Scattered Thoughts on Theology and Ministry…
Years ago I took a class on The Biblical Theology of Mission with Charles van Engen at Fuller. We basically ran (it sure felt like running) through the whole bible looking at “mission” everywhere it appeared for 10 quick weeks. Our final assignment was to write a paper taking one missiological issue and trace theContinue reading “Crossing Cultures in Scripture”
Just a few days ago Dr. Kent Brantley, the Christian medical missionary who contracted Ebola while serving the people of Uganda, released a statement describing how he reacted when he first knew he had Ebola: I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providingContinue reading “What to Do When You Get Ebola”
Last week I read through a book called Dispatches from the Front – Stories of Gospel Advance in the World’s Difficult Places. The book follows Tim Keesee as he travels the world, telling stories of the bold faith and sacrificial bravery that many of our brothers and sisters portray as they face challenges for beingContinue reading “The Gospel Knows No Frontiers”
It has been said that up until recently western missions has been a process of cultural domination – i.e. westernization. Although there is a ring of truth to this, we know that the Vatican sent out instructions to its missionaries, through the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of Faith, in 1659 instructing it missionaries notContinue reading “Roman Catholic Contextualization”
What is the purpose of the church? What is its calling? Why does it exist? These are all questions that the Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia, Aram K’eshishea answers when he wrote about the nature of the church as a missional community… The church is a community of faith. Under no circumstances should we lose thisContinue reading “The Church and Its Missionary Calling”
I recently came across this blog titled Jaime the Very Worst Missionary. The title was certainly intriguing – is she really the very worst missionary? I doubt that. Anyway she wrote something describing herself and I can completely resonate with her: I’m always late because I’m a procrastinator and I procrastinate because I’m overwhelmed and I’m overwhelmedContinue reading “The Very Worst Missionary”
A few months ago I had lunch with the author of Creating a Missional Culture, we ended up going to eat at a Thai place near my church. Being from East Hollywood, JR Woodward was used to some really good authentic Thai food, so walking into the restaurant we were having lunch at I couldContinue reading “Missiology Book Review: Creating a Missional Culture (Part 1)”
Hanciles, Jehu. Beyond Christendom. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2008. In this book Hanciles looks at three different subjects: 1) globalization, 2) African migration, and 3) the transformation of the West by these immigrants. Hanciles’ main argument is that migration and mission are inextricably connected. He shows that migration and Christian expansion have always gone hand inContinue reading “Missiology Book Review: Beyond Christendom”
Over the next few days I will be posting some thoughts on an issue facing the future of the church, namely the explosion of urban populations. I will start by taking a look at some of the issues brought up by the urban explosion, and I will conclude by reflecting upon how the Gospel addressesContinue reading “Missiology: Urban Mission Part 4”
Over the next few days I will be posting some thoughts on an issue facing the future of the church, namely the explosion of urban populations. I will start by taking a look at some of the issues brought up by the urban explosion, and I will conclude by reflecting upon how the Gospel addressesContinue reading “Missiology: Urban Mission Part 1”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 