Christian missions are the heartbeat of the church’s global outreach, rooted in the Great Commission and the overarching narrative of Scripture. The theology of missions provides the foundation and framework for understanding why missions matter and how they reflect God's redemptive plan for humanity. This article explores the theology of Christian missions, delving into key biblical concepts, theological themes, and original language terms that enrich our understanding of missions.
1. The Missio Dei: God's Mission
At the core of the theology of missions is the concept of Missio Dei—Latin for "the mission of God." This term emphasizes that missions originate with God Himself. From the creation of the world to the consummation of history, God is the principal agent in the mission to redeem and reconcile all creation.
In Genesis 1:28, humanity is commanded to "fill the earth and subdue it," reflecting God’s intention for His creation to flourish. After the fall, God's mission shifts to restoration. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham, promising that through him, "all peoples on earth will be blessed." This covenant highlights God's plan to bless the nations through Israel, culminating in the work of Jesus Christ.
The Missio Dei underscores that missions are not primarily the church’s initiative but a continuation of God’s work through His people.
2. Jesus and the Great Commission
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is a cornerstone of the theology of missions. Jesus, after His resurrection, declares:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations (ethne), baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
The Greek word ethne (ἔθνη), translated as "nations," refers not merely to political states but to ethnic groups or people groups. This emphasizes the global and inclusive nature of the mission. The commission is to disciple all nations, signaling the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
The authority of Jesus ("All authority in heaven and on earth") is the foundation for this mission. It reassures believers that the mission is not only divinely mandated but also divinely empowered.
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit
The book of Acts provides a dynamic narrative of the early church’s mission, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 records Jesus’ promise:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The Greek term dynamis (δύναμις), meaning "power," highlights the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit for mission work. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to proclaim the gospel, perform signs and wonders, and endure persecution.
Throughout Acts, the Holy Spirit directs and sustains the mission. For instance, in Acts 13:2-3, the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work. This underscores the divine initiative in missions, with the Spirit guiding, equipping, and sustaining the church's outreach.
4. The Universal Scope of Salvation
The theology of missions is deeply connected to the universal scope of salvation. In 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul writes:
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
The Greek word soteria (σωτηρία), meaning "salvation," conveys deliverance from sin and its consequences. God's desire for all people to be saved reflects His inclusive and comprehensive redemptive plan.
Moreover, in Revelation 7:9, John’s vision of a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshiping before the throne of God reinforces the universality of salvation. This eschatological vision motivates the church to participate in missions, knowing that God’s ultimate purpose is to gather a diverse, global community of worshippers.
5. The Church as the Sent Community
The Greek word for church, ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), means "called out" or "assembly." The church is not only called out of the world to worship but also sent into the world to witness. This dual identity of being called and sent defines the church’s mission.
In John 20:21, Jesus tells His disciples:
"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
The term apostello (ἀποστέλλω), meaning "to send," emphasizes the missionary nature of the church. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father to reveal and accomplish God's mission, the church is sent to continue that mission.
Paul’s understanding of his apostleship also reflects this sending nature. In Romans 15:20, he writes:
"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known."
Paul’s missionary zeal exemplifies the church’s calling to reach the unreached and to proclaim the gospel in new territories.
6. Incarnation as a Model for Missions
The doctrine of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14)—provides a model for missions. The Greek word sarx (σάρξ), meaning "flesh," underscores the profound humility and identification of Christ with humanity.
The Incarnation teaches that missions involve entering into the context and culture of the people being reached. Just as Jesus took on human nature to dwell among us, missionaries are called to incarnate the gospel within different cultural settings, respecting and understanding those cultures while proclaiming the truth of Christ.
This incarnational approach is essential for effective missions. It requires cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to relational ministry, reflecting Christ’s model of engaging with people authentically and compassionately.
7. The Kingdom of God and Missions
The mission of the church is also closely tied to the concept of the Kingdom of God. Jesus proclaimed, “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). The Greek term basileia (βασιλεία), meaning "kingdom," refers to God’s sovereign rule and reign.
Missions are about proclaiming and demonstrating the Kingdom of God. This involves not only evangelism but also acts of justice, mercy, and transformation in society. The holistic nature of the mission reflects the comprehensive nature of the Kingdom, where spiritual, social, and physical aspects of life are redeemed.
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus links the preaching of the Kingdom to the end times:
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
The advance of the gospel to all nations is a precursor to the consummation of God’s Kingdom, motivating the church to engage actively in missions.
8. Suffering and Missions
The theology of missions also acknowledges the reality of suffering. Jesus warned His disciples in John 16:33:
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The Greek word thlipsis (θλῖψις), meaning "tribulation" or "affliction," indicates the hardships that often accompany faithful mission work. Throughout church history, missionaries have faced persecution, opposition, and suffering. Paul’s life, as recorded in Acts and his epistles, is a testament to enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel.
Yet, suffering in missions is seen not as a deterrent but as a participation in the sufferings of Christ. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses a desire to know Christ and "the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings" (Greek: koinonia [κοινωνία] of pathemata [παθήματα]).
Conclusion
The theology of Christian missions is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, from the Missio Dei to the Great Commission, the empowering role of the Holy Spirit, and the eschatological vision of a redeemed, worshipping community from every nation. It calls the church to be a sent community, embodying the gospel in word and deed, and participating in God’s redemptive mission for the world.
Understanding this theology enriches the church’s commitment to missions, providing the theological and biblical basis for global outreach. As the church embraces its missionary calling, it fulfills its role in God’s grand narrative, bringing the hope of salvation to all nations and participating in the advance of His Kingdom.