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Mission In Motion

Mission remains a hotly debated topic and it would be difficult to expect a clear consensus on a single definition across the global church today.

Last week, I was privileged to get my hands on an electronic, advance copy of Mission in Motion a new book from the World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission. I don’t want to say too much at this point, as the book won’t be available for sale for a couple of months – but it is absolutely excellent.

The official blurb for the book reads:

Ten years in development, execution and analysis. Nine researchers, covering eight regions of the world. Hundreds of hours of transcribed dialogue. One aim: “what motivates people to become involved in mission?” This book reports back.

With David Bosch’s “crisis in mission” as their backdrop the research team discovered that mission is indeed still in flux and concepts of mission are myriad.

The authors survey the history of mission mobilization for the first time in a book and identify four major categories (ideal-types) of mobilization activity. 

Then global voices speak frankly about what accelerates and retards mission’s flame. While many things can help or hinder mission involvement, consensus fell on one factor that ignites a passion for mission, and it is revealed here. 

Essentially, the book is an extended piece of research into what motivates people around the world to get involved in Christian mission. However, that apparently simple question raises all sorts of more complex issues as this quote illustrates:

Mission remains a hotly debated topic and it would be difficult to expect a clear consensus on a single definition across the global church today. Given the multitude of differing voices on the issue, should we try to impose an understanding of mission in a rigidly defined sense? While some would regard such divergent views as a hindrance to the overall design and work of God in the world, others may view the diversity more favorably and recognize that the one gospel has many incarnations, each valuable for its role in fulfilling the commission entrusted to Christ’s followers.

Because of these complexities, the book places the research within a theological framework which examines the major issues impacting mission today. This isn’t the most detailed exposition of the theology of mission that you will find, but it is well thought through and actually serves as a very good introduction to the subject as well as a good framework for the book’s major content.

All in all, if you are involved in mission research, mobilisation or just generally interested in the subject, this is a book that you will want to read. I’ll give more details when it is generally available.

 

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