Below I have given a short paragraph on basically a ‘theology of mission.’ I am wondering what you would add or subtract from the statement? Also, how would you try and explain what it means to “join God’s mission” in a paragraph that is all your own? DISCLAIMER: I know that this can seem a bit ‘reductionistic’ but my hope is that you will see it as an exercise to make you reflect on what matters most in regards to the mission of God and our invitation to join in his work!
Theology of Mission Statement:
Humanity is called to partner with the Creator as a subversive kingdom community, to bring shalom to the whole cosmos which is currently “subjected to frustration.”[1] Jesus’ resurrection inaugurated the “gathering up of all things”[2] through which a “new humanity”[3] is being formed to holistically transform the broken places and people of the earth, compelled by his relationally selfless love. By the Spirit we are to “groan”[4] with the pain of the world drawn towards a glorious future when all poverty, sickness, violence, and death will cease; and thus the church exists as an active signpost of hope in anticipation of God’s full expression of justice: “a new heaven and a new earth.”[5]
[1] Romans 8.20
[2] Ephesians 1.10
[3] Ephesians 2.15
[4] Romans 8.23, 26
[5] Revelation 21.1