Mission Of God Research Articles

THEOLOGY OF HOSPITALITY FOR INTRA AND INTER-RELIGIOUS HARMONY: AN INDONESIAN PERSPECTIVE

The theme hospitality has become an emerging theme for recent theological explorations. The theme is prominent in the entire Bible and is relevant to the current global issues such as religious pluralism, immigrants, even ecological challenges. This article seeks to show the centrality of divine hospitality in the Bible and how it is clearly reflected in the Pentecost narrative in Acts 2. Furthermore, this article seeks to demonstrate how theology of hospitality could be relevant to fostering intra and inter-religious harmony, especially in the context of Indonesia. The hospitality of the Spirit as shown in Pentecost shapes the body of Christ as a community of hospitality that would use gifts of the spirit not for self-aggrandizement but to serve other. Hospitality is also a theological statement. When Christians are being hospitable towards the religious other, they embody the hospitality of God, and thus participating in the mission of God.

Reading Scripture in Latin America: An Evangelical Perspective From the Grassroots

This essay illustrates the practices, methods, and commitments of New Testament interpreters in Latin America. The first section provides a theoretical framework and the second section provides an example of the kind of interpretation Latin American scholars practice, focused on the Gospel of John, specifically John 9. The main thesis of the essay is that New Testament interpreters in Latin America focus both on hearing God and practising the mission of God to all people. There are particular methods that best serve this interpretive purpose. Such methods focus on the text and on understanding history for the sake of engagement with the text. The role of the reader is not so much to define beforehand what a text says or to find passages that serve a particular purpose, but to engage with the many contexts that make a text what it is, with the aim to hear the God who is behind the text.

Developing African Christian Leaders for Global Transformation

Christianity is growing massively in the Global South, while it is declining in the rest of the world. This has changed the trajectory of missionary work. Africans used to be recipients, but are now benefactors who promote the gospel and lead mega-churches beyond their motherlands. Correspondingly, African Christian leaders ought to develop their capacities. While some of them appreciate the importance of leadership development, as confirmed by publicized leadership seminars and conferences, few African churches have contextualized Christian leadership development frameworks.Most problematically, countless Christian leaders have been the subjects of disturbing controversies, and they age and die without having prepared people to succeed them. By failing to do so, they betray the mission of God and the Church. Although having a call is invaluable for ministry and leadership, continuous leadership development is highly necessary for effectiveness, as ministerial needs grow daily while the capacities of Church leaders are limited. Applying grounded research as theory and engaging with contemporary literature, this paper reviewed African Christian leadership, and drew on leadership development models from the Old and New Testaments, in view of Malphurs and Mancini’s (2004) leadership development framework. This paper identified the necessity of contextualizing leadership development, appraising incumbent leaders, and addressing their situational challenges and needs, and recommends consistent holistic capacity enhancement in correspondence with changing times, contexts, people and places. Keywords: Christian Leadership, Mission, Leadership Development, Sustainability, Transformation

Ecumenical Missiology

AbstractIn this article I analyze the concept and contextuality of ecumenical missiology and its contemporary paradigms. Furthermore, I argue that the mission from the margins paradigm may construct a new method for undoing constantly increasing marginalization when understood from both its theological and philosophical points of view. This article celebrates togetherness in missio Dei as life‐giving mission of God and argues that transformation is the only hope for humankind and the churches. It was written to honour Finnish missiologist Dr Risto Ahonen on his 80th birthday.

Re‐membering Mission

AbstractThis article grapples with the Anglican Communion's Five Marks of Mission, raising questions such as: Does the Communion need a mission? Does mission need the Communion? And do the Five Marks of Mission speak to the mission of God or mission of and in the Communion? Central to the article is the anxiety about the potential consequences of mission based on historic experiences of people from colonized territories, hence the use of a decolonial approach in this article. The article is also cognizant of the coloniality that continues to influence intra‐Communion and ecumenical relations. It asks whether the Five Marks of Mission carry in them some decoloniality impulses that could fundamentally heal the wounds of the past, celebrate the diversity in the Communion presently, and re‐envision a future in which the Communion sees itself as having a role to play in the missio Dei.

Lutheran Theological Education to Christian Education in (South) Africa: A Decolonial Conversion in the African Church

It can be debated whether a Lutheran identity is still relevant in the midst of ecumenical development in (South) Africa, with special reference to theological education and Christian education. The Lutheran Church is a unique body within the ecumenical family as it contributes to work on the mission of God. Theological education and Christian education are educational centres which aim to promote social justice towards community development. These two educational centres are branches of the Lutheran Church. Taking into account the fact that theological education and Christian education were introduced by European and American missionaries with various church traditions in (South) Africa as part of community development, the purpose of this article is to discuss the impact of Lutheran theological education and Christian education, to demonstrate their contribution in the church, and call for their decolonisation and contextualisation.

The Missiological basis of Evangelism in Disadvantaged Communities1 and the Pivotal Role of the Church

The mission of the Triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is the focus of this paper since the missio Dei perspective is essential to every section. To bring people from all tribes, nations, kingdoms, and languages together in eternal worship of Him, the Father sent the Son, and the Son sent the Holy Spirit. Churches and communities must partake in the mission of God in the world because the gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached. God uses the church as his instrument to proclaim his kingdom to people from all walks of life. Thus, followers of Jesus Christ who engage in the missio Dei—bring love, hope, and peace to a broken and lost world— and should be true to God's calling. God chose people to establish his kingdom and bestows blessings upon them so that they may bless every nation on the earth. God's humanity and God's entire creation are ultimately reconciled and healed by the kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, people can receive the Good News of God through the work of the Holy Spirit. This paper comes from a chapter in a larger PhD study in Missiology2.

Pentecostal church and politics: Interdependent instruments of God’s mission in Africa

The debate about the interdependence or the dichotomy between the church and the state or politics is not new. The discourse is neither over nor something that will pass any soon. Both perspectives provide concrete reasons depending on the viewpoint from which an individual is writing and arguing. Both the ecclesia and the state or politics enjoy social capital. Of the two, however, the Church’s social capital is resilient and consistent, unlike the political capital which is seasonal and only rigorous in the pursuit for political position.In recent years, there is an immense emergence of Christianity that blend charismatic practices and African religiosity. An increased pursuit of political leadership is being witnessed by the church leadership and the secular community. One of the motivations has been the derivatives from the positions, which are mainly monetary and honourability. This can be linked to a struggle to meet a status threshold set and determined by a postmodern society which the clergy and the political leader must uphold. Anyone who lives below that ‘standard’ does not fit that position. It is for this reason that both the church and state or politics has been commercialised. The commercialisation aspect resulted in the two competitive entrepreneurial enterprises. Thus justice has been retailed to commercialisation and consumerism.This article therefore firmly holds the possibility that church and state or politics have common elements that, if reworked, can become tools in the mission of God. The assumption is that both institutions are reviewed as organs and not organisations because, as organisms, they are both fit for transformation into suitable instruments for the mission of God. Institutional reforms are dictated by the reformed human resource. This article leans towards the interrelationship between the Pentecostal tradition and the state or politics in viewing their role in doing justice to the mission of God. Thus a comparative framework fits this work.Contribution: The interdependence of the church and political enterprise is exposed to a constructive critique and further writing. It has advanced affirmed the comparative methodology as a ongoing study alternative.

The Mission of God and the Renewal of Creation

The Mission of God and the Renewal of Creation

Bible Translation as Justice

The translation of the Bible into minority languages has the potential to affirm the dignity and worth of translating communities as people created in the image of God (imago dei). For my own people—the Ghomala’ of Cameroon—the use of the mother tongue was crucial for local acceptance of Christianity and identification as children of God. This article shows how biblical concepts of justice as both primary and restorative relate to the mission of God and the imago dei of all human beings. BIBLE TRANSLATION AS JUSTICE regards Bible translation as not just a pragmatic tool, but a fundamental issue of justice that enables people to have a right relationship with God and others. Minority language communities around the world bear witness to the potential for Bible translation to empower, transform, and contribute to a sense of value and confidence. As a result, Bible translation is not only a key to human flourishing but for Christians a way of following Jesus in his incarnation.

Transition from the Opium of Religion to Religion as Opioids: Abuse of Religious Teachings in the New Prophetic Churches in South Africa

The New Prophetic Churches is a religion in the mix, demonstrated by their points of contact with classical Pentecostalism, the prosperity gospel, African independent churches, and African traditional religion. New Prophetic Churches have points of contact with classical Pentecostalism with reference to the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. They are also influenced by the African traditional religions with reference to their connection with the spirit world. In addition, they have points of contact with the African independent churches concerning the use of healing and deliverance products. Furthermore, they have points of contact with the prosperity gospel in teaching the message of material blessing. The original form of these influences is presented in this article as opium religion, whereas the corrupted form of these influences is presented as opioid forms of religion. The latter refers to a somewhat dangerous mix of religious teachings, advocated by self-appointed spiritual leaders within the New Prophetic Churches. These spiritual leaders have concocted this mixture contrary to the original purpose of such teachings with the intention to satisfy their commercial desires to the detriment of the spiritual wellbeing of their followers and the sa-credness of religious teachings, particularly Christian teachings. Relying on a literary analysis, this article challenges the religious teachings of opioid religions that undermine the original good intentions with which these teachings are mixed. It suggests that any religious teaching in the Christian tradition should be consistent with the eternal purpose of God's mission, identity in Christ, and the fundamental tenets of the Christian tradition. There are neo-Pentecostal churches that are consistent with the mission of God, bringing solutions to various challenges in Africa. However, the focus here is on the New Prophetic Churches that have transited from the opium of religion to religion as opioids.

Worshipping, Witnessing, and Wondering: Christian Wisdom for Participation in the Mission of God, written by Thomas John Hastings

Worshipping, Witnessing, and Wondering: Christian Wisdom for Participation in the Mission of God, written by Thomas John Hastings

RistoJukko, ed. Together in the Mission of God: Jubilee Reflections on the International Missionary Council. Geneva: WCC Publications, 2022. 330 pages.

International Review of MissionVolume 112, Issue 1 p. 174-176 Book Review Risto Jukko, ed. Together in the Mission of God: Jubilee Reflections on the International Missionary Council. Geneva: WCC Publications, 2022. 330 pages. Peter Cruchley, Corresponding Author Peter Cruchley [email protected] Author email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author Peter Cruchley, Corresponding Author Peter Cruchley [email protected] Author email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 17 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/irom.12461Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume112, Issue1May 2023Pages 174-176 RelatedInformation

Dean Flemming. Foretaste of the Future: Reading Revelation in Light of God’s Mission

Dean Flemming. <i>Foretaste of the Future: Reading Revelation in Light of God’s Mission</i>

Mission as Hospitality with Refugees and Other Migrants: Exploring Ross Langmead’s “Guests and Hosts” in Australian Churches

Abstract This article explores the “mission of God” and its relationship with refugees and migrants in Australia. At its best, this mission is experienced as hospitality to, by, and with people of cultural diversity. Ross Langmead (2014) called for a theology of mission as an expression of divine hospitality to those marginalized and forcefully displaced, and recalled the significance of the cultural diversity that the Bible celebrates. By hospitably serving and learning from refugees and migrants, Australian local churches function as both guests and hosts. Langmead suggested this hospitality has ten dimensions including advocacy, meals, mutual learning, and “openness to a transforming divine presence” (2014:39ff). It is this last dimension that invites reflection as to how all ten may be more broadly applied. This article is a conversation on the experience of Australian churches at large in giving and receiving hospitality with refugees and other migrants. The conversation demonstrates the value of practicing hospitality for the sake of mutual learning and shared mission amongst the global diaspora in the Australian context.

Discussing the Church Mandate considering Matthew 28:19-20

The relationship between the church and the world, the task of preaching the gospel and social care are still hot topics of discussion today. The purpose of raising this topic is so that the church can be reminded of the correct paradigm regarding the double mandate commanded by Jesus Christ the Head of the church in Matthew 28:19-20 and Matthew 22:34-40. The church's paradigm regarding the two mandates invariably influences and determines the practice of church life in its daily form. To describe the subject of this discussion, the author used a qualitative approach based on a literature study in which a range of relevant books and scientific academic articles were investigated and considered after which descriptive conclusions could be drawn. The results of the study indicate that Jesus through the mandate of evangelism, becomes an agent of spiritual transformation which ultimately results in needed social transformation. The mission of God is then for all of us to be involved in the spiritual elements of life and in considering the afterlife and of course also in striving to make the world a better place for all.

METODE PENDIDIKAN ORANG TUA BEDA AGAMA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN IMAN DAN IMPLIKASINYA PADA PENDIDIKAN ANAK

Abstrak: Keluarga merupakan alat Tuhan untuk melaksanakan rencana-Nya. Salah satu tanggung jawab keluarga sebagai orang tua yaitu mendidik anak dalam takut akan Tuhan. Namun, masalahnya jika orang tua memiliki perbedaan agama. Perbedaan agama kedua orang tua akan mempengaruhi didikan kepada anak. Kenyataan ini menjadi tantangan bagi pihak orang tua Kristen dalam mendidik anaknya secara iman Kristen. Fokus penelitian ini tertuju pada pihak orang tua yang beragama Kristen. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui pandangan iman Kristen mengenai pernikahan beda agama dan dampak terhadap pertumbuhan iman dan pendidikan anak. Serta memahami metode pendidikan yang dapat diterapkan pada anak untuk pertumbuhan iman dan implikasinya terhadap pendidikan anak itu sendiri. Metode kualitatif melalui tinjauan studi pustaka. Hasil yang didapat yaitu bahwa sesuai pandangan Alkitab tidak menghendaki orang percaya untuk menikah beda agama. Sebab dampak orang tua beda agama akan mempengaruhi pertumbuhan iman anak. Anak akan mengalami dilema rohani. Anak akan kehilangan identitasnya secara rohani dan akibatnya mengikuti agama lain. Anak akan kehilangan fokus dalam menyelesaikan pendidikan. Solusi yang dilakukan yaitu metode pendidikan bagi orang tua dan anak. Orang tua Kristen harus membangun hubungan yang intim dengan Tuhan, mendalami Firman Tuhan dan bersekutu dengan saudara seiman. Kemudian, orang tua harus melakukan pendekatan, menjadi teladan dan mengajarkan Firman Tuhan terus menerus kepada anak. Dengan demikian, iman anak akan mengalami pertumbuhan serta membuat fokus serta semangatnya bangkit dalam menyelesaikan pendidikannya. Abstract : Family is God's tool to carry out His plan. Therefore families need to understand the vision and mission of God for a family. One of the responsibilities of the family, in this case the parents, is to educate their children in the fear of God. However, children will get into a problem if they have parents of different religions. Because the difference in religion of the two parents will greatly affect the education they get. This also becomes the toughest challenge for Christian parents in educating their children in the Christian faith. Therefore, the focus of this research is on the parents who are Christians. The purpose of this research itself is to find out the views of the Christian faith regarding interfaith marriage and its impact on the growth of faith and children's education. As well as understanding educational methods that can be applied to children for the growth of faith and children's education. The method used is a qualitative method through a literature review by collecting information data through data collection through various reliable sources. The results obtained show that believers are not desired to marry people of different religions. Because interfaith marriages will have a huge impact not only on the family, but on the growth and education of children. So that to deal with this fact, two methods are obtained, namely the method of educating one's own faith and the method of educating children. Personally, Christian parents must be able to renew their faith first by building an intimate relationship with God and studying God's Word and allying with brothers and sisters in the faith. After that, you can apply a number of things to educate children such as approaching, setting an example and teaching God's Word continuously to children.Family is God's tool to carry out His plan. One of the responsibilities of the family as parents is to educate children in the fear of God. However, the problem is if the parents have different religions. Differences in the religion of the two parents will affect the upbringing of children. This fact is a challenge for Christian parents in educating their children in the Christian faith. The focus of this research is on the parents who are Christians. The purpose of this study is to find out the views of the Christian faith regarding interfaith marriage and its impact on the growth of faith and children's education. As well as understanding educational methods that can be applied to children for the growth of faith and the implications for the child's own education. Qualitative method through literature review. The result obtained is that according to the view of the Bible it does not want believers to marry with different religions. Because the impact of parents of different religions will affect the growth of children's faith. The child will experience a spiritual dilemma. Children will lose their identity spiritually and consequently follow other religions. Children will lose focus in completing education. The solution is an educational method for parents and children. Christian parents must build an intimate relationship with God, study God's Word and fellowship with brothers and sisters in the faith. Then, parents must approach, set an example and teach the Word of God continuously to their children. Thus, the child's faith will experience growth and make his focus and enthusiasm rise in completing his education.

Missional pilgrimage: A new framework for short-term mission

Pilgrimage and short-term mission have both seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Despite its popularity, the goals and expectations associated with short-term mission are often in conflict with the lived experiences of participants who both go on, and receive those doing short-term mission. The liminality and communitas described by participants in short-term mission reflect similar processes found in the practice of pilgrimage. In this article we show the multiple similarities between pilgrimage and short-term mission and suggest a new framework of “missional pilgrimage” as a way of bringing together these lived experiences with the aims of short-term mission. In doing this we do not reduce those who receive short-term mission participants to the “holy center” but rather consider them as fellow pilgrims who journey alongside those being sent in participating in the missio Dei, the mission of God in a wider sense.

Worshiping, Witnessing, and Wondering: Christian Wisdom for Participation in the Mission of God

This review of Thomas John Hastings, Worshiping, Witnessing, and Wondering: Christian Wisdom for Participation in the Mission of God (2022), offers comments on its contextual and biblical foundations and engages it on the topics of Christian education, pneumatology, practical theology, and World Christianity. The review praises the careful research and crafting of the book and appreciates its clever use of triads to identify and integrate diverse approaches to Christian education.

Peran Gembala Gereja Bethel Indonesia Dalam Mencegah Perceraian Keluarga Kristen Di Tanjung Priok

God Himself is the initiator and creator of the Christian family. Therefore, there is a vision and mission of God in every Christian family. The family is a small church, so families form a local church community. Husband and wife are important factors forming a family. The role of the pastor is very important in preventing Christian family divorce, among others: shepherding, guiding, and being an example in a healthy Christian family life. The method to answer this problem uses a qualitative method with interviews, collecting several journals, related literature, and Bible verses that are relevant to the formulation of the problem. Thus, the right answer was obtained as a reference for pastors and local churches of the Indonesian Bethel Church in preventing Christian family divorce. More broadly, it can help pastors who will prepare and assist Christian families in the future in respecting the institution of marriage and willing to pay the price in maintaining the integrity of their families.Key words: pastoral role, local church, Christian family, divorce, pay the price