Abstract
Every once in a while a missions survey text comes along that serves as a go-to standard for subsequent years. Introducing Christian Mission Today will likely become such a survey. Michael Goheen, theological director and scholar-in-residence in missional theology at the Missional Training Center and also professor of missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary, provides readers with a comprehensive and accessible work that addresses the major issues in missiology and mission theology.
Goheen’s work begins with “the mission Dei as narrated in biblical story and places the mission of the church in that narrative context. Mission is participation in the story of God’s mission” (12). With a clear command of both historical and contemporary missiology, Goheen ably leads the readers through the critical issues basic to mission studies. Especially impressive is his engagement with mission and theology (e.g., the difference between mission and missions, missionary dimension and intention, theology of mission, and missional theology, etc.). Though clearly rooted in the Dutch Neo-Calvinist tradition, his overall approach is broadly ecumenical. He draws extensively upon the works of David Bosch and Leslie Newbigin.
This volume is likely most suited for a Western audience (for example, an entire chapter focuses on developing a missiology of Western culture, which, if taken seriously, would have a profound impact upon churches in the West). Though he offers a survey of the global church, Goheen does not as extensively as I would like frame his discussions in terms of the global church nor draw upon the insights of contemporary non-Western authors and leaders. Though he does a fine job of addressing most critical issues in missiology, he only touches briefly on issues of partnership in mission and short-term missions. Both of these would have benefited from a more extended treatment. These minor issues, however, do not detract significantly from the profound scope and depth of insight provided throughout this wonderful volume.
The “Further Reading,” “Discussion Questions,” and “Essay Topics” at the end of each chapter will be particularly helpful for instructors using the book in a teaching context. This book is ideal for an undergraduate introductory missions course. It could also serve well for any informed teacher in a church or mission-related organizational context.