Mission in Prophetic Dialogue

Abstract

Prophetic dialogue" is the underlying ethos or spirituality of Christian mission. This view is rooted theologically in the missio Dei, from which flows a "dimensional" understanding of holistic mission. A "praxis matrix" traces the contextual dynamics of mission, and the concept of "transformative encounter" highlights the complex interaction between Christians and other communities. Two case studies explore the nature of prophetic dialogue: the reconciling work of Maggie Barankitse in Burundi and the sermon of Desmond Tutu at the funeral of Steve Biko in South Africa in 1977. The article concludes with reflection on dialogue as embrace and prophecy as unmasking and imagining.

Rethinking the use of disruptive pop-up encounters for transformation: A missional reading of Acts 8:26–40

“…This study is undertaken from a broad missiological perspective (Wright, 2006: 25). Methodologically, I am influenced by the praxis matrix of Kritzinger (2013: 37), which he defines as ‘[a] missiological approach that discerns contextual priorities [ and ] consciously integrates the theology and practice of mission’. This has shaped his missiological thought in defining ‘missiology as encounterology’ (Kritzinger, 2008).…”

A Discussion of Vulnerability in Mission for the Twenty-first Century from a Biblical Perspective

“…Kritzinger 17 asserts that mission is dialogue and that dialogue is prophetic. 18 Dialogue embraces the 'other'.…”

“…'Unmasking and imagining' 19 is the result of prophetic dialogue in encounters with various parties. Unmasking oneself is to become vulnerable.…”