Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

348 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

forcefully advancing and spreading like yeast through dough , but also awaiting the return of Christ when every knee will bow and there will be a new heaven and a new earth . Our evangelism and our development work acknowledge God’s kingly rule, now, during a time when the world, as a whole, does not. We announce the good news of the in-breaking Kingdom of peace and justice, call people to repentance and salvation through faith in its King, hope in its inevitable complete triumph, and live out obedience to its commands and values in the present moment. Since evangelism/church planting and development work are intimately related, those who engage in them often find that their roles and projects overlap. While this is both normal and good, a clear beginning definition of each role may help to minimize the confusion which can sometimes result from this process.

2. Kingdom Work

2.1 Missionaries Missionaries are called to pioneer new outreaches that focus on the evangelization of peoples in unreached (or under-reached) areas, social

classes, or cultural groups. Therefore, we assert that:

Missionaries cross class and cultural barriers to evangelize and disciple unreached groups so that reproducing churches are formed among them and placed at the service of God’s kingdom rule.

2.2 Development Workers Development workers are called to confront conditions and structures in the world that do not submit themselves to the rule of God. Therefore, we assert that: Development workers enable individuals, churches and communities to experience movement toward the freedom, wholeness, and justice of the Kingdom of God.

2.3 The Common Link Both missionaries and Christian development workers are united in their common commitment to further God’s kingdom rule in all areas of life.