Why Mission?

Recent years have seen heightened interest in how to read scripturefrom a missional perspective. This book addresses that question byexploring both how the New Testament bears witness to the mission of Godand how it energizes the church to participate in that mission. It alsomakes a distinctive contribution by applying a missional reading to avariety of New Testament books, offering insights into New Testamenttheology and serving today's discussions about mission and the church."e;Dean Flemming has written a game-changing book on the interpretationof scripture for the mission of the church. This relatively slim butrich volume is absolutely mandatory reading for all serious students ofthe New Testament and for all who wish to understand the church'sparticipation in the mission of God. It should be on the syllabus ofevery ecclesially focused course on the New Testament and everybiblically attuned course in ecclesiology and in missiology."e; -Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, MD"e;I am always grateful when another book by Dean Flemming appears. Hiswriting arises out of his significant cross-cultural experience, hisoutstanding scholarship, and his careful listening to the Spirit in thetext. This book is written clearly and is full of nourishing insight."e; -Michael W. Goheen, Professor of Missiology, CalvinTheological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI; former Geneva Chair of WorldviewStudies, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC; and Teaching Fellowin Mission Studies, Regent College, Vancouver, BC "e;'Why mission?' is a critical question, one not asked or understoodoften enough. Here is a stirring reading of the New Testament thatdemonstrates a living triune God on mission, bringing redemption to theworld through a living apostolic church. So much rich theologicalinterpretation packed into a small book!"e; -Nijay K. Gupta, assistant professor of New Testament, George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Portland, OR"e;Since writing The Mission of God, I have felt guilty thatit paid so much more attention to a missional reading of the Old than ofthe New Testament. This fine book relieves me of that guilt. This is anoutstandingly clear and faithful exposition of what it means to readthe New Testament from the perspective of, and with the intention ofparticipating in, the mission of God as revealed in the whole Bible."e; -Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership