAPEL OF THE ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND

This study examines the intention of the Catholics to revisit Church through Sunday Mass attendance at Annunciation Chapel of the Assumption University (AU Chapel) in Bangkok, Thailand. Religious values, sense of achievement, personal growth, cultural values, social interaction, preaching style, Church branding, physical evidence, and family support affect this goal. Data was acquired using online and printed surveys utilizing non-probability sampling. Studying the Catholics' intention to revisit Church through Sunday mass attendance at AU Chapel aims to guide Church leaders in meeting worshippers' expectations. By highlighting factors impacting the faithful's intention to revisit the Church, it supports the Catholic Church's mission. Multiple linear regression, and descriptive analysis were used. The study stresses personal and spiritual growth, physical evidence, religious values, and social interaction when revisiting the Church. However, sample, and self-reporting bias are noted. Methodology and Approach: Convenience sampling was used to select 114 respondents for quantitative approaches including multiple linear regression. Online and print questionnaires collected demographic and revisit intention data over three weeks. A Cronbach's alpha pilot test for questionnaire reliability was used with non-probability sampling. Findings: Personal and spiritual growth substantially affects AU Chapel revisiting intention (beta = 0.4249). Physical evidence, religious value, and social interaction also matter (beta = 0.2221, 0.2122, and 0.202). Research Limitations/Implications: Self-reporting causes sampling and social desirability bias. The study may disregard Catholics' intentions' subtlety. Leaving some elements out may impair understanding. Originality/value: This study expands knowledge of Catholics' Sunday Mass intentions at AU Chapel in Bangkok. It identifies essential criteria to improve Church responsiveness and worshippers' satisfaction. Its special focus on Catholic faithful preferences in AU Chapel affects the Church's mission in Thailand.

The sins of the church: The long-term impacts of Christian missionary praxis on HIV and sexual behaviour in Zambia

ABSTRACT This study examines the long-term effect of Christian missionary exposure on HIV infection and related sexual behaviour in Zambia. I use distance to a historical missionary church and health facility as proxies for missionary exposure. I constructed a geocoded data set combining information on the historical locations of churches and missionary health centres with contemporary individual-level data. I find that individuals who live close to a historical missionary church have a higher likelihood of being infected with HIV. I find no significant effect of proximity to a missionary health centre on HIV. Considering that heterosexual transmission is the main channel of HIV transmission in Zambia, I analyse the effect of missionary exposure on sexual behaviour. The following patterns emerge: individuals who live close to a Protestant church are less likely to engage in premarital sexual abstinence; they also have their first sexual encounter at an earlier age, with the effect being stronger for men than women. Living near a Catholic church is associated with having a higher number of sexual partners.

A Listening Church on the Synodal Pathway: Discernment and Decision-Making in Communion

AbstractPope Francis's has described his vision for a synodal Church, not simply as a once off programme of renewal, but as God's desire for the Church of the third millennium. As such, it aims to concretise the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council, making the Church today more manifestly one of communion, participation, and mission. It differs from previous synods and Councils in history in that it more directly invites and involves all the baptised in a direct process of listening and discernment to the voice of the Holy Spirit. This paper aims to understand from a theological perspective how listening will work in a synodal Church, by exploring firstly what we mean by the ecclesiology of communion from the Council. Such an ecclesiology, manifesting the equal dignity of the faithful in Christ, will ground listening at the level of participation in God as well as acknowledging the gift of infallibility given to the whole Church. It means calling on the Holy Spirit to help discern how and where, the apostolic deposit of faith has been received by members of the body. It also explores what we mean by listening to the sensus fidei of the whole body and how the authority of laity and hierarchy operate both in united but distinct ways within a synodal process grounded in communion ecclesiology. Overall, such listening is to be done carefully for the sake of the Church's mission as the sacrament of salvation to the world.