Intro to Missiology Midterm P1

Mission vs. Missions

Mission: God's work of redeeming creation; missions: intentional cross-cultural disciple-making by the church.

Missio Dei

The mission of God, originating in the character, love, and initiative of the Triune God.

Missiology

The interdisciplinary study of Christian mission, integrating theology, history, anthropology, sociology, and practice.

Cultural Mandate

God's command in Genesis 1:26–30 and 2:15 to fill, cultivate, govern, and steward the earth for His glory.

William Carey's An Enquiry (1792)

Treatise arguing Christians must use means to evangelize the nations; helped launch modern Protestant missions.

Armenia

Historically recognized as the first officially Christian nation, around AD 301, under Tiridates III and Gregory the Illuminator.

Francis Xavier

Jesuit co-founder and 16th-century missionary to India, Malacca, and Japan who adapted to local customs.

Epistle of Diognetus

Early Christian apologetic describing Christians as heavenly citizens living as foreigners within earthly societies.

Eusebius of Caesarea

4th-century Father of Church History who documented early evangelists and church-planting efforts.

Julian the Apostate

Roman emperor (361–363) who opposed Christianity and criticized Christians for helping pagan poor.

Constantine

Roman emperor associated with the Edict of Milan (AD 313), which legalized Christianity.

Boniface

8th-century missionary called the Apostle to the Germans; famously felled Thor's Sacred Oak.

Patrick of Ireland

5th-century missionary who returned to Ireland after enslavement to evangelize the Irish.

Prince Vladimir

Ruler of Kievan Rus' who ordered mass conversion and baptism in Kiev in AD 988.

Francis of Assisi

13th-century Franciscan founder who embraced apostolic poverty and preached to Egypt's sultan during the Fifth Crusade.

Raymond Lull

Medieval missionary to Muslims who emphasized Arabic, intellectual engagement, and sacrificial love over crusading violence.

Bishop Alopen

Syrian Christian monk who arrived in Chang'an in AD 635 and gained imperial support for Christianity in China.

Encomienda System

Spanish colonial system granting colonists indigenous labor in exchange for religious instruction; often became exploitative.

Matteo Ricci

Italian Jesuit who entered China in 1583, adopted Confucian scholar dress, learned Chinese, and engaged elites through science.

David Brainerd

18th-century missionary to Native Americans whose published diary inspired generations of missionaries.

William Carey

English Baptist missionary known as the Father of Modern Protestant Missions; co-founded the Baptist Missionary Society in 1792.

Adoniram Judson

First American Baptist foreign missionary; served in Burma, endured imprisonment, and translated the Burmese Bible.

J. Hudson Taylor

Founder of the China Inland Mission (1865); promoted faith missions and work in China's interior.

Samuel Zwemer

American Reformed missionary known as the Apostle to Islam; served in the Persian Gulf and edited The Moslem World.

Context for Missions Today

Key realities: AIDS epidemic, religious persecution, Western relativism and pluralism, globalism, and tribalism.

Preparing Spiritually for Missions

Cultivate a daily walk with God through Scripture study, prayer, and personal holiness.

Preparing Relationally for Missions

Develop healthy family and interpersonal relationships and resolve personal conflicts before departure.

Preparing Through Local Cross-Cultural Ministry

Practice outreach at home among immigrants, refugees, and international students.

Preparing With Church Confirmation

Partner with a sending church to discern and confirm God's guidance in community.

Misconception: Missionaries Are Superspiritual

Missionaries are ordinary believers who also face personal, relational, and mental health struggles.

Misconception: Missionaries Are Misfits at Home

Most missionaries are not fleeing an inability to fit into their home culture.

Misconception: Missionaries Are Adventure Seekers

Missionary motivation is not thrill-seeking; language learning and cultural stress challenge romantic expectations.

Misconception: Missionaries Easily Learn Languages

Language acquisition requires disciplined, sustained effort.

Misconception: Missionaries Need a Mystical Call

Guidance can come through conviction, church affirmation, wisdom, and circumstances; visions are not required.

Misconception: Missionaries Are Cultural Imperialists

Responsible mission emphasizes listening, learning, and contextualizing the gospel rather than destroying cultures.

Misconception: Missionaries Are No Longer Needed

National churches do not eliminate the need for cross-cultural workers among unreached peoples.

Misconception: Missionaries Must Go Overseas

Migration and urbanization bring unreached people groups into Western cities.

Misconception: Missionaries Live in the Bush

Modern cross-cultural missions increasingly take place in major urban centers.

Misconception: Missionaries Must Serve for Life

Missionary service may be temporary or term-based rather than a lifelong commitment.