When: June 10, 2021, 9:00 am - Thursday

Where: Swang 242

Session 3

Session Abstract

Academic missiology is alive and well in Stone-Campbell institutions of higher learning and ministerial training. This session highlights both established and newly emerging voices in Stone-Campbell missiology.

 

Paper Abstracts

Earl Lavender, Lipscomb University, “From Missions to Missional: Preparing a Royal Priesthood”

The second edition of Gailyn Van Rheenen’s Missions: Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Strategies makes interesting adjustments and changes that reflect a much-needed move from missions to missional. This presentation will describe Lipscomb University’s attempt to move missions from an emphasis for a degree in Bible and Ministry to a foundation for a missional university. The vision was one of convincing students of their missional calling expressible through every vocation and all degrees. The presentation will conclude with a challenge to churches to embrace Van Rheenen’s call to be the incubator of missions—a church both sent and sending.

 

Dan Rodgriguez, Pepperdine University, “Let My People Go! Exodus-Shaped Diaspora Mission in the North American Context”

This presentation will provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing missional churches working among Hispanic diaspora communities in the United States. Attention will then turn to the Exodus narrative as a paradigmatic event that illustrates the nature of God’s mission and informs holistic mission and ministry among and by diaspora communities today.

 

Omar Palafox, Abilene Christian University, “Realization by Movement: Exploring Sensible Interdependence for Missionaries in Latin America”

As liberation and integral theologies expand in Latin America, missionaries must respond to tensions created by these theologies. This presentation will utilize Gailyn Van Rheenen’s missional helix as a frame for missiological reflection in the Latin American context. In it, I examine the connections between theology and praxis with a goal toward intentional movement in the spiraling of his missional helix, pointing to sensible interdependence.

Speakers

Chris Flanders and Greg McKinzie, Abilene Christian University; Lipscomb University, Conveners

• Earl Lavender, Lipscomb University, “From Missions to Missional: Preparing a Royal Priesthood”
• Dan Rodriguez, Pepperdine University, “Let My People Go! Exodus-Shaped Diaspora Mission in the North American Context”
• J. Omar Palafox, Abilene Christian University, “Understanding by Movement: Seeking Sensible Interdependence for Missionaries in Latin America”
• Kate Kissling Blakely, Great Lakes Christian College, Respondent