Virtuous persuasion : a theology of Christian mission / [print]
Michael Niebauer.
- Bellingham, Washington : Lexham Academic, (c)2022.
- xiii, 289 pages ; 23 cm.
- Studies in historical and systematic theology .
- Studies in historical & systematic theology. .
Includes bibliographies and index.
The American Society of Missiology Series preface -- The critical task: Three models, three problems: Mission and the missio Dei -- Mission as growth -- Mission as dialogue -- The constructive task: Mission, virtue, and the practices of proclamation and gathering: Mission as virtuous practice -- Proclamation -- Gathering -- Entering into the craft of mission: Tragedy, tradition, and telos -- Conclusion.
Christians who are engaged in missions regularly face ethical challenges. But the approaches and standards of modern missions often further complicate, rather than alleviate, matters. Modern missiology debates what actions constitute mission work, how to measure growth, and the difference between persuasion and coercion. In Virtuous Persuasion, Michael Niebauer casts a holistic vision for Christian mission that is rooted in theological ethics and moral philosophy. Niebauer proposes a theology of mission grounded in virtue. Becoming a skilled missionary is more about following Christ than mastering techniques. Christian mission is best understood as specific activities that develop virtue in its practitioners and move them toward their ultimate goal of partaking in the glory of God. With Virtuous Persuasion, you can rethink the essence of Jesus's Great Commission and how we seek to fulfill it.
9781683595052
2022933802
1900-1999
Missions--History of doctrines--20th century. Missions--Theory--History--20th century.