Witnessing to Christ through Confessing Communities:

Missional Evangelism and the Other

Laceye Warner

Matthew 28: 16-20“The Great Commission”

William Carey, An Enquiry, (1792)

In early Christianity, the commission was considered accomplished by the apostles.

Luther and Calvin disagreed, but did not succeed in revising this interpretation

Matthew 28: 16-20

• Misconception:– Emphasis upon going with a

tendency to glamorize exotic locations, perpetuate colonial mission practice

• Opportunity:– Yet, Matthew identifies the

ekklesia or gathering of the people of God

Matthew 28: 16-20

• Misconception:– Assumes human

responsibility to make disciples

• Opportunity:– Yet, the verb ‘discipling’

indicates God as primary actor in evangelism

Ecclesial Evangelism• A Misconception related to

evangelism generally:– A focus upon confession,

particularly a truncated list of individual sins

• Opportunity:– Yet, Matthew invites disciples

to practice love of God and neighbor in communities of faith

Ecclesial Evangelism

• Three systemic sins that invite witness by confessing communities:– Exploitation of creation– Idolatry of wealth– Oppression of the other

Ecclesial Evangelism

This reflection supports the ecclesial character of missional evangelistic

practice in and by Christian communities of faith to and with the other inspired by Matthew’s commission

Defining TermsMissio Dei —Mission of GodEvangelism is the heart of God’s mission

Evangelism is-that set of loving, intentional activities governed by the goal of initiating persons into Christian discipleship in response to the reign of God

(Scott Jones, The Evangelistic Love of God and Neighbor, 18 based on Willliam Abraham, The Logic of Evangelism)

From Going to Gathering…

“Go!?”

Poreuthentes or “to go” is not a separate command,

but adds urgency to matheteusate or “to disciple”

From Going to Gathering…

“Nations” or “Gentiles”?

There is no clear consensus:- ethne often indicates an

ethnological description- but, could indicate a religio-

ethical usage

Context of use matters

From Going to Gathering…“Jesus Came to Them”

Despite betrayals, Jesus comes to the disciples and promises to be with them always to the end of the age (v. 18)

Discipling

God’s Discipling

The verb matheteuein or “to disciple,” which is rare,

indicates God is the primary actor in

evangelism

Discipling

Our Discipleship

All Christians are commissioned by our baptisms to ministry, including evangelism

“to proclaim the gospel in our words and in our

lives”.

Ecclesial EvangelismConfession

an ecclesial evangelistic practice-the verb terein, to observe or practice

- the verb entellesthai, to commandNot ceremonial adherence, but

love of God and neighbor

Ecclesial Evangelism

Care for Creation

Mark 16.15 is entrenched in the gospel as a whole:

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”

Ecclesial Evangelism

Wealth-sharing

Luke’s commission (Lk 24. 44-49) is best

read through the lens of the year of Jubilee, mentioned in the Inaugural address in Luke 4. 16-20

Ecclesial Evangelism

Breaking Oppression

The commission in John 20. 19-23 states,

“As the Father sends me, so I send you..”

Conclusion

An Ecclesial Evangelism takes seriously:

- Confession and redemptive ecclesial practices

- Eschatological dimensions of a witnessing community

- Pneumatology

In Closing…

Goodness is stronger than evil;Love is stronger than hate;Light is stronger than

darkness;Life is stronger than death;Victory is ours through Him

who loved us.

Desmond Tutu, South Africa (John 1.5)