The book explores the Church's mission to introduce individuals to Christ, emphasizing the importance of establishing a God-prescribed context for His presence. It argues against merely adapting information to fit various contexts, advocating instead for a deeper invitational core that invites divine communion. Drawing on ecclesial Tradition, the text outlines how these gifts can create conditions that foster engagement with the world and facilitate spiritual connections.
The book argues for a reassessment of the Eastern Orthodox Church's mission in light of globalization's impact on missionary work. While Western Christians have proactively adapted their missional strategies, the Orthodox Church, despite its historical contributions to missions, has largely been excluded from contemporary discussions on missiology. However, a shift is occurring, prompting a renewed engagement with the theological foundations of Orthodox missions.
Exploring the concept of the Gospel as a personal relationship rather than mere information, this book addresses the challenges of evangelism in a late-modern world marked by existential anxiety and social alienation. It highlights how contemporary issues contribute to a "loss of Self," complicating both the presentation and reception of the Gospel. By emphasizing the personal nature of the Gospel, the text offers insights on how to effectively communicate this message, facilitating a recovery of individual identity and meaningful social discourse in today's context.
Religious communities in North America face challenges from a consumer-oriented society that undermines their customs and values. William Leach argues that instead of resisting these influences, many groups attempt to integrate Christianity with contemporary culture. This adaptation poses a significant risk of marginalizing the church and altering its core teachings and practices.
The book explores the essence of church growth, emphasizing that true growth stems from embodying the divine ideal rather than merely increasing numbers or activities. It critiques the common focus on metrics and strategies, advocating instead for a deeper understanding of the church's identity as defined by the four marks: Oneness, Holiness, Catholicity, and Apostolicity. By aligning with these characteristics, the church can authentically grow and fulfill its intended purpose, highlighting the importance of being over doing in ecclesial life.
Während auf der ganzen Welt der Einfluss des liberalen Protestantismus schwindet, sind die Evangelikalen weltweit auf dem Vormarsch. Das gilt nicht nur für die Anzahl der ausgesandten Missionare, sondern auch für die Intensität der missionstheologischen Forschung. Diese Münchener Dissertation stellt sich u. a. folgende Fragen: 1. Inwieweit steht die positive Entwicklung der evangelikalen Missionsarbeit in einem direkten Zusammenhang mit ihrer missionstheologischen Auffassung? 2. Welche charakteristischen Merkmale weist die evangelikale Missionstheologie auf? 3. Inwiefern bestimmen diese missionstheologischen Ansätze die Gestaltung bzw. Strategie dieser Missionsarbeit? 4. Welche Folgen ergeben sich daraus für die Mission? Der Autor stellt die Entwürfe führender amerikanischer Missionstheologen vor und weist auf die Zusammenhänge hin, die zum inneren und äußeren Wachstum führen.
Expert analysis of contextualization is a hallmark of David Hesselgrave's work, showcasing his deep understanding and insights in the field. The book reflects his extensive knowledge, as noted by George Peters, emphasizing Hesselgrave's ability to illuminate complex concepts with clarity and precision. Readers can anticipate a comprehensive exploration of contextualization, enriched by Hesselgrave's expertise and thoughtful analysis.