Studying a missional theology of the Bible is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a vital endeavor for Christian believers engaged in the work of spreading the Gospel. A missional theology provides a framework for understanding God’s overarching plan of redemption as revealed throughout the Scriptures, guiding believers in their role within this divine mission. From the covenantal promises of the Old Testament to the commissioning of the disciples in the New Testament, a missional theology connects the believer’s daily life and mission to God’s eternal purposes. Understanding these theological concepts equips believers with the necessary insight, purpose, and spiritual empowerment to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to His people. Each reason below highlights a key aspect of missional theology, showing how the biblical narrative calls and empowers believers to actively participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.
1. Covenantal Mandate as Missional Blueprint
Understanding the covenantal mandate established in the Old Testament is foundational to grasping the biblical concept of mission. When God called Abraham, He did so with a promise that extended far beyond Abraham’s immediate descendants. In Genesis 12:3, God declares, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This covenant sets forth a missional blueprint, revealing that God’s redemptive plan was always intended to be universal, encompassing all nations. By studying this aspect of missional theology, believers come to see themselves as heirs of this covenant, charged with the responsibility to be instruments of God’s blessing to the world. The covenantal promise to Abraham becomes a call for every believer to engage in God’s mission to bring blessings, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, to the ends of the earth.
2. Drawing Others through Light to the Nations
The concept of Israel as a “light to the nations” underscores the missional identity of God’s people. Isaiah 49:6 captures this calling: “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This verse illuminates the role of Israel, and by extension, all believers, as bearers of God’s glory and truth to a world shrouded in darkness. By learning this theological concept, believers understand their mission to draw others to the knowledge of the one true God. This mission is not limited to a specific group or nation but is universal in scope, reflecting God’s desire for all people to know Him. In this way, the theology of mission challenges believers to live in a manner that reflects God’s light, drawing others into His redemptive plan.
3. Ethical Imperative of Justice and Righteousness
A missional theology rooted in the Old Testament cannot be separated from the ethical demands of justice and righteousness. Micah 6:8 succinctly expresses this imperative: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Understanding the mission of God involves more than proclamation; it requires embodying God’s justice in a world marked by injustice. By studying missional theology, believers are compelled to recognize that the pursuit of justice and righteousness is integral to their missional task. This ethical dimension challenges believers to not only preach the Gospel but to live it out through acts of justice, mercy, and humility, reflecting the character of God in their interactions with others.
4. Responding to Prophetic Witness
The prophetic tradition in the Old Testament plays a crucial role in shaping a missional theology, as it calls believers to speak truth to power and advocate for social justice. Isaiah 61:1 declares, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” This prophetic mandate is not just a historical artifact but a living call for believers to respond to the injustices and challenges of their time. By embracing this aspect of missional theology, believers are encouraged to adopt a prophetic voice in their own context, challenging societal norms, advocating for the oppressed, and calling people back to covenant faithfulness. The prophetic witness reminds believers that mission is not only about conversion but also about transformation—of individuals, communities, and societies—through the transformative power of the gospel.
5. Participation in God’s Global Vision
A theology of mission must also encompass a global vision, recognizing that God’s redemptive plan is for all creation. Habakkuk 2:14 prophetically envisions this global revelation: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Learning this aspect of missional theology enables believers to see beyond the boundaries of their own culture and nation, understanding their role in the global mission of God. This vision encourages believers to actively participate in efforts to spread the knowledge of God across the world, contributing to the fulfillment of this prophecy. The global vision of mission invites believers to be part of something far greater than themselves—a movement that seeks to see the earth filled with God’s glory, as His knowledge and presence extend to every corner of the globe.
6. Great Commission Mandate
The New Testament crystallizes the missional task in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This mandate is not optional but central to the identity and mission of every believer. Studying a theology of mission helps Christians understand the importance of mission “as they go”—actively engaging in the work of disciple-making wherever they are. The Great Commission highlights the universal reach of the Gospel, calling believers to cross cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries to make disciples of all nations. This aspect of missional theology emphasizes the urgency and importance of evangelism, discipleship, and teaching as core components of the believer’s mission in the world.
7. Empowerment through Pentecost
Finally, the theology of mission is incomplete without understanding the empowerment provided by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Acts 1:8 records Jesus’ promise to His disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God’s mission, as it empowers believers to fulfill the Great Commission. Grasping this aspect of missional theology reminds believers that they do not engage in mission by their own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. This empowerment enables believers to bear witness to Christ, overcoming barriers and challenges as they spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Conclusion
In summary, a theology of mission is essential for Christian believers engaged in the missional task, as it provides them with a comprehensive understanding of their role in God’s redemptive plan. This theological foundation grounds their mission in the foundational components of God’s covenant, the call to be a light to the nations, the pursuit of justice and righteousness, the prophetic witness, participation in God’s global vision, the Great Commission mandate, and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. Equipped with this theological understanding, believers are prepared to engage in mission with purpose, conviction, and an awareness of their place within God’s overarching plan for humanity. By embracing a missional theology, believers not only fulfill their calling but also contribute to the realization of God’s ultimate goal: that His glory may fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice. Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.
