In a recent interview by Jamie Aprin-Ricci with missiologist Michael Frost, Michael shared the following thoughts:
“…our christology should lead to our missiology which in turn will lead to our ecclesiology. In other words, the way we understand the gospels and the character of God revealed to us in Jesus will affect our way of thinking about our mission in the world. If we get our christology right, it will lead to a right missiology. If we engage missionally in a godly fashion, issues such as how to ‘do’ church (ecclesiology) will take care of themselves.” – Michael Frost
“For I have given you an example, that you should also do just as I have done to you.” John 13:15 – Jesus
Christology (Jesus) – Missiology (Mission) -Ecclesiology (Church)
- How do you arrive at your mission in ministry?
- Is it rooted in Christ’s example?
- Does your relationship with Jesus and His example compel you in any particular way? How?
- What dictates your understanding of church and the form(s) it should take?
- Is it rooted in God’s missional example?
- What do you think about Michael Frost’s statements above?
I think this is a great quote, and I agree completely. I think a significant problem these days is we start with ecclesiology, and let our desire to build bigger churches inform our missiology. I’m not sure either shapes our christology.
John…
I’m really excited that you have been talking about missions. :] Not sure why… ha!
In a message that I shared at some point this year I was talking about Purpose… and the infamous “Great Commission” …
I found some things that I think I “knew” but didn’t really “know”, you know?
Like… what does the word “purpose” mean? One’s purpose is their reason for existing. Isn’t that heavy?? I decided that if my PURPOSE was my reason for EXISTING then it was a pretty important thing to know.
The last thing that Jesus said to His disciples was this , “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
When Jesus spoke those words He was giving us direction….the way to live out our purpose… to bring glory to God… to have relationship with Him, to worship Him…
the word “go” means to “reach, extend, or give access to” and it also means “to continue in a certain state or condition and be habitually” … so to “go” means to have habit or to continue in the state of sharing the love and truth of God which in turn brings Glory to Him , builds and adds relationship, and worship…
we can do that anywhere and everywhere… be it China or Africa or Turkey, or your workplace or home… maybe I should say China AND Africa AND Turkey AND your workplace AND your home…
man… i could talk about this stuff all day long. i love it. i’m really excited that you are on this missions kick. :]
signed,
josh’s sign. :] hhehehe
I thought the interview was cool and loved that quote.
I think it is a good way of thinking about the strategy of the church, that church is an out growing or byproduct of finding Jesus and His mission. When you have hold of Jesus in your heart, mind and soul it does lead to mission and that then translates into church.