The Continuing Challenge of Mission to the World

Abstract

The challenge of being on mission in the 21st century can be informed by looking back to the wisdom of two Southern Seminary professors of mission, W.O. Carver and Hugo Culpepper. In two of their many articles Carver and Culpepper give a glimpse into the future we are now living. Carver's article, entitled, ““Foreign Missions”: The New Era and The New Method,” examined the role of the missionary in light of developing autonomy and indigenous Christianity developing across the world. He pointed to the successes of mission efforts and the natural course of events that lead to autonomy on the part of indigenous churches. He warned about the interference of boards and agency “statesmen” who often knew little of the work on the field and were often making policies for mission work that proved problematic to the missionaries on the field. He also spoke to the dangers of nationalism and how nationalism could threaten the very heart of the gospel itself. Hugo Culpepper wrote an article entitled, “The Christian Message Amid the eligions,” where he examined the growing reality of world religion and the need for understanding and dialogue. He examined the heart of each of the major world religions and sought to show how Christianity could enter into dialogue with each. Both articles are important for today's missionary in light of the tensions that missionaries from the U.S. face in a world that is rejecting perceived Western nationalism and from militant Islam. Carver's warning to agencies and boards is especially important in light of increasing pressure on missionaries from fundamenatlist sending agencies that make the work of the missionary more difficult on the field. Culpepper's article calls for more dialogue with world religions and understanding of their world view. This is especially important with Islam these days since so many missionaries are in countries where large populations of Muslims are present. Both articles can inform the missionary today. The articles seek to place the leadership for mission in the hands of the missionary and to empower the missionary to be more aware of the world in which they minister.