U173 The Great Commission and God’s Mission

Section

Topic

Key Focus Areas

1

Understanding the Mission of God

Definition and theological roots of Missio Dei; God’s initiative rooted in love; Biblical narrative from creation to redemption; Implications for holistic mission (social justice, evangelism, and environmental stewardship).

2

Great Commission: Making Disciples

Christ’s core mandate; Teaching and nurturing beyond conversion; Adapting disciple-making to diverse cultural contexts (contextualization); The Holy Spirit’s role in empowerment and discernment.

3

Finishing the Task of the Great Commission

Identifying and engaging unreached people groups; Innovative strategies (digital evangelism, micro-enterprises); Overcoming logistical, linguistic, and political barriers with resilience.

4

Work of the Holy Spirit

Biblical precedents for signs and wonders affirming the gospel; Contemporary theological perspectives on miracles (charismatic vs. cessationist); Practical integration of signs and wonders in missions with discernment and humility.

5

Pauline Model of Fulfilling the Great Commission

Blueprint from Paul’s Missionary Journeys (strategic locations, partnerships); Paul’s model of cultural engagement and adaptation; Theological foundations of Paul’s mission (grace, faith, relational evangelism).

6

Action and the Great Commission

Translating faith into active participation (service, advocacy, societal engagement); Mobilizing the local church (training, resource allocation); The role of lay believers and the priesthood of all believers.

7

Local and Global Missions: From Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth

The “Jerusalem” starting point and global expansion model; Interconnection and complementarity of local and global efforts; Building effective cross-boundary partnerships and networks.

8

Centrality of the Church in Missions

The church as the primary agent and a missional community (outreach, discipleship, social transformation); Equipping the church (leadership training, spiritual growth); Church planting and renewal for sustained momentum.

9

Who is a Missionary?

Broadening the definition beyond traditional stereotypes; The rise of vocational and bi-vocational missionaries; Inspiring members to be “local missionaries” in their everyday lives.

10

Major Missionary Movements in (Local Country)

Historical analysis of local missionary movements (contributions and challenges); Current contemporary mission trends in the region; Lessons and legacy for shaping future strategies.