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

Jesus is both the founder and head of the Church, God’s new covenant kingdom community, which is called to demonstrate God’s shalom in the midst of the people of God today. Jesus identified himself as the Messiah of the OT prophets and promise. He inaugurated his Messianic ministry with acts of healing the oppressed and preaching good news to the poor, who were the object of his attention, calling, ministry, and purpose, and authenticated his Messiahship to John the Baptist through works of justice and preaching to the poor. Furthermore, Jesus verified and confirmed the salvation of others by their treatment of the poor, and identified without reservation to the “least of these” (i.e., the hungry, thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner). The Church is God’s kingdom community. It is called to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to the poor, to act as the body of Christ with one another, and to give evidence of the life of the Age to Come in its display of justice in the world. In the life and mission of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the shalom of God’s OT covenant community is enjoyed and displayed. The Church is called to display radical generosity and hospitality to the needy, with special priority and provision for those within the community, especially to the widows, fatherless, and the poor. We are also responsible to make provision for other churches during times of calamity and distress. As Christ’s body in the world, the Church is called to be an advocate for the poor, which is a hallmark of authentic Christian mission. This advocacy includes being just (i.e., neither partial nor bigoted on account of class or difference) in the body, possessing a commitment to good works on behalf of the poor and vulnerable, and working to help meet the practical needs of others, especially those in the household of God. Regarding urban mission, the Church is called to proclaim the Good News to the poor, which includes respecting them as chosen by God and those with whom Christ identified. We are never to patronize them but deal with them justly and compassionately, confident of their ability to be transformed and to contribute to the Kingdom’s advance. The Church must act in accordance with God’s choice of the poor, which means she must defend their cause, maintain their rights, provide advocacy,

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