Missiological Theology

DOING THEOLOGY IN COMMUNITY

After reading the chapter, respond to the follow discussion questions with your small group, house church, or leadership team.

• What would be the single adjective that you would use to describe God? How does this view of God impact how you share about him with others?

• How much did you find yourself wrestling with Table 17? What advantages can you see to being more theocentric and less constrained by modern theological positions?  

• Gregory of Nazianzus speaking of circumscribing God said, in essence, “if you think you know him (God), then you really do not.” How might this mindset challenge your approach to God and your confidence in “knowing” him?

• What’s the difference you see in allowing a culture determine one’s view of God and sharing your view of God that’s consistent with culture?

• “Missiological theism understands that God…wants to be known, is making himself known, and desires to be worshipped.” Where can you see this happening in the culture around you? Find three examples.

• How does Table 18 challenge your own view of God? How can you see it as missiologically critical?

• The Gospel of John is replete with stories of Jesus targeted to the beliefs of the Ephesian culture. What aspects of the story of Jesus would you use to connect to your culture?

• Missiological theism is a paradigm demanding a shift instead of a theological “add-on.” If this statement is true, how does it change how you view your faith? Your church’s ministry?

Spend a moment before moving on and pray that the Holy Spirit speaks clearly to you/you all as you reengage with Ephesiology.

Back to Introducing Ephesiology

Gregory the Theologian said in effect that theology should be conducted between people who are serious and it should be characterized by pure and peaceful collaboration. We invite you into this collaboration as you reflect on the following questions. Join the discussion by posting comments below. As fellow learners, please be respectful and gracious in your interactions with others.