Mission As Transformation

Centered on the rule of Christ over the whole of life, explores multiple aspects of holistic ministry including proclamation, evangelism, and social transformation.

In this scripturally rich exploration, senior missiologist Craig Ott unpacks the mission statement of the church: to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people. This concise yet robust biblical-theological treatment focuses on God's glory, a strong ecclesiology, the importance of Scripture, and practical implications for congregational and mission practice. Ideal for launching discussion and reflection, the book helps readers refocus their vision and reignite their commitment to fulfilling God's purposes for their church or mission.

"Lausanne '74 inspired evangelicals around the world to take seriously the full implications of the Gospel for mission. This was especially true of a worldwide network of radical evangelical mission theologians and practitioners, whose post-Lausanne reflections found harbour in the notion of "Mission as Transformation". This missiology integrated evangelism and social concern like no other, and it lifted up theological voices coming from the Two Thirds World to places of prominence. This book documents the definitive gatherings, theological tensions, and social forces within and without evangelicalism that led up to Mission as Transformation. And it does so through a global-local grid that points the way toward greater holistic mission in the 21st century."--BOOK JACKET.

"David Bosch's Transforming Mission, now available in over a dozen languages, is widely recognized as an historic and magisterial contribution to the study of mission. Examining the entire sweep of Christian tradition, he shows how five paradigms have historically encapsulated the Christian understanding of mission and then outlines the characteristics of an emerging postmodern paradigm dialectically linking the transcendent and imminent dimensions of salvation. In this new anniversary edition, Darrel Guder and Martin Reppenhagen explore the impact of Bosch s work and the unfolding application of his seminal vision." --

Mission as Transformation: A Theology of the Whole Gospel brings together in one volume twenty-five years of biblical reflection on mission practice with the poor from around the world.The whole gospel is centered on the rule of Christ over the whole of life. It seeks to impact a community with the values and the spiritual challenges of the kingdom of God. The key to wholistic ministry is enabling people to experience Christ's Lordship.Wholistic mission integrates proclamation, evangelism, church planting, and social transformation in a seamless whole. This approach to Christian mission has been adopted since 1983 by most evangelical agencies involved in development, and by most indigenous mission agencies involved with transforming the lives of the communities with whom they work. It also represents the approach of many Pentecostal churches.Mission as transformation has been a struggle for evangelicals. Our Two-Thirds World colleagues have patiently assisted many of us to the table. This book provides a gathering place for the seminal papers and discussions that are part of this twenty-five-year journey, and will help readers understand how evangelicals, struggling to unite evangelism and social action, found their way to the biblical view of mission in which God calls all human beings to love God and their neighbor, never creating a separation between the two.

What is Christian worldview? What are the practical applications and ethical implications of biblical truths? How can Christians influence society? These are the questions that the authors of this volume seek to answer, along with other issues that challenge biblical faith. Through theoretical reflection and suggested practical actions; looking at the early church, the Reformation, and historical experiences of poverty in Brazil; and with a commitment to piety and an integral mission practice, Christian Worldview and Transformation raises proposals and alternatives for a spirituality that can bring changes to society and social relations.

"Explores the specific identity of Christ as savior, sanctifier, healer, and king, using narratives, theological interpretation, and insights from anthropology and sociology"--