Theology Of Mission Research Articles

Notes on the Biblical Foundation of the Document of the International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church”

The document of the International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church” (2018), sanctions an idea that has been gaining ground in recent decades: synodality is a structural dimension of the church. This essay assesses the biblical foundation that this document offers in terms of this constitutive rather than operational understanding of synodality. To fit all the theological pieces of the synodality puzzle together and give them biblical consistency, this article takes two steps. The first focuses on exploring the theological welding between the church understood from the Trinitarian Mystery (LG 1–8) and the church as the people of God (LG 9–17). Second, this propaedeutic operation builds a solid framework that allows us to justify why the ITC document brings up certain biblical quotations, to fit them into a coherent reflection and at the same time to present other passages that are absent in the document.

Book Review: A Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology

Book Review: A Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology

Elements of Mission Theology in Ukrainian Orthodox Discourse

Elements of Mission Theology in Ukrainian Orthodox Discourse

The כִּי Clause in Exodus 19:5c and its Significance for an OT Mission Theology

Many take Exodus 19:3-6 to set out the uniqueness of Israel’s relationship with God (v. 5ab) and the particular role and responsibility Israel has in relation to the rest of the world (v. 6). This raises an important question. Was choosing Israel God’s main priority, or was his intention, from the start, to redeem the whole world, with the choice of Israel part of that wider purpose? This article argues that the translation of the clause in verse 5c, introduced by the Hebrew particle כִּי (ki), is relevant to that discussion. In the context of the use of כִּי in the wider OT, it discusses the main interpretations of the כִּי clause in Exodus 19:5c – asseverative, causal, concessive, and explanatory. It concludes in favour of a causal understanding and points to the implications for an understanding of the mission theology of the OT.

The missiological character of deaf Catholic material culture

Too often, deaf Catholics are assumed and expected to be “passive recipients of mercy” rather than active participants in mission. This is far from the role that deaf Catholics have played in the body of Christ. This introduction to deaf Catholic material culture serves to highlight one often overlooked source that demonstrates how deaf Catholics are active participants in the church’s mission—through the creation, curation, and dissemination of objects. First, the essay contextualizes deaf Catholic material culture within the sociocultural model of disability, without which the meaning and value that the objects hold cannot be fully appreciated. Then it explains how these objects create culturally-deaf spaces and the significance these spaces hold for the deaf community. Second, an analysis of various objects in public and personal spaces, which range from liturgical art and liturgical furnishings to everyday items such as pens and mugs in deaf Catholic communities is presented. Characteristics of deaf Catholic material culture and an explanation of how and what theologies of mission are operationalized through these objects in various spaces are discussed. The essay concludes with a typology of deaf Catholic material culture and the missiological opportunities they present. In so doing, the author argues that attention to material culture in deaf Catholicism counters the misconception that deaf Catholics are incapable of mission and challenges ableist theological ideas of deafness which portray deaf Catholic experiences as deficient, spiritually inferior, and dependent on hearing people.

Spirituality of Communication as Foundation for a Missional Approach to Digital Culture

The article seeks to make the case for a Christian spirituality of communication, one that especially addresses the communicative and interpersonal dynamics in digital culture and strives to elevate these toward a disposition of authentic relationality. From this foundation in a Christian spirituality of communication, the article proposes several key theological characteristics as fundamental for a missional approach to digital culture, including revelation, incarnation, communion, truth in context, and announcing hope. The article concludes by proposing a framework for a lived, missional spirituality expressing each of these in the digital context. Living out of this framework offers digital culture greater potential toward human flourishing as a whole. Keywords: Christian spirituality, digital culture, theology of communication, relationality, mission and evangelization

Book review: John G. Flett and Henning Wrogemann, Questions of Context: Reading a Century of German Mission Theology

Book review: John G. Flett and Henning Wrogemann, <i>Questions of Context: Reading a Century of German Mission Theology</i>

Canaan Hymns: Toward a decolonizing missiology of the Chinese church movement

This article provides a narrative of how the collection Canaan Hymns is embedded in the context of the life and struggles of ecclesial life within the Chinese church movement, embodied in their pneumatologically-led creation, and empowered by the theology of laity and women. It argues that the ecclesiological mode of the grassroots together with the affective style of worship and reflections form the two key characteristics of a decolonizing missiology, offering an epistemology of “knowing with” in relation to missio Dei. This is followed by further examining the mission impulse, nationalistic fever and transnational currents. Contesting the ideology of atheism, a decolonizing missiology of the Chinese church movement offers a bottom-up construction in that the lived embodied experiences of everyday life in Christ within a cultural soil take priority as sources of a theology of mission.

Art on Mission with the Tabernacle Builders

How does art contribute to mission? How might Scripture shape the claims that Christians make about art and mission? This article addresses these questions. It argues, first, that there is a need for fresh work in this area, because existing literature on the biblical theology of mission dedicates scarce attention to art and beauty, also because such literature centers scriptural texts that lack an aesthetic dimension. Second, it provides exegetical setup for its biblical-theological proposal: it observes that Genesis 1 foregrounds beauty and the production of art, and it observes that Genesis 1 belongs integrally together with the Tabernacle texts at the end of Exodus. Third, it interprets the Tabernacle builders as a template for art on mission. Their artistry evidences faithfulness and freedom; and their practice shows the generosity of art.

Harmony or Discordance between Sacramental and Liturgical Theology?

This paper aims to show a way of approximating between liturgical studies and sacramental theology, trying to undo a too formal separation between the two sciences. The paramount cause is to be found at the request of Sacrosanctum Concilium, starting from the link between the two to achieve a greater and more fruitful participation of those faithful to the sacraments. In the words of Card. Ratzinger, this request has not been fully met. The dichotomy and relationship between the notions of theoria and praxis in both sciences are presented as the need for a solid foundation or philosophical frame of reference with a metaphysical or realistic background, attending to the problems raised by the International Theological Commission in the document on “The Reciprocity between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy” (1999). The pathway is open, some solutions are proposed, and an attempt is made to show the importance of this subject for the understanding of man himself and his Christian life.

Perold de Beer: Reflecting on the theology of a missionary pioneer

Dr Perold de Beer was a missionary pioneer who contributed as both a church leader and a theologian to the Reformed Church in Africa (RCA). This research recorded his contribution to the RCA as this church navigated political issues during apartheid, multireligious positions and the challenges accompanying church unity; all of these ended up in the Laudium Declaration (LD) which De Beer drafted and was then accepted as the church’s official position. In addition to De Beer’s views, other, differing positions from his colleagues and contemporaries were used to reflect on the eventual decisions and theologies developed in the RCA. The article’s social and scientific value lies in both recording and reflecting on the work of a missionary pioneer not yet investigated; it addressed and informed issues that are still relevant today (racism, pluralism and unity) and which are still heading the church’s agenda. Both literature study and interviews were employed.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: While this article investigated missiology (mission theology, social justice and church unity), it also contributed to religion studies (interfaith dialogue), church history, and polity (the history and documents of the RCA) and systematic theology. It offered insight into the history of a specific segment of South African society during apartheid.

The mission theology of P.S. Dreyer and his contribution to the Maranatha Reformed Church

The mission theology of P.S. Dreyer and his contribution to the Maranatha Reformed Church

Missiology in Africa: Authentically African, Magisterially Missional

book review essay of: Kwiyani, Harvey, ed. Africa Bears Witness: Mission Theology and Praxis in the 21st Century. Nairobi: African Theological Network Press, 2021. Pp. xiii + 218. Reprint edition: Kwiyani, Harvey, ed. Africa Bears Witness: Mission Theology and Praxis in the 21st Century. Foreword by Emma Wild- Wood. Carlisle, Cumbria, UK: Langham Global Library, 2024. Pp. xix + 220.

Analysis of African Adventist Theology of Mission in the 21st Century

Introduction: Analysis of African Adventist theology of mission in the 21st century highlights theological African Adventist issues of concern. As an Adventist researcher, one is challenged by the growing anticipations and expectations that arise or are questioned in certain areas and sectors, including doctrinal issues in some grey areas. This research article probes those challenges that may be tabled by higher organizations or are just difficult to handle. Problem: Analysis of African Adventist Theology of Mission in the 21st Century presents problematic, unresolved doctrinal issues and teachings upheld by the mother body, the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists. These issues are still debated in other circles and regions. Purpose: To analyze the Seventh-day Adventists’ beliefs as a lifestyle for the African Adventists in the 21st century and highlight some downsides that may hinder the mission’s progress among Africans. Old and New Testament Scriptures guide, teach, and instruct a person to the esteemed life of Christ-like character. However, some scholars still argue that Christians and Adventists teach Creation Week. To an African, the belief in a creator God who shares space with His people has brought doubts to the very God who created everything in one week. Discussions: An African Adventist Theology of Ministry for the 21st Century article presented communication, ways of ministry in diverse settings, the Biblical foundation for mission and ministry, and God’s purpose for ministry. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a family of Christian believers united in mission, purpose, and belief. Adventists seek to follow Biblical principles of Christ-like living, communicating, disciplining, teaching, healing, and serving communities regardless of where they are. Since God is the creator and owner of the mission, He has a purpose for His ministry and creation, which includes human beings. The purpose of God for his church is being revealed amongst His people through the publishing of literature, public evangelism, the gospel ministry, and medical missionary. As the mission owner (Missio Dei), God chooses how to direct the mission using His created world. All the people of different cultures and traditions are part of God’s mission. There are diverse ways of ministry, including reaching people in their homes, welfare ministry, friendship evangelism, Adventism, and God’s mission. When spreading the gospel, theologians need to recognize different types of communication: secular, Christian, and Adventist approaches. Findings: An analysis of African Adventist theology of mission in the 21st century found that God’s purpose for the ministry is to involve all means and people, regardless of creed, race, or ethnicity. God would employ any method to spread the gospel all over the world. Finally, communication plays a significant role in God’s mission.

К вопросу об истории заседания Смешанной англикано-православной комиссии 1976 г. в Москве

The background and reasons for the 1976 meeting of the Anglican-Orthodox Mixed Commission in Moscow devoted to the development of relations between the Orthodox and Anglicans are analysed. The historical analysis of the development of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the Church of England during the previous stages before the meeting of the Mixed Theological Commission within the framework of the development of church diplomacy is made. The conditions for the emergence of the Anglican-Orthodox Mixed Commission are examined. Examples of participation in previous meetings of representatives of the ROC are given. On the basis of source analysis the materials for the purpose of the article – to determine the place of the meeting of the Anglican-Orthodox Joint Commission in the development of the dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church of England in the 1970s – are identified. The sources for the preparation of the materials of the article were review materials contained in the 1976 issues of the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate (JMP), as well as materials from Russian archives. On the basis of the research of the available sources, the conditions of the commission meeting in 1976 were revealed. The list of participants from the Orthodox churches and representatives from the churches of the Anglican Commonwealth was determined. The main topic of the commission meeting was identified – discussion of the issues of interaction between the Orthodox and Anglicans. In addition, the results of the commission meeting – the agreed joint statement of the Orthodox and Anglicans on the results of the commission meeting – are analysed. Further steps in the development of relations between the ROC and the Church of England are indicated.

JESUS’S VISION ON THE MARGINALIZED IN MATT 20.20-28

This article analyzes the pericope Matt 20.20-28 in a perspective of biblical theology regarding the vision of Jesus in the face of the marginalized: women, servants and slaves. In addition, it highlights how Jesus observes the inequality and his behavior before the disciples in the construction of a new and true set of ideas based on human dignity. From this arise three points to be developed, namely, first, the issue of some categories of marginalized people and social classes in the narrative. Second, the approach of social categories by Jesus in the narrative and what each one represented in the environment of Mt 20.20-28. Third, some essays on the perspective of Jesus and the paradigm of social positions for his disciples. Indeed, the analysis of Jesus' vision of the marginalized can provide clues to the applicability of the theology of integral mission, among them the relevance of the spirit of service, in order to heal the wounds arising from unbridled, authoritarian and tyrannical power.

Implication of Religious Syncretism on Baptist Mission Work in Ojo Island, Lagos State Nigeria

Baptist is one of the denominations and mission agencies that have been doing mission work in Ojo Island for several decades now. However, the mission work in Ojo Island is not without challenges such as poverty, cultural affiliation and idolatry, but this study focuses on religious syncretism. Therefore, the study investigated factors responsible for religious syncretism in Ojo Island, Lagos State, Nigeria with a view to identify ways of strengthening the Baptist mission work. The framework for the study was premised on theology of mission, which underscores that mission found its basis in God’s love and redemptive plan through Jesus. Descriptive survey design was adopted while questionnaires were administered to two hundred and twenty-three (223) members of the selected Baptist churches using the purposive random sampling method. The data generated was analysed through frequency count, bar chart and pie chart. Factors responsible for religious syncretism on the Baptist mission in Ojo Island include: assumption that all religious traditions are relative and complimentary, community background and economic life, seeking for rescue in a time of crisis and insecurity, family ties and brotherhood relationship. All these constitute a serious challenge and setback for the Baptist mission efforts in Ojo Island. The study recommends contextual biblical preaching, discipleship, power evangelism, and social actions such as regular medical mission and vocational training as means of strengthen the Baptist mission work in Ojo Island.

Ecumenical impulses in the documents of the International Theological Commission

Since the Catholic Church has entered the current of modern ecumenism, her ecumenical commitment has become of utmost importance. However, the most significant manifestations of the ecumenical attitude – apart from the lively participation in it of the entire ecclesial community – should be sought primarily in those institutions that are paramount in shaping the doctrine of the Church, pointing out prospects for development and stimulating appropriate action. One such institution is the International Theological Commission, which, despite its auxiliary character, represents the theological circles of the Catholic Church from all over the world, has great scientific potential and is able to show the perspectives of faith in the context of the rapidly changing and constantly evolving modern world. Building Church unity is an extremely important and difficult, so necessary is to examine the ecumenical inspirations contained in the documents of this Commission. To do this it is first necessary to identify these impulses from the content of the documents and then to bring them together in a systematic way in order to arrive at a holistic picture, evaluation and reception of the results.

T.F. Torrance’s Theology of Mission and Analytic Theology’s Contribution to Missiology

Abstract This article demonstrates analytic theology’s contribution to missiology by turning to T.F. Torrance’s theology of mission as a test case. Upon examining Torrance’s missiological contribution, it becomes apparent that his notion of the end of mission—the personalization of humanity—is conceptually fuzzy. I demonstrate how analytic theology can clarify, and further develop, this aspect of Torrance’s missiology, and thus conclude that if analytic theology can help to bring clarity to the missiological proposals of one missional theologian, then perhaps analytic theology might lay claim to the possibility of playing a greater role within the discipline of missiology.

Moving methodologies. Doing practical and missional theology in an African context

Moving methodologies is an edited volume with the focus on doing practical and missional theology within an African context. The volume is written by scholars from the Department of Practical and Missional Theology at Stellenbosch University. The authors of the different chapters are from different races, genders, and denominations, as well as from different sub-disciplines within the department. The diversity of different voices from various angles in this volume should be appreciated.