1. Introduction to the Missional Church Movement

2. Creative Tension A Clear Picture of Current Reality. Contextualization

3. Peter Senge Garrett

4. Houston, Texas is now the most racially/culturally diverse city in the U.S.A.

5. Between 1492 & 1965, 82% of the immigrants who came to the US were from Europe. The Immigration Act of 1965 changed everything. Dr. Stephen Klineberg - Rice University

6. The United States is becoming a microcosm of the world. During the 1960’s, 3.5 million immigrants came to the US; only 38% were European. During the 1970’s, 5 million immigrants came to the US; only 18% were European. During the 1980’s, 10 million immigrants came to the US. During the 1960’s, 3.5 million immigrants came to the US; only 38% were European. During the 1970’s, 5 million immigrants came to the US; only 18% were European. During the 1980’s, 10 million immigrants came to the US. Dr. Stephen Klineberg - Rice University

7. Two Current Revolutions in the US The aging or greying of America. – Anglos are overwhelmingly & disproportionately represented among American seniors. – 70% over age 65 are Anglos. – In 2011 the leading edge of the Baby Boom generation turned 65. – Today, if you reach age 65 in good health, you have a quarter of your life ahead of you. The aging or greying of America. – Anglos are overwhelmingly & disproportionately represented among American seniors. – 70% over age 65 are Anglos. – In 2011 the leading edge of the Baby Boom generation turned 65. – Today, if you reach age 65 in good health, you have a quarter of your life ahead of you. Dr. Stephen Klineberg - Rice University

8. Two Current Revolutions in the US The colorizing or browning of America. – Young people in this country are disproportionately non-Anglo. – 78% of Americans between the ages of 18 & 30 are non-Anglos. – During the 1990’s & 2000’s, 11.5 million immigrants came to the US; 88% were from Asia, Latin America, Africa, & the Caribbean. The colorizing or browning of America. – Young people in this country are disproportionately non-Anglo. – 78% of Americans between the ages of 18 & 30 are non-Anglos. – During the 1990’s & 2000’s, 11.5 million immigrants came to the US; 88% were from Asia, Latin America, Africa, & the Caribbean. Dr. Stephen Klineberg - Rice University

9. With the Immigration Act of 1965 & now with the internet – Religious Pluralism is now a fact of life.

10. Four Fundamental Positions The Atheist view: no religion is true or all religions are equally untrue. The Inclusivist view: there is one, true religion, but some who are technically in other religions are nonetheless on a legitimate path to God by means of the correct religion, even if they don't know it. The Atheist view: no religion is true or all religions are equally untrue. The Inclusivist view: there is one, true religion, but some who are technically in other religions are nonetheless on a legitimate path to God by means of the correct religion, even if they don't know it.

11. Four Fundamental Positions The Exclusivist view: There is one, true religion, and the only path to God is through explicitly following that religion. The Pluralist view: There is no one, true religion. Multiple religions are legitimate paths to God. The Exclusivist view: There is one, true religion, and the only path to God is through explicitly following that religion. The Pluralist view: There is no one, true religion. Multiple religions are legitimate paths to God.

12. Dialogue & Mission 1.The first perspective called for is to accept the coexistence of different faiths and to do so no grudgingly but willingly. We cannot possibly dialogue with or witness to people if we resent their presence or the views they hold. 1.The first perspective called for is to accept the coexistence of different faiths and to do so no grudgingly but willingly. We cannot possibly dialogue with or witness to people if we resent their presence or the views they hold. Transforming Mission - David Bosch

13. Dialogue & Mission 2.Second, true dialogue presupposes commitment. It does not imply sacrificing one’s own position. It is a false construct to suggest that a commitment to dialogue is incompatible with a confessional position. 2.Second, true dialogue presupposes commitment. It does not imply sacrificing one’s own position. It is a false construct to suggest that a commitment to dialogue is incompatible with a confessional position. Transforming Mission - David Bosch

14. Dialogue & Mission 3. Third, dialogue (and, for that matter, mission) is only possible if we proceed from the belief that we are not moving into a void, that we go expecting to meet the God who has preceded us and has been preparing people within the context of their own cultures & convictions. “We do not have God in our pocket, and we do not just take him to others.” 3. Third, dialogue (and, for that matter, mission) is only possible if we proceed from the belief that we are not moving into a void, that we go expecting to meet the God who has preceded us and has been preparing people within the context of their own cultures & convictions. “We do not have God in our pocket, and we do not just take him to others.” Transforming Mission - David Bosch

15. Dialogue & Mission 4. Fourth, that both dialogue & mission can be conducted only in an attitude of humility. Transforming Mission - David Bosch

16. Dialogue & Mission 5. Fifth, both dialogue & mission should recognize that religions are worlds in themselves. Each one faces a different direction and asks fundamentally different questions. Transforming Mission - David Bosch

17. Dialogue & Mission 6. In the sixth place, dialogue is neither a substitute nor a subterfuge for mission. They are neither to be viewed as identical nor as irrevocably opposed to each other. Transforming Mission - David Bosch

18. Dialogue & Mission 7. In the seventh place, what has just been suggested should not be understood as just doing business as usual. We cant just keep doing what we’ve been doing. Transforming Mission - David Bosch

19. Dialogue & Mission 8. How do we maintain the tension between being both missional & dialogical? We must admit that we don’t have all the answers. We should be prepared for surprises. “We go not as judges or lawyers, but as witnesses; not as soldiers, but as envoys of peace; not as high-pressure salespersons, but as ambassadors of the Servant Lord.” 8. How do we maintain the tension between being both missional & dialogical? We must admit that we don’t have all the answers. We should be prepared for surprises. “We go not as judges or lawyers, but as witnesses; not as soldiers, but as envoys of peace; not as high-pressure salespersons, but as ambassadors of the Servant Lord.” Transforming Mission - David Bosch

20. Lesslie Newbigin

21. Jesus spent time with both sinners & Samaritans. Matthew 9: 9-13 Luke 9: 51-55 John 4: 5-30 Matthew 9: 9-13 Luke 9: 51-55 John 4: 5-30