Centre, Edges and Beyond

Centre, Edges and Beyond: Applying Missiology for the Western Church It is widely recognised that western society is now post-Christian. Therefore, it must be the focus of the church's God given mission. In that case accumulated global mission theory and practice is applicable to cross-cultural mission outside of the subculture of the church. People who are passionate about the local mission of the church have been employing some of this learning but often not in a coherent integrated way. Also, gulf exists between the resources, for global missionaries and mission trainees and that accessible to pastors and church leaders. This book seeks to bridge that gulf. Today the western church is uncertain about its mission due to contemporary worldviews, the church's perception of itself as well as cultural and religious pluralism in the West. This book seeks to refocus on the biblical foundation (the centre) for its mission. At the same time to be relevant its message is to be contextual (the edges) to the ever changing cultural context (beyond) without surrendering its God given message through being bound to any culture. We must also recognise and celebrate the multicultural nature of the church in accord with God's design. We are then able to learn from each other and correct our cultural biases. Overall it provides missiological concepts to help the western church engage a post-Christian, multi-religious, post-modern West with the gospel.