A Missiology of the Road: Early Perspectives in David Bosch's Theology of Mission and Evangelism

by J. Kevin Livingston

Overview

David Bosch (1929-1992) was one of the foremost mission theologians of the twentieth century, at once a prolific scholar, committed church leader, and active participant in the global conciliar and evangelical mission movements. Less well known is Bosch's distinctive role in the South African church's struggle against apartheid. After reviewing Bosch's background and exploring key themes in his understanding of mission and evangelism, Livingston explores Bosch's legacy from the perspective of the missionary nature of the church. The church is God's kingdom community, acting as a witness to and instrument of the coming reign of God. The church is God's alternative community, simultaneously set apart from the world but also for the sake of the world, exemplifying the radical implications of Christ's new community. The church is God's reconciled and reconciling community, serving as a sign and embodiment of God's love in Christ. For those acquainted with Bosch only as the author of his magisterial Transforming Mission, Livingston shows how Bosch integrated his theology and practice in a faithful, contextually relevant way within South Africa and the global church.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630870720
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	11/06/2013
Series:	American Society of Missiology Monograph Series , #18
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Kevin Livingston is Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. He has served as a missionary in Mexico and as a pastor in congregations of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Abbreviations x

Introduction xiii

Part 1 David Bosch in Context

1 Apartheid and Afrikaner Identity 3

2 Bosch's Theological Pilgrimage: A Biographical Sketch 42

Part 2 Bosch's Theology of Mission and Evangelism

3 Theology, Mission, and Missiology: Bosch's Theological Method 61

4 The Historical and Theological Context of Mission: Major Motifs in Bosch's Thought 87

5 The Biblical Foundation for Mission 152

6 Mission, Evangelism, and Church Growth 210

Part 3 Crucial Theological Dimensions for a Missionary Church

Introduction: The Missionary Nature of the Church as the Theological Horizon for Bosch's Missiology 253

7 The Eschatological Dimension of the Missionary Church: The Church as Witness to the Kingdom of God 256

8 The Ecclesial Dimension of the Missionary Church: The Church as Gods "Alternative Community" 292

9 The Soteriological Dimension of the Missionary Church: The Church as a Sign and Agent of God's Reconciliation 325

10 Epilogue 360

Bibliography 365

Names Index 391

Scripture Index 395

Subject Index 399