A basic guide to the "who, what, where, and why" of mission and its meaning for the local and universal church.
How do we understand mission today? Many Catholics still associate mission with rescuing "pagan babies." A better definition, according to Father Schroeder, is "proclaiming, serving, and witnessing to God's Reign of love, salvation, and justice." It is a challenge that begins at home and in the heart, but ultimately encompasses the whole world.
Beginning with the insight that "Jesus was on a mission from God," Father Schroeder explains why mission and evangelization are at the heart of Christian discipleship and the life of the church--but also why mission is larger than simply extending the ranks of the church. After a fascinating overview of mission from New Testament times up to the present reality of a "world church," he outlines a contemporary understanding of mission in its different dimensions, ranging from witness and proclamation, to spirituality, justice and peace, inculturation, and interreligious dialogue, and reconciliation. Finally, he addresses the challenge of a mission-driven parish and diocese, detailing the spirituality and practice that link the local church with the mission of Christ in a suffering world.
Roger P. Schroeder, a Divine Word Missionary, is Bishop Francis X. Ford, M.M., Chair of Catholic Mission Theology at Catholic Theological Union and co-author of Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today.
