•Mission Concept in the Bible
The concept of mission, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, is deeply embedded within its scriptures. Christopher Wright, in The Missional God, highlights how Christianity has traditionally emphasized a Messianic understanding of the Old Testament, while its Missional reading remains underdeveloped. The global perspectives on mission differ significantly: the Global South tends to embrace the term, while the Global North, due to its historical ties to proselytization, is more cautious about it.
•Challenges in the Global South and North
In the Global South, mission is often linked to European missionary activities, which, while including positive selfless efforts, are also marred by colonial exploitation. This duality complicates the term’s understanding, especially when viewed through the lens of historical church activities such as the Crusades. Mission work in these regions today sometimes takes the form of short-term gospel campaigns, focusing on specific events rather than long-term engagement.
•Definition of Mission
Mission, broadly defined, refers to an important assignment or calling, especially for religious organizations, to spread their faith. More specifically, it is understood as Missio Dei—the divine activity of God sending intermediaries to fulfill His purposes. This concept is rooted in God’s own mission to redeem humanity, starting from the ‘protoevangelium’ in Genesis 3:15.
•CMC Machakos’ Understanding of Mission
At CMC Machakos, mission is seen from the Missio Dei perspective, focusing on God’s action to save humanity. The church embraces this biblical understanding, which transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Mission is not just a human endeavor but a divine calling, where God uses individuals from all walks of life to spread His redemptive message.