Several years ago I was with my family at Disney’s EPCOT park. One of the fascinating rides was Maelstrom, a ride that depicted Norway’s Viking days. Of course, the missiologist in me started thinking about Viking history apart from the grace of Christ. Then I recalled one of the first […]
Evangelism
Art has the ability to move us toward truth (or away from truth). It has the ability to bring comfort in chaos and hope when all seems hopeless. It brings encouragement to the downcast and expands vision when we are nearsighted. Artists bring ideas and emotions to life. We are […]
Leveraging the Arts for the Mission of God
“Many exegetical studies on mission fail to indicate which notion of mission is used or presupposed. Some authors operate with a vague concept of mission, sometimes linked with the term ‘mission,’ used in official declarations (e.g., that of the World Council of Churches), that describes comprehensively all aims, efforts and […]
Understanding Mission(s)–Beverly Hillbilly Style
With the publication of Transforming Mission (1991), David Bosch acknowledged the Church’s activity in mission has transitioned through several paradigms. His conclusion at the end of the twentieth century was the new paradigm had not arrived but was in the process of development. We are still in this liminal state. […]
Apostolic Imagination: Rethinking Missions
In early August 1745, David Brainerd (1718-1747) observed an amazing awakening among the Native Americans living in Crossweeksung, New Jersey. A large crowd gathered to hear him preach, and the Spirit of God moved in a powerful fashion. Brainerd described his observations in his diary: “The power of God seemed […]
This Week in Mission History: Legacy of Brainerd
Life in the Kingdom is filled with irony. The first is last (Matt 20:16). The greatest is like a little child (Matt 18:4). The cheek is turned (Matt 5:39). The extra mile is traveled (Matt 5:41). We should not be surprised by this Ethic. Yet, an unnecessary tension is found […]
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