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God's Mission and Ours: The challenge of telling the nationsThe challengeGOD'S MISSION AND OURS: This is a good little book on a vital biblical theme: and, as all the contributors are drawn from the Australian CMS, edited by the Principal of Moore College, inevitably good biblical stuff. The title, reminding us that mission is God's work, and that mission reflects his character, whets our interest. The introduction explains that it is a 'small book, for use in churches, among small groups and by individuals' and each of the nine brief chapters concluded with a couple of useful study questions for discussion. Its chief problem is that it is such a brief treatment - and while wonderful nuggets of truth are revealed, inevitably it has to be a somewhat skimpy presentation, and occasionally a little turgid and disappointing on such an exciting theme. The first half gives a potted version of 'the biblical basis of mission' in 57 small pages. In the second half, 58 pages are devoted to succinct treatment of aspects of the present secular world view that undermines our Christian commitment to make disciples of all nations irrespective of cultural religious traditions. Brief chapters on post-modernism, pluralistic relativism (the challenge to Christ's uniqueness), care for people and the environment, and verbal proclamation of the gospel follow each other in rapid succession. A concluding practical chapter urges readers to get out and witness where they are and to become involved with a mission society supported by their own church. Having said that, however, this book gives more material than most congregations would get in a 'missionary weekend' or a 'mission Sunday' in a couple of brief addresses, indeed it might provide a useful summary of material to be covered when trying to motivate and educate congregations through such teaching weekends. It could thus be valuable to pastors and church mission committees as they plan such significant occasions. Michael Griffiths© Evangelicals Now - August 2001 |