Introduction to Missiology, Theology and Christian Mission Strategy

Extract

[...] But our light must shine and our salt must retain its flavor.'1 The analysis conducted by Dr. Jean Marc Désiré on Christian missiology, including the stages of Christian life and the three levels of spiritual growth, enables missiological reflections and religious mission to evolve. However, the action of rethinking the foundations of Christian mission can remain complex for missionaries who are not fully aware that they are called to preach the Gospel for the glory of God, not to be popular worldwide. [...]

[...] In addition, his recourse to evolutionary historical models does not hide the major evolution of Christian missiology. On the contrary, it allows him to update global evangelization techniques and to better face situations where religion is redefined in favor of human interests and not popularized to accomplish God's mission. Finally, this book brings a decisive turn in evangelical mission through the highlighting of missionary ethics. Evangelical commitment to a simple way of life, published in 1980, it is stated: 'Christ calls us to be the salt and light of the world, in order to prevent the decay of his society and to illuminate its darkness. [...]

[...] In fact, the evangelical mission must be undertaken urgently, immediately, and in haste. The other sections of the book continue this by means of the mandates of people called to preach the Gospel. These mandates are illustrated by the 'Four Great Commissions'. The mission assigned by Jesus Christ to the apostle Paul is illustrative of these mandates to evangelize, as it is one of the concrete proofs that evangelization through the Holy Scriptures has already been initiated by the devoted apostles of the Lord. [...]

[...] The following section deals with the progressive breakdown of the spheres of everyday life and religion in Western societies and the urgency of evangelization to return to God. The other challenges of modern evangelization are discussed in the two following sections. These challenges are first the secularization that not only generates a loss of religious authority but also a reduction in religious practice. Then, the loss of confidence in religious institutions at the risk of ending religion. Another stake of this contemporary evangelization is globalization. Finally, it also talks about social justice. In developed societies, we witness a reconfiguration of the functions of religion. [...]

[...] To put the author's ideas into practice, I plan to integrate them into a sermon preparation. In fact, I will make sure that the congregation can immediately feel involved in my preaching through the religious contexts evoked in the book that I will take up in my future ministry. The theological principles that have been determinant for me that I could understand in this work are first « the missio Dei ». In fact, the Christian mission is a direct call from God. Therefore, the entirety of believers must fulfill it. [...]