Abstract
Ott based his book on a series of six lectures he presented in Romania for the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). The goal of the book was to theologically expound upon the mission statement of the EFCA, which states: “The EFCA exists to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people” (ix). The book does not provide practical steps for applying mission theology, and Ott makes it clear developing action steps from the theology of the book was not the purpose of the book. The book did not expand upon or look into the EFCA’s denominational theology or use other EFCA’s missionary authors, but Ott developed the theology from the biblical text and from some mission theologians. The book is not a highly technical read either.
Overall, I agreed with Ott’s premise of the book that the goal of missions is to glorify God. Some publications on discipleship and missions are privatized with an individualistic focus, but Ott’s placed missions within an overall greater purpose. I found his exegesis and development of missional themes compelling. I found his chapter on the transformation of all people to be instructive, for he laid out a strong case for how God through Jesus Christ is making a new humanity in the church that should be one with each other.
The only disagreement I have is with Ott’s division of the church and the kingdom of God. Ott states: “Though the church may be an instrument of the kingdom, there is no biblical ground to equate them” (63). I may be misunderstanding Ott, but he seems to say the church and the kingdom are separate entities that do not overlap. I would argue that the church represents the kingdom when the church is ruled and led by King Jesus, and the church is one demonstration of the kingdom of God here on earth. Nevertheless, I would recommend this work for those looking for a primer or basic introduction to missions theology.