Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

Conclusion

» Jesus identified himself intimately with the poor, both in his calling as Messiah of God and Head of the Church. » As the Suffering Servant who fulfilled the Messianic prophecy, Jesus has created a new community, the Church, whose mission it is to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to the poor and strive to demonstrate the life of that Kingdom to its members and its neighbors. » May God grant us the Holy Spirit, the One who alone can make shalom a reality in the midst of the people of God today. Amen, and amen.

May the Entire Church Be Marshaled to Contribute to Mission, While Time Remains

The entire church is Marshaled to contribute to mission. The church worships God directly (1 Pet. 2.9; Heb. 12.28, 29; Rom. 15.5–12), ministers to the saints (Eph. 4.12–16) and to the world (Luke 24.48; Acts 5.32; Phil. 2.14–18). The means of ministry include: the ministry of the word; the ministry of order, by which Christian living is subjected to the law of love; and the ministry of mercy, manifesting the compassion of Christ. These means of ministry are common to all believers as they seek to fulfil their calling. Some members of Christ’s body have gifts in one or more of these areas to an unusual degree. There are administrative gifts that require public recognition for their proper exercise. The NT therefore describes offices in the church: apostles and prophets to lay the foundation and launch the mission (Eph. 2.20; 3.5); evangelists, pastors and teachers to proclaim the revealed word with authority (Eph. 4.11; ); others with gifts for government to join them in ruling the church (Rom. 12.8; 1 Cor. 12.28; 1 Tim. 5.17); and deacons to administer the service of mercy (1 Tim. 3.8–13). Those who govern are given to the church by Christ to serve in his name, under his lordship. Church power is spiritual (2 Cor. 10.3–6), ministerial (1 Pet. 5.3; Matt. 20.25–28), and only declarative (Mark 7.8; Rev. 21.18, 19). Yet it is authoritative (Matt. 16.19; 18.17–20; 10.14-15; Heb. 13.17). ~ E. P. Clowney. “Church.” The New Dictionary of Theology . S. B. Ferguson, ed. (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. p. 142.

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