Thoughts Along The Journey

I recently read an article that appeared on the Missio Nexus website (in 2021) with the title: “Deconstructing the Great Commission”.   

“Today there is an almost constant call for a re-envisioning of missions. Authors like  … have written books critical of contemporary mission. These three books critique missionary agencies, missionary structure and the use of the term “mission” in any way. One author called for a reframing of how we understand the message of Christ and how we share it both locally and globally.”

This same call for ‘deconstruction’ had occurred in the 1930s in North America when the Hocking Report was published. This report actually called for a moratorium on missions and on sending cross cultural workers. An insightful rebuttal to this report was written by Hendrik Kraemer in his book, The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World.

There is nothing wrong with rightfully questioning the “way” we carry out mission in the world in which we live.  However, it should never come at the expense of putting into question the central message of the Bible and of our faith, nor of our calling to share that message with those around us. This was the thrust of Kramer’s argument in 1938.

Jesus Christ gave Himself to redeem us, to grant us the honour of being part of His family, and to put the Holy Spirit in our hearts who seeks to testify to the person and work of our Saviour.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Filed under: Mission, Renewal |