The Thrust of NT Missions: Part 1
October 11, 2009 – 11:06 pmAs I read missions literature and listen to missions sermons (live and recorded), there are a few elements that I listen for:
- “Missions” or “Mission” - Though it might seem picky, I am always curious as to which term an individual or ministry uses and why they do.
- Presentation of the gospel - Is it clear, Christ-centered, God-exalting, Word-based? Or is it pragmatic, formula-based, man-centered?
- Use of the text - Did they root their presentation or message in a biblical text(s) or on sound biblical principles? If so, how did they draw application between the immediate meaning of the text to the reader?
- Local church emphasis - Is the burden of responsibility for the Great Commission placed on the local church or individuals or para-church ministries? And how do they explain where they place the burden?
- Proclamation of the gospel - Connected to element #2, is it clear that gospel proclamation is central, with all other activity leading to it? Or has social activity replaced it?
Many other items could be included on this list, but I hope this list gives you some helpful guides as to what you can listen for when you hear or read about missions.
Recently, as I have talked with pastors, students, church members, and professors about missions I have observed very divergent views regarding elements 4 and 5 . How do we place the burden of responsibility upon local churches? What should it look like? How do we properly prioritize so as to lift up gospel proclamation above the rest of our activities?
In seeking to hone my understanding of these elements and my presentation of my views, I turned to one of my faithful missions resources, George Peters’ A Biblical Theology of Missions. In his chapter on “The Church and Missions” he elaborates on the thrust of the New Testament. It has proved very helpful to me; I trust it will for you as well. Below is the introduction. It will be followed by parts 1 and 2.
Introduction
We are moving within the center stream of the New Testament when I assert that the principal task of the church is to communicate intelligibly and effectively a divine message to the world in order to bring man to a living relationship with Christ by faith. The gospel - the good news of God in Christ - constitutes the heart and the core of the Christian possession.
The preservation, interpretation and the intelligible and persuasive communication of the good news, with the fixed intent of leading men to a knowledge of Christ as the only Savior and a resolute commitment to Him as Lord, remain forever the church’s supreme and primary task. Here is the heart of Christian missions.
Such emphasis may sound strange, old-fashioned, outdated, and irrelevant to an activistic and irritated generation bent more upon social action than upon gospel proclamation. It may also seem peculiar to a pietistic mentality where being a Christian has been much emphasized. However, that proclamation is central and therefore practical and relevant, according to the New Testament.
The above emphasis does not deny the significance of social action, the need for Christian influence in society, and the desirability of advancement in civilization. Most certainly Christians ought to be deeply involved in the social ills and struggles of society and to be energetically striving to bring reconciliation, remedy and assistance to mankind.
Social welfare and advancement are significant and desirable; however, such services are not the mission of the church. Neither are they focal in the New Testament. New Testament Christan social ethics is personal, not ecclesiastical.
It must also be stated emphatically that the New Testament does not foresee the conversion of the world to Jesus Christ in this dispensation. It is clearly implied in the teachings of our Lord and the apostles that the church will remain a “gathered out” people and thus constitute only a minority unto the end of the age.
We are, however, commanded to evangelize the world and make the gospel available to every creature. And evangelization is the intelligible, attractive, meaningful, purposive, and persuasive presentation of the gospel. This remains our determining ministry and continuing thrust. This is our supreme and primary calling.
George W. Peters. A Biblical Theology of Missions. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984. pp. 209-210.
George W. Peters (Th.B., B.A., Tabor College; B.D., St. Andrew’s College; B.A., University of Saskatchewan; Ph.D., Hartford Seminary Foundation, Kennedy School of Missions) was professor of world missions at Dallas Theological Seminary for many years. Dr. Peters has been listed in Who’s Who in American Education and has written several books.
