Theology of Missions Paper

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Theology of Missions

A research paper submitted to

Dr. Christopher Ballew

GLST 500-D14

Global Studies Survey

by

Ben Sollie

November 9, 2014

CONTENTS

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………

The Nature of God and Mission…………………………………………………………….

Old Testament and New Testament Texts Relating to Mission……………………………

How Mission Theology Relates to other Aspects of Theology……………………………

Key Themes of Mission……………………………………………………………………

How Mission Theology Relates to the Missionary, Church Leaders and Lay People……..

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………..

Introduction
Mission is a term that has been widely used and many times misused among evangelical circles. The idea of mission must be understood, however, because mission is about God’s glory. If God truly is going to be glorified among all peoples of the earth, then the idea of mission must be taken seriously. This paper will present a Biblical theology of mission by examining the nature of God and mission, by discussing Old and New Testament texts that relate to mission, by addressing how mission theology relates to other aspects of theology, by looking at themes of mission theology, and finally by discussing how mission theology relates to missionaries, church leaders, and lay people not in full time ministry.
The Nature of God and Mission
Constructing a theology of mission begins with understanding the mission of God. Misseo Dei, or “mission of God” is the idea that “God is the one who initiates and sustains mission”. 1 Mission originates and is centered around God. Moreau et al., write, “Mission is truly a God-centered enterprise”.2 Scripture is clear that God is committed to His fame and making Himself known among all peoples.3 Psalm 96:9-7 says,
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;