All-inclusive mission - A discussion of Transforming mission (1991) by D.J. Bosch

Abstract

Bosch’s important work, Transforming mission, is still relevant in the present missiological debate. It is clear that Bosch has a comprehensive outlook on mission and that this view is all-inclusive. A question that must, however, be asked is whether this broad view of mission does not make it impossible to focus mission on the ministry of reconciliation as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. Although it cannot be denied that Bosch also emphasises evangelism and conversion, a tendency towards socialising mission is evident in this publication. The church as an institution is not the sole agent of renewal in the community and should not exceed the limits of its very calling. The kingdom of God must come in all its glory and though mission does proclaim that, the main focus in mission still remains the ministry of reconciliation.