Study Notes: Introduction
Better to talk about "the mission of God" than "the mission of the church" (pXI). Mission is vast and beautiful. God is the missionary (xi). Jesus is the image of the invisible god (col 1.15) (PXI); Jesus' ministry continues through the Spirit; the presence of the Spirit is the presence of Jesus (PXI). We are the gathered and sent out community (pXII); evangelism is that aspect of mission that brings people to faith in Christ (pXII); disciples follow, apostles are sent. "In Christ we can become the people of the world we are meant to be". Not to save people from hell but to proclaim justice and joy (pXV); without evangelism there is a danger that our mission ceases to be specifically Christian (pXVI). For people from a catholic tradition, defined (pXVII) but for all Christians. Mission, evangelism, apostleship and discipleship echo the five marks of mission developed by the Anglican Consultative Council. (pXVII); Part One theoretical, Part Two practical.