Hold the candle: mission at the crossroads in our era

Abstract

When we rounded the bend from the second to the third millennium the contribution of the classic pioneer missionary is over. The 21st century is dominated by a holistic approach. However, in using new methods, new technology and in adapting a lifestyle according to this time, there is a tendency to view the work of pioneer missionaries as old fashioned. With a new approach and new methods also new ideas enter the field. My intention is not to defend the pioneers and to give them more recognition – the Lord will honour his own work and workers – but to show that we do ourselves an injustice when we would not use the knowledge, experience, love and passion of the former generations who just had only one vision. We need them to fuel our mission intention in obeying Christ’s last commend in the conviction that the message of the cross of Jesus Christ is the only relevant message for today’s world.

Keywords

• Theology
• Mission