Missionaries in the Twenty-First Century: Their Nature,Their Nurture,Their Mission

Abstract

This article combines elements from the emerging mission paradigm suggested by David J. Bosch in his seminal work, Transforming Mission (1991), with insights into the education of twenty-first century missionaries. The conceptual model developed here sees praxis and poiesis, theological contextualization and spiritual formation, being brought together in listening and responding movements of missions. It is suggested that missionaries will be best prepared for missions in a new century through emphases upon (1) nurture for praxis as they learn to exegete the Word, exegete the world, and bring these together in local theologies, and (2) nurture for poiesis as their worship and witness become expressive craftsmanship and spiritual service within Christian communities.