My book Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology is expected to release from Lexham Press in the next few days. I received my author’s copy and extremely delighted to see this work made available to you. I certainly hope you get a copy.
There are several outstanding mission theologies in print today. However, many are lengthy and so academic that few in the Church are able (or willing) to understand them–including some seminary students. I wanted to provide a resource (172 pgs) that would serve as an introduction to the topic and point readers to the weightier works if they choose to read them. I wrote this book with my students in mind. Therefore, professors should find this to be a helpful textbook for classes.
I trace the theme of mission throughout Scripture. I begin by discussing what is a missional hermeneutic and who is the God who sends into the world? My organization is different from related works in that I follow the Tanakh’s structure when addressing mission in the Old Testament (i.e., Torah, Prophets, Writings). I follow the typical New Testament outline, and conclude the book with some reflections and application to contemporary global disciple making activities. Each chapter includes discussion/reflection questions.
God’s mission of glorifying Himself through blessing the nations is a matter that begins in Genesis and continues till Revelation. The reoccurring pattern involves a Sending to the World -> Proclaiming Hope through Judgment -> Entering Relationship -> and Receiving Blessing. This is followed by Kingdom living which repeats the pattern.
Please consider posting a review at Amazon or elsewhere. I would love to hear your thoughts on the book after reading it. Here is what a few others have already said:
“Attentive to the unifying thread of mission and to the diversity of the missional context in different parts of the scriptural canon, Payne provides deepening insight into the rich kaleidoscope of mission in Scripture. Highly recommended for those who want to be growingly faithful to their missional identity.” — Michael Goheen, professor, Covenant Theological Seminary
“This book by J. D. Payne. . . offers a whole-Bible theology of mission that demonstrates that God is glorified in the blessing of the nations with the gospel. I pray that many read it and respond with greater resolve to play their part in God’s drama of redemption.” — Douglas Sweeney, dean, Beeson Divinity School
“J. D. Payne has provided an invaluable service to his readers by writing a text that is ‘just right’–just right in depth of biblical reflection, scholarly engagement, and practical application. This book is my number one recommended text for a biblical theology of mission.” — Robert Plummer, professor, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
