God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church

Theology of mission is rooted in God's work in and for the world, centered on salvation in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, with a global perspective and a response to recent critiques.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

A renowned scholar presents a comprehensive and contemporary exploration of the theological underpinnings of missionary work. Lalsangkima (Kima) Pachuau contends that the theology of mission revolves around God's active involvement in and transformation of the world, with a central focus on salvation in Christ through the empowering influence of the Holy Spirit. Pachuau brings a global lens to mission theology, elucidates its connections to other theological disciplines, and acknowledges recent critiques of missions, presenting a robust response that draws from the inherent nature of God.

Theology of mission, as articulated by Pachuau, encompasses a wide range of aspects. It delves into the nature of God, the purpose of human existence, and the role of the church in the world. It explores the historical and cultural contexts in which missions have taken place and the challenges and opportunities they present. Pachuau also examines the various methods and strategies used in missionary work, including evangelism, education, healthcare, and social development.

One of the key insights of Pachuau's theology of mission is its recognition of the interconnectedness of all things. He argues that God's work in the world is not isolated or separate from human beings but is deeply intertwined with our daily lives and experiences. Pachuau emphasizes the importance of engaging with the world from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interdependence of social, economic, and environmental issues.

Pachuau further argues that the theology of mission is not merely about reaching out to other cultures and communities but about being transformed by the encounter. He believes that missionaries should be open to learning from the people they serve and be willing to adapt their approaches and strategies to meet the specific needs and realities of the communities they work with. This requires a deep sense of humility and a willingness to listen and learn from others.

In response to recent critiques of missions, Pachuau offers a compelling response rooted in the very nature of God. He acknowledges that missions have been associated with colonialism, cultural imperialism, and the exploitation of marginalized communities. However, Pachuau argues that these critiques are not representative of the true nature of God's mission. He emphasizes that God's mission is characterized by love, compassion, and justice, and that missionaries should strive to embody these qualities in their work.

Pachuau also challenges the notion that missions are solely about converting people to a particular religious belief or ideology. He recognizes that the world is diverse and complex, and that people have a wide range of spiritual and cultural beliefs and practices. Pachuau argues that the theology of mission should be inclusive and respectful of all faiths and cultures, seeking to build bridges of understanding and cooperation rather than imposing one's own beliefs on others.

In conclusion, Pachuau's theology of mission offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the theological grounding of missionary work. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of being transformed by the encounter, and the need for inclusive and respectful engagement with other faiths and cultures. Pachuau's work provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion and debate about the role of the church in the world and the nature of missionary work in the 21st century.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540961365