Spirit, Church and Mission

Abstract

This article utilises the methodology of Third Article Theology to explore the church’s missional role in the world. Initially arguing that ecclesiology and missiology are mutually informing doctrines, it develops a dialogical and pneumatological approach for viewing missiology from the vantage point of ecclesiology. This contrasts with and complements the more common approach where missiology is seen as determinative of ecclesiology. The final and major section of the article uses this approach to sketch out the constituent features of the church’s mission, particularly when the Spirit’s role is viewed as primary and constitutive.