We Must First Think Theologically About Missions Before We Think Pragmatically
What God Is Doing
Often, when we think about mission, we just want to jump in and do it because we have a passion and we want to see the gospel go forth. But it’s very important to think theologically about mission for a number of reasons, actually.
Thinking theologically about mission helps us define mission the way God does. There are many definitions of missions, and some of them are less biblical than others. I think when we think theologically first about mission, then we can define it properly according to Scripture. We’re also able to focus on what’s important to God and not just our own passions or distractions—but what God is saying to us about mission and how we are to participate in his mission.
You Will Be My Witnesses
Brian A. DeVries
You Will Be My Witnesses examines the witness of God’s people within the story of God’s mission, draws insights from the church’s witness since Pentecost, and reflects on practical aspects of contemporary Christian witness.
It also helps us to think theologically about mission because it helps us be aligned with what God is doing. Ultimately, mission is God’s work, and we’re just participating in it. We witness what Christ has done and what the Spirit is doing through us, and to think theologically about it first helps us be aligned, knowing where God and the Spirit are at work. So we keep in step with the Spirit that way and don’t get distracted by our passions.
It also helps us stay focused and guarded from many areas of missions that are bunny trails, misinterpretations, misunderstandings, or even errors. Thinking theologically guards us from all of these.
And then finally, it’s very important to study the theology of mission because that’s the greatest motivation. When we see what God is doing in the world, what his plan is, and what his end goal is, then it motivates us to participate in God’s vision and mission. And I think that’s the best motivation for evangelistic communication, for apologetics, and all forms of Christian witness.
Brian A. DeVries is the author of You Will Be My Witnesses: Theology for God’s Church Serving in God’s Mission.
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