Overview

This volume seeks to draw together scholars from biblical studies, systematic and historical theology, and practical theology to reflect on how the concept of participation can help us to think theologically about church planting. Participation promises to offer a unique theological lens through which to see church planting; for the concept of participation is crucial for understanding the relationship between the church and mission of God. As the New Testament writers remind the early church over 130 times, their participation “in Christ” is central to life of the Church. Participation refers not just to the task that Christian disciples are given to do, but something of their identity: it tells us who they are. It is therefore crucial for any one trying to do ecclesiology; the church is not just a community of likeminded believers, but rather, they are those who participate in the mystical body of Christ. BLOGPOST: Read an interview with Joshua Cockayne about the book on the SCM Press blog here.

Full Product Details

9780334063797

Table of Contents

Reviews

While missiology in general has made a 'Copernican shift' (David Bosch) towards missio Dei theology around the middle of the twentieth century, church planting, with its deep roots in evangelical pragmatism, has often stuck to older paradigms of church growth, soul-winning and activism. This much-desired volume brings church planting up to date by rooting it in participation in God's mission, exploring notions like humility, receptivity, and sacramentality. I highly recommend it. -- Stefan Paas

Author Information

Joshua Cockayne is Academic Dean at at Cranmer Hall in Durham and the Director of the Bede Centre for Church Planting Theology.

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