The functioning of the Bible in Protestant mission

Abstract

To show now the Bible functions in the praxis of Protestant missions this paper uses a framework that expresses the key dimensions of mission praxis: a) the mission method or strategy employed; b) the agents carrying it out; c) the context analysis they employ; d) the theological concepts informing their thinking and action. It plots the wide variety of Protestant missions on a continuum ranging from 'conversionist' to 'liberationist' approaches. In the section on mission methods it discusses literature, educational, medical and evangelistic methods. Under agents it looks at the role played by mission societies and missionaries. In the part on context analysis the saved/lost approach is contrasted with the oppressors/oppressed perspective. Finally, under theological reflection the focus is on the classical mission passages of Mt 28 and Lk 4.