When we speak of the Biblical basis for Christian Missions, a lot of time is placed on the Great Commissions. Shortly before the ascension of Jesus, He spoke to His disciples. Actually, the different Gospel accounts not only give different versions of such a "commissioning" but there seems to be a difference in the setting …
Continue reading 33AD 1st Millennium Missions History. Reflections on the Great Commissions
The Great Commision is not so great when it is one-dimensional instead of three-dimensional. Here, let me humbly reprimand us as evangelicals, among whom the very term "Great Commision" caught on like wildfire in the first place. We have essentially equated the Great Commission with the ministry of evangelism, with Matthew 28 earning the distinction …
Continue reading Quote on “Three-Dimensional Great Commission”
The Matthew 28 version of the Great Commission speaks of developing Disciples. There appear to be three basic steps: They are Evangelize, Baptize, and Teach/Train. The question is where does it start. Within the context of the various Great Commission versions, the start seems to be with Evangelize. That is because the key issue of …
Continue reading The Great Commission: Changing the Starting Point
I have never cared for the assumption that the foundation for Christian Missions is the Great Commission. There are reasons for this, some of which I have talked of elsewhere. However, let's take a fairly simple case as shown in two options: 1. Great Commission is given priority over the Great Commandment. Behavior is given …
Continue reading Which Comes First— Great Commission or Commandment
In "Ninety-two Questions on Humility in Theology and Science" (1999), Sir John Templeton listed as question #74: "Is trying to help in God's creativity processes a way to express our worship and thankfulness?" I suppose that is a good question. One of the seeming defining characteristics of Man is the ability to be creative, and …
Recently I have seen a couple of organizations that have as part of their vision statement that they seek to "fulfill the Great Commission." When people say "Great Commission," they are normally thinking of Matthew 28, starting in verse 18, but there are others. Actually, a lot of mission groups have similar statements; it just …
Continue reading Nitpicking on the Phrase, “Fulfill the Great Commission”
Acts 1:8 speaks of missions outreach beginning in Jerusalem and expanding to Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Of course, this statement simply could be looked at as descriptive... what has actually happened in missions. Additionally, it could be looked at as thematic... providing the structure for the book of Acts. …
I recall back in 1984, the first time I had bumped into the argument over Baptism... specifically whether one should baptize in the name of Jesus Christ or in the name of "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." It is remarkable at how intense the emotions rise in some people on an issue …
Continue reading The Importance of the Trinity in the Great Commission
Our main ministry here in the Philippines is a christian counseling center (with a few other things as well). We are also on the board of directors of an orphanage. At one time, it was pretty easy to convince people that supporting an orphanage is a good thing. But this viewpoint seems to be going …
Continue reading Christian Missions that is NOT “Church Planting”
Recently, I heard of a church that had cut off support to an orphanage in another country. Why? Because they believed that helping children under 5 years old was inconsistent with the Great Commission. Now I freely accept that any church has the right to support or stop support for any outside ministry. Since there …