The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin’s Missionary Ecclesiology

by Michael Goheen

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2018

Overview

Lesslie Newbigin, one of the twentieth century’s most important church leaders, offered insights on the church in a pluralistic world that are arguably more relevant now than when first written. This volume presents his ecclesiology to a new generation. Michael Goheen clearly articulates Newbigin’s missionary understanding of the church and places it in the context of Newbigin’s core theological convictions. Suitable for students as well as church leaders, this book offers readers a better understanding of the mission of the church in the world today. Foreword by N. T. Wright

Key Features

• Outlines Lesslie Newbigin’s missionary ecclesiology
• Examines issues of worship, preaching, sacraments, leadership, and church order
• Uncovers the core dynamic that shapes Newbigin’s understanding of the Christian faith and his theological vision

Contents

• Foreword N. T. Wright
• Introduction
• The Biblical Story as Universal History
• The Good News of the Kingdom and the Missionary Church
• The Missionary Church and Its Vocation in the World
• The Missionary Church and Its Life Together
• A Missionary Encounter with Culture
• A Missionary Encounter with Western Culture
• Lesslie Newbigin’s Legacy for Today

Top Highlights

“Prayer and suffering marked the ministry of Jesus, and so it should characterize ours.” (Page 71)

“The problem is that Christians who have embraced Christ have allowed themselves to be drawn into the Western story as their ultimate allegiance and, like their unbelieving neighbors, have made peace with the relegation of their Christian faith to the realm of values. This is nothing short of sheer syncretism.” (Page 25)

“Jesus carries out his mission in total dependence on the Father and in the power of the Spirit” (Page 71)

“mission in Christ’s way is in the way of trust, love, and the obedience of a son to a father.” (Page 73)

“A church that reduces mission to only intentional activities narrows the scope of the gospel and removes the full context in which witnessing words should take their place. Each needs the other.” (Page 77)

Praise for the Print Edition

In The Church and Its Vocation Goheen has written a rich and engaging introduction to Newbigin’s missionary ecclesiology. He’s done so in a way that demonstrates his context and perspective as a missional theologian in his own right. Goheen has soaked in Newbigin’s ideas for decades. This book gives us the opportunity to benefit from that long study and to discover the wisdom of Newbigin, a magisterial spiritual visionary of enduring relevance.

—Scot Sherman, executive director, Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco

Once again, Newbigin is a prophetic voice during a turning point in the history of the church. Newbigin’s vision for the church brings fresh direction, vision, and purpose for the church in our increasingly secular world. Newbigin’s work is profoundly relevant and an essential read for all who want to regain their passion for the church’s mission in the world. Goheen’s book masterfully and thoughtfully brings Newbigin’s ecclesiology to life for ‘such a time as this.’ Many books pick up parts of it, missio Dei, public theology, emerging church, etc., but this book places each of these discussions into the context of the whole of Newbigin’s vision for the church. Goheen brings together the flow of Newbigin’s ecclesiology from several sources, starting in the biblical narrative and rooted in Christology, to highlight the missional purpose of the church for restoration and shalom. Goheen’s thorough treatment of key themes enriches current discussions on the direction and purpose of the church in the world. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a fresh, relevant, challenging vision for the church today. The most exciting and thought-provoking book I have read all year!

—A. Sue Russell, professor of mission and contextual studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

In this important book, Goheen channels his love and deep knowledge of Newbigin into a clear and compelling systematic reflection on the church as missionary. This is a must-read for every missiologist and ecclesiologist and for anyone who has been captivated by Newbigin’s generous spirit and powerful intellect. Today’s church and the church of the future must be missionary—the gospel demands it, and the world needs it. Leading us through Newbigin’s many works, Goheen shows how it is possible.

—Steve Bevans, SVD, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD Professor of Mission and Culture, Catholic Theological Union

Product Details

• Title: The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin’s Missionary Ecclesiology
• Author: Michael Goheen
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2018
• Logos Release Date: 2019
• Pages: 240
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Missions › Theory; Newbigin, Lesslie
• ISBNs: 9781493420810, 9781540960474, 149342081X, 1540960471
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRCHTSMCCLSLGY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:38:21Z

About Michael Goheen

Dr. Michael W. Goheen, professor of missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary, served as the Geneva Chair of Worldview Studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, and teaching fellow in mission studies at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia.

He has taught worldview, biblical theology, mission, and world Christianity at Redeemer University College and Dordt College. He began his professional life as a church planter and pastor in the Toronto area. He is also recognized as a leading scholar on the thought of Lesslie Newbigin.

Dr. Goheen has authored several books, including A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church in the Biblical Story (Baker, 2010) and As the Father Has Sent Me, I am Sending You: J.E. Lesslie Newbigin’s Missionary Ecclesiology (Zoetermeer, 2000). He also coauthored the best-selling Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story (Baker, 2004), Living at the Crossroads: An Introduction to Christian Worldview (Baker, 2008), and The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama (Faith Alive, 2009). He has also coedited two volumes on globalization and the gospel, and on the unity of the church.

Dr. Goheen lives in the Vancouver area where he is minister of preaching at New West Christian Reformed Church. He’s been married to his wife, Marnie, for 33 years and has four married children and four grandchildren.