The World Council of Churches' Mission Statement 'Together Towards Life' : Mission, Evangelism and Missio Dei

Abstract

The concept of missio Dei (the mission or the sending of Cod) has already been shaping rnissiological thinking for more than 60 years. While the exact meaning of the concept is ambiguous, the main tenets of missio Dei theology live on in contemporary missiology, as is clearly seen in the newest mission statement of the World Council of Churches, 'Together towards life: mission and evangelism in changing landscapes' (2012). The document adheres to the central affirmation of missio Dei theology, i.e. that the mission is God's and not the Church's, but it is incoherent with regard to the consequences of this conviction. Moreover, it adds new elements to the picture such as a strong emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit.