Lesson #4 -- Mission in the New Testament Church

There is a lot to learn about mission and missions from the first generation of Jesus-followers. Of course, the situational and cultural contexts were different from ours but we need to see how the divine drama unfolded then before we can really grasp how it continues to unfold now. So, let's look at two short Bible Project videos which will march us through the book of Acts. As you watch them, pay attention to the ways that the Jesus message starts out as something for of a small Jewish sect (Jesus' disciples), but transitions into a global phenomenon.




Then, I want you to read chapter 4 in the Introducing World Missions textbook, "Encountering Mission in the New Testament Church" (starts at Kindle location 1298, page 53 in the print edition).

You have a choice as to what you do next. You can either write a minimum 500-word essay:

1. that reflects on Sidebar 4.2, "Paul's Missionary Principles," (Kindle location 1539-1566, page 62 in the print edition). That is, discuss how each of Roland Allen's five principles affects your own view of mission and how it should be carried out.
   
   OR
2. that reflects on the situation in the "Group Conversion" case study by Dr Paul Hiebert (Kindle location 1690-1730, pages 66-67 in the print edition). What is the problem? What do you think is the solution and why? Draw on the reading and videos to help your explanation.

Please, only do one of the above.

YOU CAN EARN UP TO 60 POINTS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. Reach out to me if you need any clarification.

Send your essay to me at bboydston@piu.edu embedded in an email (no attachments) or share it with me as a Google Doc. Remember, don't wait for my response before you go to Lesson #5. Start the next lesson immediately.