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by John R. Franke (Author)
The notion of missional church and theology has become ubiquitous in the current ecclesial and theological landscape. But what is it all about?
In this clear and accessible introduction to missional theology, noted theologian John Franke connects missional Christianity with the life and practice of the local church. He helps readers reenvision theology, showing that it flows from an understanding of the missional character and purposes of God. Franke also explores the implications of missional theology, such as plurality and multiplicity.
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"The definitive introduction to missional theology"
This volume helps us reenvision theology, showing that it flows from an understanding of the missional character and purposes of God.
"With this introduction to missional theology, John Franke presents a 'launching point for further explorations in missional theology, ' which he defines as 'an emerging discipline that works at the intersections of practical theology, missiology, and systematic theology.' The launch is successful: the conversation thus far is lucidly summarized and appropriately critiqued. The major themes of the ongoing discussion are laid out as an invitation to join the journey. Franke proposes questions and approaches that move the discussion in constructive and, at times, surprising directions. Those who would prefer to drop the often criticized term 'missional' will discover in Franke's proposals a validation of the approach and its vocabulary. Franke acknowledges that the missional initiative has been 'in the service of congregational formation for witness.' His introduction will stimulate the rigorous theological exploration that will empower that much-needed formation."
--Darrell L. Guder, Princeton Theological Seminary (emeritus)
"At long last. Theology as traditionally done--by the topics--has been undergoing such changes, shifts, and significant alterations that the topics are no longer what they were. We need a theology where the eschatological design of God reshapes Christian theology into its own image. This is it."
--Scot McKnight, Northern Seminary
"This is the book on missional theology we've been waiting for. And Franke was the one to write it. He generously provides his readers with an accessible yet substantive articulation of missional theology--a theology that is characterized by love, shalom, relationality, plurality, openness, liberation, and solidarity. This is the definitive introduction to missional theology going forward."
--Stina Busman Jost, Bethel University
"Franke weaves together decades of theological reflection, seminary teaching, and pastoral experience in Missional Theology, helping us to recognize the urgency of reconnecting and reconceiving the divided disciplines of not only systematic theology and missiology but also biblical interpretation, epistemology, church history, pastoral ministry, evangelism, and worship. Franke illustrates the value of missional theology by applying this approach to Christology. His reframing of Christian 'unity' as 'solidarity' is both timely and urgent."
--Megan K. DeFranza, Boston University School of Theology
Author Biography
John R. Franke (DPhil, University of Oxford) is theologian in residence at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, affiliate professor of theology at Christian Theological Seminary, and general coordinator of the Gospel and Our Culture Network.
