Comments on: 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century ALERT: Dr. Köstenberger’s blogs are now becoming available in Spanish. We will continue to add new posts as soon as they can be translated. Click on “Espanol” above Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:35:08 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Ryan http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-89628 Ryan Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:20:20 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-89628 Dr. Köstenberger, I appreciate your points for a local church's role in fulfilling the "mission of the church." I think in regard to points 3, 8, & 9 speaking to the Acts 1:8/MT 28:18-20 part of the work/purpose of the local church, it would be beneficial to speak to the different roles of the church members, namely in speaking to the role of the local church in fulfilling the "ends of the earth" part of the mission of bearing witness to the Gospel: "sent out ones" from local churches. This requires a mutual responsibility and unique local church-apostle relationship that most do not understand, don't think of, or don't have a need for or opportunity for. Many times the "apostle"/"sent out one" is going through a parachurch missions sending agency, so there is little to no local church in the picture. Many local churches are not conscious of the role of a "sent out one" in the Acts 13:1-5 sense of the term/role, so the local churches are not fulfilling their part of the responsibility/relationship. This is a major issue overseas/on the field "sent out ones" are currently dealing with: it is a need to study and understand and follow the biblical model of local churches and apostolic roles/calling in fulfilling the Great Commission, especially in regard to a Great Commission Resurgence. http://rynoyak.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/sent-out-ones-local-church-vs-individual/ Great info, thank you! Dr. Köstenberger,
I appreciate your points for a local church’s role in fulfilling the “mission of the church.”
I think in regard to points 3, 8, & 9 speaking to the Acts 1:8/MT 28:18-20 part of the work/purpose of the local church, it would be beneficial to speak to the different roles of the church members, namely in speaking to the role of the local church in fulfilling the “ends of the earth” part of the mission of bearing witness to the Gospel: “sent out ones” from local churches.
This requires a mutual responsibility and unique local church-apostle relationship that most do not understand, don’t think of, or don’t have a need for or opportunity for. Many times the “apostle”/”sent out one” is going through a parachurch missions sending agency, so there is little to no local church in the picture. Many local churches are not conscious of the role of a “sent out one” in the Acts 13:1-5 sense of the term/role, so the local churches are not fulfilling their part of the responsibility/relationship.
This is a major issue overseas/on the field “sent out ones” are currently dealing with: it is a need to study and understand and follow the biblical model of local churches and apostolic roles/calling in fulfilling the Great Commission, especially in regard to a Great Commission Resurgence.
http://rynoyak.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/sent-out-ones-local-church-vs-individual/
Great info, thank you!

]]> By: thomas http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-86957 thomas Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:47:31 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-86957 I'm commenting way past this page's original posting. Whenever I see the definite article attached to "church," I pause and wonder if it is really that definite and does not warrant extensive consideration before proceding further. I’m commenting way past this page’s original posting.

Whenever I see the definite article attached to “church,” I pause and wonder if it is really that definite and does not warrant extensive consideration before proceding further.

]]> By: Intersected » Blog Archive » 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-84711 Intersected » Blog Archive » 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century Wed, 13 May 2009 14:18:21 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-84711 [...] From Andreas Köstenberger, professor of New Testament and director of Ph.D. studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation [...] [...] From Andreas Köstenberger, professor of New Testament and director of Ph.D. studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation [...]

]]> By: Twelve Theses on the Mission of the Church « Seedplot http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-80105 Twelve Theses on the Mission of the Church « Seedplot Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:51:16 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-80105 [...] Theses on the Mission of the Church Jump to Comments This is a stimulating article by Andreas Köstenberger, There are few tasks more urgent than for the church to reflect on the [...] [...] Theses on the Mission of the Church Jump to Comments This is a stimulating article by Andreas Köstenberger, There are few tasks more urgent than for the church to reflect on the [...]

]]> By: Alfred Horsford http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-79963 Alfred Horsford Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:52:13 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-79963 (9)The way in which the kingdom of God is extended in this world today is through regenerate believers acting out their Christian faith in their God-assigned spheres of life: the church, their families, their workplace, the societies in which they live (Eph 5:18-6:9; 1 Pet 2:13-3:7). While I agree with this point I believe that it does not go far enough. Biblical faith must be spread, not only by being acted out, but also by being articulated. I am sure that you would that this is your position as well. Biblical faith must be practiced and proclaimed. It is vital, visual, and verbal. We are commanded to teach the nations by telling them. Too many of us try to walk without the talk. Good job. I appreciate your efforts for the cause of Christ and especially your humility is welcoming criticisms. (9)The way in which the kingdom of God is extended in this world today is through regenerate believers acting out their Christian faith in their God-assigned spheres of life: the church, their families, their workplace, the societies in which they live (Eph 5:18-6:9; 1 Pet 2:13-3:7).
While I agree with this point I believe that it does not go far enough. Biblical faith must be spread, not only by being acted out, but also by being articulated. I am sure that you would that this is your position as well. Biblical faith must be practiced and proclaimed. It is vital, visual, and verbal. We are commanded to teach the nations by telling them. Too many of us try to walk without the talk. Good job. I appreciate your efforts for the cause of Christ and especially your humility is welcoming criticisms.

]]> By: Andreas Kostenberger on the Mission of the Church in the 21st Century « The Outpost http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-75752 Andreas Kostenberger on the Mission of the Church in the 21st Century « The Outpost Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:27:03 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-75752 [...] Kostenberger gives details on all 12 of these theses and some other suggested resources here. [...] [...] Kostenberger gives details on all 12 of these theses and some other suggested resources here. [...]

]]> By: 12 pts on the mission of the Church on the 12th | deTheos http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-75024 12 pts on the mission of the Church on the 12th | deTheos Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:40:10 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-75024 [...] Andreas Kostenberger writes about the mission of the church : [...] [...] Andreas Kostenberger writes about the mission of the church : [...]

]]> By: In Light of the Gospel » Blog Archive » 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-74895 In Light of the Gospel » Blog Archive » 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:02:05 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-74895 [...] Andreas Köstenberger points out that the nature of the church and its mission are so fundamental that we must have a clear view of its task in the world today. He says, “I developed the following 12 theses as a humble contribution to the ongoing conversation on this topic. Could you please read these theses and give me feedback on anything with which you disagree or anything I left out?” Here are his twelve theses: (1)   The church’s mission-in both belief and practice-should be grounded in the biblical theology of mission. [...] [...] Andreas Köstenberger points out that the nature of the church and its mission are so fundamental that we must have a clear view of its task in the world today. He says, “I developed the following 12 theses as a humble contribution to the ongoing conversation on this topic. Could you please read these theses and give me feedback on anything with which you disagree or anything I left out?” Here are his twelve theses: (1)   The church’s mission-in both belief and practice-should be grounded in the biblical theology of mission. [...]

]]> By: Joshua Walker http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-74684 Joshua Walker Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:30:43 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-74684 Dr. Kostenberger, You’ve asked for feedback so I’ll offer what I can, fully acknowledging that you have thought more about this than I have. For most points I agree so the feedback below will be only points where I have questions or possible disagreement. #2 – I wonder where ‘full and sole authority’ leaves us with regard to studying given cultures and thinking about how to particularly engage that culture. When we start discussing ‘strategies’ rather than merely principles, why would it not be appropriate to bring in information outside of Scripture? The fascinating thing to me is that the only strategy that Jesus left was ‘make disciples’ without giving the particulars. Are you saying that, for example, if we are to devise a strategy to reach an Animist culture that it would be inappropriate to understand Animism (apart from the universals of all cultures that are described in Scripture)? Would it be inappropriate to try and understand what it is they believe so that we can more effectively see where the Gospel needs to be brought to bear in their lives? An approach that does not appropriately study a given culture will likely lead to syncretism rather than conversion because it will usually deal with issues from the source culture rather than those that are primary in the destination culture. Maybe I’ve misunderstood you, but this seems to be the way this point is heading. #3 – I have some of the similar concerns explained above under #2; especially when you include “and practice.” It is quite possible that you are aiming this point at a certain belief within missiology but it could be misinterpreted in odd ways. #5 – Your contrast of “the gospel and its abiding truth and relevance for lost sinners” with “human need” seems to be a false dichotomy to me. Isn’t the fact that you include “lost sinners” in the first part imply that human need is part of the gospel? Maybe you are speaking of a particular type of human need and wanting to avoid a ‘social gospel’, but certainly sin and its consequences are the cause of all human need and it is this particularly these which the gospel is meant to remedy. #7 – I’m curious what would constitute putting “context and experience…on par with scripture.” In what way is “the contemporary context important”? And how would you recommend this proceeding without putting it “on par” with Scripture? There seems to be an implicit assumption that “contemporary context” is going to be inherently at odds with Scripture so one must take precedence over the other. If scripture speaks of reality, as things really are, in every culture, then if we understand a contemporary context accurately, the two ought to be complementary rather than in tension. #11 – I’m curious how this works out in light of #2 and #3 – Scripture does not give us a full explanation of how we are to organize, so when we organize it will inevitably be influenced by principles outside of Scripture. How does that not contradict #2 & #3 (especially the part about “the practice of mission” – wouldn’t that include organization?)? I just want to say again that I agree with most of your points and actually think that we may be in more agreement on the points that I’ve raised. It’s quite possible that I’ve just misunderstood what you’re trying to say. I hope this is valuable feedback for you. If you want to interact on any of these points, please feel free to email me directly. Joshua Dr. Kostenberger,
You’ve asked for feedback so I’ll offer what I can, fully acknowledging that you have thought more about this than I have. For most points I agree so the feedback below will be only points where I have questions or possible disagreement.

#2 – I wonder where ‘full and sole authority’ leaves us with regard to studying given cultures and thinking about how to particularly engage that culture. When we start discussing ‘strategies’ rather than merely principles, why would it not be appropriate to bring in information outside of Scripture? The fascinating thing to me is that the only strategy that Jesus left was ‘make disciples’ without giving the particulars. Are you saying that, for example, if we are to devise a strategy to reach an Animist culture that it would be inappropriate to understand Animism (apart from the universals of all cultures that are described in Scripture)? Would it be inappropriate to try and understand what it is they believe so that we can more effectively see where the Gospel needs to be brought to bear in their lives? An approach that does not appropriately study a given culture will likely lead to syncretism rather than conversion because it will usually deal with issues from the source culture rather than those that are primary in the destination culture. Maybe I’ve misunderstood you, but this seems to be the way this point is heading.

#3 – I have some of the similar concerns explained above under #2; especially when you include “and practice.” It is quite possible that you are aiming this point at a certain belief within missiology but it could be misinterpreted in odd ways.

#5 – Your contrast of “the gospel and its abiding truth and relevance for lost sinners” with “human need” seems to be a false dichotomy to me. Isn’t the fact that you include “lost sinners” in the first part imply that human need is part of the gospel? Maybe you are speaking of a particular type of human need and wanting to avoid a ‘social gospel’, but certainly sin and its consequences are the cause of all human need and it is this particularly these which the gospel is meant to remedy.

#7 – I’m curious what would constitute putting “context and experience…on par with scripture.” In what way is “the contemporary context important”? And how would you recommend this proceeding without putting it “on par” with Scripture? There seems to be an implicit assumption that “contemporary context” is going to be inherently at odds with Scripture so one must take precedence over the other. If scripture speaks of reality, as things really are, in every culture, then if we understand a contemporary context accurately, the two ought to be complementary rather than in tension.

#11 – I’m curious how this works out in light of #2 and #3 – Scripture does not give us a full explanation of how we are to organize, so when we organize it will inevitably be influenced by principles outside of Scripture. How does that not contradict #2 & #3 (especially the part about “the practice of mission” – wouldn’t that include organization?)?

I just want to say again that I agree with most of your points and actually think that we may be in more agreement on the points that I’ve raised. It’s quite possible that I’ve just misunderstood what you’re trying to say. I hope this is valuable feedback for you. If you want to interact on any of these points, please feel free to email me directly.

Joshua

]]> By: Kostenberger: 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century « The Crimson Window http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/blog/the-church/12-theses-on-the-church%e2%80%99s-mission-in-the-twenty-first-century/comment-page-1#comment-74683 Kostenberger: 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century « The Crimson Window Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:27:31 +0000 http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=207#comment-74683 [...] Andreas Kostenberger, Missiology, The Church Andreas Kostenberger has presented 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century.  Few people take the time to understand the church’s mission in this world.  This list [...] [...] Andreas Kostenberger, Missiology, The Church Andreas Kostenberger has presented 12 Theses on the Church’s Mission in the Twenty-First Century.  Few people take the time to understand the church’s mission in this world.  This list [...]

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