Mission in Creative Tension: Paradigm Shifts in Relationship to Church and Mission

Abstract

SUMMARY: The focus of this thesis was to identify and examine the reasons for a paradigm shift in relationship to the Church in mission and to recommend ways in which this tension between Church and mission can be used creatively to further the work of Christ in the 21st century. Through the lens of the missio Dei, this thesis examined the theology and history of mission in order to introduce the theological, missiological, and contextual crises of mission organisations. Arguments of major theologian/missiologists were given as they pertained to the Old Testament book of Jonah, particularly, with regards to a biblical concept of mission. In addition, the incarnational model from the New Testament formed a background to posit that mission is not a grand human enterprise, but rather a creative partnership with Christ and His Church to do mission His way. This thesis culminates with a clarion call to the church to formulate a biblical-holistic concept of mission based on the incarnation. It must seek an understanding that God has gone before us in mission and the church exists for His mission. Mission is to be carried out by the whole church for the whole world (panta ta ethne). The church must be viewed as an instrument of God’s mission.To unite the relationship between church and mission will require an interdisciplinary approach with church, mission entities, and theological institutions working in harmony and creative partnership to accomplish the biblical goals of the missio Dei. The great task of the church for mission is to align itself with the incarnational mission of Jesus Christ.

SUMMARY: The focus of this thesis was to identify and examine the reasons for a paradigm shift in relationship to the Church in mission and to recommend ways in which this tension between Church and mission can be used creatively to further the work of Christ in the 21st century. Through the lens of the missio Dei, this thesis examined the theology and history of mission in order to introduce the theological, missiological, and contextual crises of mission organisations. Arguments of major theologian/missiologists were given as they pertained to the Old Testament book of Jonah, particularly, with regards to a biblical concept of mission. In addition, the incarnational model from the New Testament formed a background to posit that mission is not a grand human enterprise, but rather a creative partnership with Christ and His Church to do mission His way. This thesis culminates with a clarion call to the church to formulate a biblical-holistic concept of mission based on the incarnation. It must seek an understanding that God has gone before us in mission and the church exists for His mission. Mission is to be carried out by the whole church for the whole world (panta ta ethne). The church must be viewed as an instrument of God’s mission.To unite the relationship between church and mission will require an interdisciplinary approach with church, mission entities, and theological institutions working in harmony and creative partnership to accomplish the biblical goals of the missio Dei. The great task of the church for mission is to align itself with the incarnational mission of Jesus Christ.