Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Missiology – An Introduction

Missiology: An Introduction to the Foundations, History, and Strategies of World Missions by Terry/Smith/ Anderson

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Ch.1 – An Overview of Missiology

By Justice Anderson

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Finding A Term• Protestant – Missiology – from

French “missiologie” beginning around 1900

• Catholic – Missiones – Latin translation of Greek “apostellein”

• Intense debate on terminology until after WWII

• Now consensus on use of “Missiology”

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

The meaning of “Missiology”

Compound of •“missio” – Latin – “missio dei” the

mission of God•“logos” – Greek – “logos anthropoi”

the nature of man

The study of what happens when God and man work together in God’s redemptive activity

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

History of Missions Theology

1. Early church – mission was a fundamental expression of the life of the church

2. Medieval church – practical theology was concerned with ecclesiology and ignored missions to a great extent

3. Moravians and their spiritual heirs re-awakened an interest in mission endeavor – awakening its study as well.

4. 19th century – missions appended to practical theology

Martin Kähler(1835-1912) – “mission is the mother of theology”

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

History of Missions Theology

Where we are today:1. Missiological concerns and

perspectives are represented in all theological disciplines

2. Missiology uniquely addresses the global context of spreading our faith

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Definition of “Missiology”Missiology is the science of missions.It includes the formal study of

the theology of mission, the history of missions,

the concomitant philosophies of mission

and their strategic implementationin given cultural settings.

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Mission and MissionsMission – God’s redemptive purpose for mankind

and all creation – “missio dei”

Missions – The activity of redeemed men as agents of God’s mission – specific activities initiated in response to the direction of God’s Spirit

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

The Scope of Missiology

+ = A

theology of

mission

The history of missions

A philosophy of mission

The strategic implementation in a given cultural setting

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Trends in Mission Theology• A return to theological reflection in

the face of pressure to contextualize

• Biblical renewal among Catholic and Orthodox churches

• Emergence of indigenous theologians from the Two-Thirds World churches

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Six Factors in a Theology of Mission

The missionary nature of• Systematic theology - praxis• God – His mission defines ours• The Bible – the redemptive message• The church – His people on mission• Christian ministry – mission endeavor• The Holy Spirit – the agent of

redemption

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

History of Missions

“Historical study produces creativity and flexibility which are necessary for effective missionary deployment.”

Balance Mission ActionBehavioral Science

Church GrowthFaddish Methods

Mission History&

Biography

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Philosophies of Mission1. Individualism – missions through personal witness

only2. Ecclesiasticism – department or order of the church3. Colonialism – department of the state4. Associationalism – missionary societies and boards5. Pneumaticism – “Faith missions” – wait on the Spirit6. Supportivism – mission supports other missions7. Institutionalism – hospitals, schools, orphanages8. Ecumenicalism – promotion of Christian unity9. Pentecostalism – signs and wonders grow the church

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

Cross-cultural StrategyStrategic implementation of

A philosophy of missions inA particular cultural setting

Hinges on effectiveCross-cultural

communicationWe must

“Make the message plain.”

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

The World Mosaic1. A growing revival of the supernatural

• Rejection of modernity• Revival of traditional religion, new age,

occult

2. The growing influence of the Two-Thirds World – pioneer cross-cultural missions

3. The principle of acceleration - change4. The demise of the noble savage –

primitive cultures vanishing, global exposure increasing

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

The World Mosaic (2)

5. The crowded global village – urbanization increasing

6. The demise of world socialism – spiritual vacuum

7. The shifting economic center of gravity – no neocolonial umbrella

8. The revolutionary nature of the world – political and economic disturbance rampant

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

The World Mosaic (3) not in book

9. e-World – the technology-driven connectedness of world markets

• World techno-middleclass (.5 billion)• Radical socio-economic disruption

10.Jihad – the rise of radical Islam• Growing reality of martyrdom for

Christ• Religious violence without

conscience• Impending loss of religious freedom

in US

Missiology: An Introduction by Terry/Smith/Anderson

The Disciplines of Missiology

Theology of missionsHistory of missionsPhilosophy of missionsCross-cultural strategy