Invitation to World Missions: A Trinitarian Missiology for the Twenty-first Century

by Timothy C. Tennent

Invitation to World Missions combines a strong biblical anchor with practical suggestions. This unique text is arranged in three parts according to the Trinity’s roles, relationships, and activity. Tennent questions whether missions as currently conceptualized is adequate and he challenges the reader by building the book around key theological foundations such as “mission dei” and the “new creation” vision for the global church. This volume will call and enable the reader to understand how missions is biblically and theologically basic to Christianity, and how missions is essential to living out an abundant and impassioned life.

Genres: Theology, Evangelism, Christian Non Fiction, Christian

560 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Tanner Hawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good stuff in here but this passage in particular stood out to me:

"One of the abiding concerns that has given rise to this book is that churches and mission agencies have increasingly taken their cue from the business world rather than from biblical models rooted in Scripture and arising out of theological reflection. The result has been the rise of consumer driven churches and missions agencies, all striving to compete for market share. In this environment, consumer satisfaction trumps theology, the so social sciences trump missiology, and pragmatism trumps biblical reflection. Of course, the whole enterprise is often unashamedly sprinkled with Christian jargon to give it a thin veneer of theological and biblical plausibility. However, we might begin to suspect something is wrong when we soberly realize that the vast majority of the programs and ministries in many of our Christian organizations and churches would continue on unabated even if the Holy Spirit did not show up. It is startling, then, to read the book of Acts and realize that the whole church seems to be scrambling to keep up with the unfolding and empowering work of the Holy Spirit!" (p. 410)

[Philip Mcduffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timothy Tennent has done a fantastic job at teaching a Trinitarian missiology for the twenty-first century. This was an in depth theological study of World Missions that was easy to read and easy to understand. This is not because of any intellect on my behalf but because of Tennent's ability to write out his thoughts clearly. This book did what every theological book on any topic should do. It rooted everything within who God the Father is, what Christ has accomplished, and what the Holy Spirit is continuing to do. Tennent knows that missions begins with God.

Tennent writes, "The starting point of missions must be the mission dei. Missions must first and foremost be about what God is doing in the world, not what we are doing. Missions must step back from the competitive, pragmatic, market-driven impulses, which tempt us to think about missions in anthropocentric or institution ways. Instead, missions must be conceptualized within the larger framework of God's redemptive plan, not ancillary actions of the church for self-aggrandizement through institutional expansion, even on a global scale."

It is with that framework that Tennent lays out a incredibly insightful missiology. This book needs to be read by pastors, leaders, missionaries, and congregations. A proper understanding of missions is essential for the church to have in order that they do missions well.

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful, robust missiology. Tennent has a humble spirit, willing to learn from the global Christianity that is spreading today! His understanding of the missio dei as the thrust for all missions, and the need for the Holy Spirit’s work to become more primary in 21st century missions is spot on. I also loved learning about the history of missions from the founding of the church which Tennent did a wonderful job walking the reader through. A dense book, but one I thoroughly enjoyed and filled me up to live on mission!

[Callie Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me that mission is deeply woven within the biblical narrative and that it is so much more than just a part of the church. It has helped me recognize the church on a global scale and has even allowed me to better understand how the Trinity functions in general and how it drives mission. Although this book is heavily academic, Dr. Tennent does an excellent job of breaking down intricate theological concepts. I am grateful this was a required reading for one of my classes because it has truly changed my life!

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Invitation to World Missions started strong and has a good premise but toward the later parts of the book it feels like that core message gets lost and more than once in the last few chapters I started to wonder, “What does this have to do with a Trinitarian Missiology?” Also, a lot of the book is pretty outdated at this point and there are some ecumenical-type assertions that I find either at best uninformed and at worst misleading. -2 stars

[Unchong Berkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging at several points, but a bit dragging at others, I appreciate part one of the book the most: Megatrends that are shaping 21st century missions.

[Shane Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone serious about missiological reflection and the centrality of the missio dei. Theological reflection forms the basis of pragmatic action.

[Isaiah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great missiology textbook. Tennent argues for why missions should be done from a Trinitarian framework.

He could’ve made the book a bit shorter though.

[Donner Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an evangelical book on global christian mission in the 21st century written from a western perspective. It begins with an observation of the major trends in the global mission field today, namely the shift of the Christian center of gravity from the West to the majority world, the influx of multiple religious truth claims in the West today, urbanization and technology (esp internet connectivity) and the emergence of the 'fourth branch' of Christianity - the independent churches.

The author seeks to ground missiology in the mission of the triune God (what the early Christians called the 'missio dei') : the Father is the source and goal of mission, the Son is the embodiment of God's redemptive presence and the Spirit is God's empowering presence that brings forth the new creation. This is quite basic but often neglected when pragmatism and secularism sets in.

He gives an overview of the mission of God through the whole bible beginning with the call of Abraham, moving through the salvation history of Israel through to the life, death and resurrection of Christ and Pentecost. It is in the light of this 'creation, fall, redemption, new creation' grand narrative that we should understand what mission is about. Ultimately mission has as its goal the worship of God. Mission will end when eschatology is consummated and God's glory fully revealed.

Tennent also surveys the history and development of christian mission understanding through the centuries. It is interesting to see how the church has not always understood or valued christian mission in the same way. The various approaches taken by past missionary exemplars such as St Thomas in India, the Nestorians in China, Raymond Lull among the Muslims, William Carey the father of modern missions and so on are intriguing and eye opening.

The book goes on to show what a trinitarian mission looks like in today's pluralistic world. The age of Christendom is past. The familiar Christian worldview that used to inform and shape western culture can no longer be presumed. We must learn to think using different paradigms and ask new questions that relate to the various cultures the gospel seeks to penetrate : cultures shaped by Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Islam and even Atheism. He discusses the various approaches taken towards other religious truth claims - from 'all roads lead to heaven' pluralism through the 'different roads for different destinations' relativism, , the 'universal work of the Spirit in the wider world' inclusivism to the 'no other name but Christ' exclusivism. Tennent espouses the trinitarian christocentric understanding of the gospel. This means that while we can readily affirm God's work in the wider world and much truths can be found in other religions, the gospel that's is centred on Jesus of Nazareth in all its particularities remains normative for the salvation of the world.

As an Asian reader, I resonate deeply with the author's call to relate the gospel to the wider world. The incarnation principle is never more needed in global missiology today. The gospel needs to be translated into the diverse languages, cultures and stories of the world.

Except for his discussion on Niebuhr's ' Christ and culture' paradigms which went just over my head (hence my reservations with his critique of Niebuhr), the book is generally easy to read and to the point. I would recommend this book to pastors, church leaders and all who are deeply interested in knowing what mission in the 21st century looks like. I also found his earlier book 'the religious round table' to be another useful tool for sharing the gospel of Christ in a pluralistic world.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book to use as the primary textbook for the seminary level class I taught this fall on missions despite having not read it in its entity (I did do a thorough skimming of the book before I settled on it). Having finished it, I am not disappointed with my choice. Tennent frames the questions mission practitioners are asking (or should be asking) on the theology of the Trinity and the missio dei. He states, "This book seeks to bridge the gap between a practical-oriented missions textbook and a more reflective missiology that explores the undergirding foundations of missions practice." I think he accomplished that goal in a very biblical and understandable way.

[Daniel Arter · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a lot of good in this book that I greatly appreciate. However, I think his overall thesis gets lost as you make your way through the book. In some sections, it seems as if the argument for a Trinitarian Missiology is more of an afterthought (in particular, as he traces trends through the history of Missiology).

It’s still a worthwhile book to read. It just occasionally seems to lose focus.

[Michael Meyerdirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book greatly shaped my missional framework in a trinitarian understanding of the current reality of world missions and the incarnational life we are called to while engaging in it. The American culture around missions is wearing blinders to the reality of the 21st century of the presence of the majority world in the conversation and what our place is in it.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read 50% of this book for my Church and Society course at Nashotah House Seminary under Dr. Edward L. Smither. I have read a handful of books on mission/missions between my undergraduate ministry program and seminary courses and this is by far the best I have encountered. An excellent mix of solid theology and practical wisdom.

[Conner Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book! Tennent does wonderful work in outlining the history of missiology and the amazing growth of the modern mission movement throughout history. This book is an immediate recommendation for anyone wanting to go into missionary work or is seeking greater understanding and appreciation for God's call to go to the nations.

[Sean Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter One was amazing and worth getting the book. The rest of the chapters were hit and miss for me. Very strong in some areas. If you have any interest in global missions, worth the read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening read about God's purpose and work in and through Missions. This book gave me a new perspective on the individual's and the Church's role in Missions throughout history and today.

[Natasha Brown Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. If you're thinking about going into the missions field, this will provide theological background and current trends within the missions field.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to missiology and world missions

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for an assigned textbook. I particularly thought the introduction covering the 7 megatrends that are shaping 21st century missions was helpful.

[Robin Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second text book I’ve read of Tennent and I’ve been challenged by both of them. Not difficult to read. Very informative.

[Cole Shiflet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Definitely going to have to reflect on this more on Substack after my class with Dr. Tennent.

[Alex Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best textbook I’ve had to read so far

[Ryan Michaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

[Michael Henebry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good. Tennent suggests that most current models of missions today are based on worldly models, such as business and sociological, and have a total lack of biblical foundation. He attempts to build both a model and theology concerning missions based on the Bible, church history, and most importantly within a Trinitarian view of the Missio Dei, in which God Himself is the catalyst of missions and the Church simply follows His will. This change of view takes the focus off of what the church is doing in the world of missions and properly places the emphasis on focusing on God's will for mission. Tennent deals with many important issues within this context but I think one of the most important is how to effectively bring the Gospel to other countries without attempting to change who the people groups are culturally. This is a great book for anyone who is interested in mission. It's a pretty easy read and very helpful in developing an idea of what the true purpose of missions is.

[Owen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An up-to-date, well-written Christian missiology grounded in the creedal affirmation concerning the triune God. Tennent focuses on the missio dei aimed at the new creation, as well as the church's participation in God's worldwide mission. Major sections on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit form the major framework for Tennent's sustained argument, making this volume much more theological/conceptual and less practical/anecdotal. Even in a book of this length, it is impossible to say everything about missions, but Tennent did an overall great job of keeping his finger on the pulse of the burgeoning movements within world Christianity, while remaining grounded in orthodox doctrinal theology. This is an evangelical missiology with an ecumenical heart that deserves the church's attention.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on missions. Dr. Tennent's theology is dead on with my own (which makes him right off course) and he works hard to pull the reader in, regardless of previous knowledge. It was difficult for me to get through, for some reason, possibly because it was assigned, but it has many, many great insights.

[Ronnie Curfman]

I don't give this book one star because I disagree with Tennent's perspective, but because it was poorly written and poorly defended. "Invitation to World Missions" wasn't just a difficult read, it was painful.

[Joel Griffis · Rating 3 out of 5]

School reading. A little bit long-winded, but good overall.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a look at missions through various lens like history, culture, theology, etc.