Adventist Theological-Missiology: Contextualization in Mission and Ministry

Abstract

"...the purpose of theology and mission is to demonstrate in word and deed, in theory and in practice, the everlasting gospel (Rev. 14). It is to aim at the cross of Calvary, declaring and presenting with power and effectiveness the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn.1:29). Paul demonstrates this theology and this mission by getting as close as possible to people in order to save them for Christ. He says: “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). This is the methodology of Paul, who by word and deed integrates into his ministry both the knowledge and the preaching of the gospel. He says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). He takes the example of Christ and contextualizes it in his own apostolic life. Paul’s theology and mission relate to each other not just as theory and practice, in the sense that his mission flows from his theology, but rather in the sense that his theology is mission oriented, and his mission is fully related to his identity, vocation and calling. Both his theology and mission are birthed in God’s revelation, and as such God’s revelation propels Paul’s mission and drives his theology. Paul is a theologian, but above all he is an apostle, a servant, a missionary."