Mission (Christian)

Since the Lausanne Congress of 1974, a widely-accepted definition of a Christian mission has been "to form a viable indigenous church-planting movement." This definition is motivated by theological analyses of the acts required to enhance God's reputation (usually translated as "glory" or "honor"). The definition is claimed to summarize the acts of Jesus' ministry, which is taken as a model for all ministries. The motivation is said to be God's will, plainly stated throughout the Bible, including the Old Testament (see below).

Positive effects

On the other hand, missionaries have sometimes been the agents saving cultures from destruction by economic and political forces. In addition, Christian missionaries often effected positive cultural change in native societies, working to eliminate practices such as torture and ritual human sacrifice that were practiced in some (but by no means all) indigenous cultures. For example, as late as 1780, Suttee, wife-burning, was widely practiced in India.

Related Topics:
1780 - Suttee - India

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Most modern missionaries avoid creating mission stations, and live in a totally native milieu, with a native family if possible, to speed language acquisition and to maintain a relevant connection between the work of the missionary and the people among whom the mission is established.

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