What Is the Mission of the Church?

What Is the Mission of the Church?

Author: Kevin DeYoung

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2011-09-08

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 143352693X

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Social justice and mission are hot topics today: there's a wonderful resurgence of motivated Christians passionate about spreading the gospel and caring for the needs of others. But in our zeal to get sharing and serving, many are unclear on gospel and mission. Yes, we are called to spend ourselves for the sake of others, but what is the church's unique priority as it engages the world? DeYoung and Gilbert write to help Christians "articulate and live out their views on the mission of the church in ways that are theologically faithful, exegetically careful, and personally sustainable." Looking at the Bible's teaching on evangelism, social justice, and shalom, they explore the what, why, and how of the church's mission. From defining "mission", to examining key passages on social justice and their application, to setting our efforts in the context of God's rule, DeYoung and Gilbert bring a wise, studied perspective to the missional conversation. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus' call to preach the Word and make disciples.


Christian Mission in the Modern World

Christian Mission in the Modern World

Author: John Stott

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2015-11-05

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 0830844392

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Newly updated and expanded by Christopher J. H. Wright, John Stott's classic book presents an enduring and holistic view of Christian mission that must encompass both evangelism and social action. Through a thorough biblical exploration, Stott provides a biblically based approach to mission that addresses both spiritual and physical needs.


Four Views on the Church's Mission

Four Views on the Church's Mission

Author: Zondervan,

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2017-10-24

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 0310522749

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What is the Church's mission? What does it mean to participate in God's mission personally? How do "mission" and culture interact and conflict? This book articulates various evangelical views regarding the church's mission and provides a healthy, vigorous, and gracious debate on this controversial topic. In a helpful Counterpoints format, this volume demonstrates the unique theological frameworks, doctrinal convictions, and missiological conclusions that inform and distinguish the views: Soteriological Mission: Jonathan Leeman Participatory Mission: Christopher Wright Contextual Mission: John Franke Ecumenical-Political Mission: Peter Leithart Each contributor answers the same key questions based on their biblical interpretations and theological convictions: What is your biblical-theological framework for mission? How does your definition of mission inform your understanding of the church's mission? How does the Mission of God and Kingdom of God relate to the mission of the church? What is the gospel? How does your view on the gospel inform the mission of the church? How do verbal proclamation of the gospel, discipleship, corporate worship, caring for the poor, social justice, restoring shalom, developing culture, and international missions fit into the church's mission? The interactive format helps readers get a clearer picture of why different conclusions are drawn and provide a fresh starting point for discussion and debate of the church's mission. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.


Grace Defined and Defended

Grace Defined and Defended

Author: Kevin DeYoung

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2019-04-17

Total Pages: 85

ISBN-13: 1433564424

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Christians love to celebrate grace, but often talk about it in vague generalities. But such an important biblical concept ought to be clearly defined so it can be consistently defended. In this book, best-selling author Kevin DeYoung points modern readers back to an old document originally written to do just that. Warmly pastoral and broadly accessible, this book introduces readers to the Canons of Dort, a 17th-century work summarizing the central doctrines of the Christian faith. Widely regarded as a key pillar of the Reformed tradition, the Canons of Dort stand as a faithful witness to God's grace—offering a depth of understanding that the church still needs today. In three concise sections—covering history, theology, and practical application—DeYoung explores what led to the Canons and why they were needed, the five important doctrines that they explain, and Dort's place in the Reformed tradition today.


No Shortcut to Success

No Shortcut to Success

Author: Matt Rhodes

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2021-12-28

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 143357778X

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Avoid "Get-Rich-Quick" Missions Strategies and Invest in Effective, Long-Term Ministry Trendy new missions strategies are a dime a dozen, promising missionaries monumental results in record time. These strategies report explosive movements of people turning to Christ, but their claims are often dubious and they do little to ensure the health of believers or churches that remain. How can churches and missionaries address the urgent need to reach unreached people without falling for quick fixes? In No Shortcut to Success, author and missionary Matt Rhodes implores Christians to stop chasing silver-bullet strategies and short-term missions, and instead embrace theologically robust and historically demonstrated methods of evangelism and discipleship—the same ones used by historic figures such as William Carey and Adoniram Judson. These great missionaries didn't rush evangelism; they spent time studying Scripture, mastering foreign languages, and building long-term relationships. Rhodes explains that modern missionaries' emphasis on minimal training and quick conversions can result in slipshod evangelism that harms the communities they intend to help. He also warns against underestimating the value of individual skill and effort—under the guise of "getting out of the Lord's way"—and empowers Christians with practical, biblical steps to proactively engage unreached groups. Biblical Ministry Advice: Examines the work of respected missionaries throughout history Encourages Professionalism in Missions: Rhodes teaches missionaries to invest in theological education, communication, and technical skills A Great Resource for Ministries: Includes specific advice for singles, parents, and other groups Insightful: Examines strengths and weaknesses of recent missionary movements


Encountering Theology of Mission

Encountering Theology of Mission

Author: Craig Ott

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2010-05

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 0801026628

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Leading evangelical mission experts offer a comprehensive theology of mission text, providing biblical, historical, and contemporary perspectives.


Think

Think

Author: John Piper

Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

Published: 2013-04-23

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 1844749622

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This is a book to help Christians to think about thinking. Focusing on the life of the mind helps us to know God better, love him more, and care for the world. Along with an emphasis on emotions and the experience of God, we also need to practise careful thinking about God. Piper contends that 'thinking is indispensable on the path to passion for God'. So how are we to maintain a healthy balance of mind and heart, thinking and feeling? Piper urges us to think for the glory of God. He demonstrates from Scripture that glorifying God with our minds and hearts is not either-or, but both-and. Thinking carefully about God fuels passion and affections for God. Likewise, Christ-exalting emotion leads to disciplined thinking. Readers will be reminded that 'the mind serves to know the truth that fuels the fires of the heart'.


Miraculous Movements

Miraculous Movements

Author: Jerry Trousdale

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 141854728X

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This close look at what the Lord is doing to spread the gospel highlights the key scriptural principles that help Christians reach out in love to share the gospel in their own community.


Embracing Shared Ministry

Embracing Shared Ministry

Author: Joseph Hellerman

Publisher: Kregel Academic

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0825442648

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Joseph Hellerman (PhD, UCLA) is Professor of New Testament at Biola University. He also currently serves as Team Pastor at Oceanside Christian Fellowship Church. Hellerman's other publications include The Ancient Church as Family, Reconstructing Honor in Roman Philippi, When the Church Was Family, and Jesus and the People of God.


Cross-Cultural Servanthood

Cross-Cultural Servanthood

Author: Duane Elmer

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2009-08-20

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 0830874836

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With careful biblical exposition and keen cross-cultural awareness, Duane Elmer offers principles and guidance for avoiding misunderstandings and building relationships in ways that honor people in other cultures.