Mission And The Role Of The Church In The Wider World p85-89 Flashcards
What is ecumenicalism
The idea of creating Christian unity as it seeks to reconcile Christians from different denominations
The aim is that Christians will have an increasing understanding of eachother
What is the world council of churches and what are its aims
It was set up by members of the orthodox and Protestant churches
Represents Christians around the world.
They all believe that Jesus is the saviour and want to bring glory to his name
It aims to:
-seek unity between churches in one faith and one Eucharistic fellowship
- to promote common witness for mission and evangelism
- engage in Christian service by meeting human needs and seeking peace.
What is the churches together movement
It encourages churches to work together and to,strengthen the relationship,between the different denominations
The work Christian aid agencies
Christian aid agencies work to meet the needs of people in practical ways as an act of service
“Love your neighbour as yourself”
They work to put Jesus’ message of love and compassion into action and they are also aware that they will be judged according to how well they have responded to the needs of other people
“A new command I give you: love one another”.
Examples:
Christian aid - a charity that woke to get rid of poverty in different countries
Cafood- works in the developing world to bring hope to poor communities
What is the meaning of a church
Church is a reference to Christians as the “called out people”
When Jesus talks about a church, he doesn’t talk about a building but a body of believers
The church is the body of believers and Jesus is the head of his people
What is mission
Mission is a task that a person or organisation is given
Many Christians believed their mission was to spread Christianity (evangelism) but the church
What is the mission of the world council of churches
The goal of the churches mission is a reconciled and renewed creation
This gives Christians 2 main aims:
1 - the goal of conversion - continuing evangelism and helping people to have faith in God
2- the goal of reconciliation - working to see the Christian message plat a part in all aspects of society and to bring about a world where humans can live in balance with the environment
Missio Dei - Gods mission which involved the church and the world and which the church is privileged to take part in.
What is the mission of the church
Starting up new churches in areas where there aren’t any
Talking to people from other religions to increase their understanding of eachother and help secure peace
Justice - seeking justice for those who are treated unfairly.
The church’s mission is important because Jesus said “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” before he ascended
What is the meaning of evangelism in the church
Evangelism is sharing the news about Jesus coming to the world and bringing the opportunity for salvation for all who believe
Salvation Army - seeks to make Jesus known through its actions and its message with the intention of persuading people to become Christian
Evangelism starts from having genuine relationships with people and helping them to find faith in God - as Jesus did
What are the new forms of church and how are they different
In these new forms of church, community is at the centre of Christian life.
They see the word church as the gathering of gods people - not a building
Focus on fellowship, sharing means and witnessing
They reflect the actions of the first Christians
The new forms of church can meet anywhere and the leaders are not ordained clergy but are just normal Christians.
