Mission Studies
In the last few decades, paradigm shifts have taken place in the churches' understanding and practice of mission. Currently, mission is understood as holistic, prophetic, and transformational, involving the whole people of God and for all creation. The LWF Department of Mission and Development (DMD) endeavors to accompany member churches in their effort to participate in God's multi-faceted mission in the world in view of the new challenges that the 21st century will bring.
Responding to the commitment of the LWF Ninth Assembly (Hong Kong, 1997) to "strengthen our missiological and missionary efforts," DMD sponsored a consultation on churches in mission in Nairobi, Kenya in 1998. About 80 representatives of LWF member churches, mission- and other related agencies came together to discuss missional understanding, issues, and practices under the theme "Into the Third Millennium: Together in God's Mission." The "Findings and Recommendations" of this consultation were discussed and received by the LWF Council in 1999 and sent to member churches for study and implementation.
Among the many crucial issues highlighted, the holistic understanding of mission needs to be underscored: "Mission encompasses proclamation, service (diaconia), and advocacy for justice," as well as "dialogue with people of diverse faith," transformation, and care of creation.
Equally important was the consensus among the participants that new forms of mission partnership are needed within the communion. These issues are being followed up in a series of regional consultations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
The task of implementing the consultation's recommendation to revise the existing LWF Mission Document (Together in God's Mission, 1988) was given to a special Ad Hoc Team. A "Mission Encounter" was held in Berlin, Germany in April 2001 to allow for a broader discussion on missional issues and thus provide different perspectives for the revision team. The revised Mission Document will serve as a tool to accompany Lutheran churches in their respective contexts in their self-analysis and reaffirmation of mission. It will reflect major changes in our understanding and practice of mission. It is expected to be published in 2004.
