2023 01 17 Mission in Context
Tim Stephenson
- 2 minutes read - 374 wordsLecture 1:
intro
5 marks of mission
common 3 + 4 & 5
Lecture 2
mission audit
need to write up mission with formality and accuracy.
mission:
in ot
in nt
in 21 c
used to be national religion in empire times
impact of colonial faith, is it true gospel
priest is 'mission enabler'--could do it or support others to.
diff. between missio Dei and church projects
assignment:
2,500 words
start with the mission (theological)
fresh expression (new context)
First century insights on mission for 21stC (Biblical/historical)
large mission audit (1hour!)
insights for where you are now
all essays will have some of each:
historical, biblical, theological
mission Dei: an attempt to focus on what God’s doing rather than my pet project
What is mission?
As the Father sent me
so I send you (John 20:21)
we are simply part of God’s mission
mission becomes a lot easier
Are Paul’s missionary principles a blueprint for today?
Katie: Challenge to be in tune with God (if going to emulate Paul). Need to hold plans loosely.
Professionalising mission, which has pros and cons
Jesus never set up a church, proclaimed and taught
Paul always goes to Jews first, not seeking to set up a new eclesialogy
Only as Jews responded tepidly did focus shift to gentiles; celts picked up where the empire collapsed.
Current: lot of angst about gospel being in the hands of colonialism
"It is not the Church of God that has a mission in the world but the God of mission that has a church in the world" Tim Dearborn
in HW’s life (70s) has seen evagelicals complain liberals are just doing to the easy social work and liberals that evangelicals just talking.
therefore there is a tension and keeping all 5 marks in focus is important
Timothy seen as teacher and pastor but Paul writes to him saying be an evangelist
Audit
5 marks analysed against current situation
could look back historically or foward to where may be going next
literature
J Finney, Well church book, 1991
Worsley, well church guide, 200?
material for audit
walk or pray, observe
solo or in company
survey
talking to congregation
library
internet
From anecdote to evidence, 2014
growth is numbers, but also internal discipleship