Michael W. Goheen - The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigins Missionary Ecclesiology

Goheens introduction to Newbigins missionary ecclesiology is the resource ministers and churches today need. It is all here: the Bible for the people of God, the gospel in a pluralist society, healthy church structure, biblical church leadership, differentiating mission from missions, the shape of real ministry, and the future hope of the church. A towering theological light in the twentieth century, Newbigin casts a rich theological vision of the church that is biblically rooted, centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ, deep, reflective, and immensely practical. Goheen has spent a lifetime learning from Newbigin, and this fruit of his labor is for the good of the church.

Heath A. Thomas , Oklahoma Baptist University

There is no theological voice more necessary to todays world than Lesslie Newbigins. And I can think of no one more able to represent Newbigin to the twenty-first century than Mike Goheen.

Tyler Johnson , Redemption Church, Arizona

Once again, Newbigin is a prophetic voice during a turning point in the history of the church. Newbigins vision for the church brings fresh direction, vision, and purpose for the church in our increasingly secular world. Newbigins work is profoundly relevant and an essential read for all who want to regain their passion for the churchs mission in the world. Goheens book masterfully and thoughtfully brings Newbigins ecclesiology to life for such a time as this. Many books pick up parts of Newbigins ecclesiology missio Dei , public theology, emerging church, etc.but this book places each of these discussions into the context of the whole of Newbigins vision for the church. Goheen brings together the flow of Newbigins ecclesiology from several sources, starting in the biblical narrative and rooted in Christology, to highlight the missional purpose of the church for restoration and shalom. Goheens thorough treatment of key themes enriches current discussions on the direction and purpose of the church in the world. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a fresh, relevant, challenging vision for the church today. The most exciting and thought-provoking book I have read all year!

A. Sue Russell , Asbury Theological Seminary

In this important book, Goheen channels his love and deep knowledge of Newbigin into a clear and compelling systematic reflection on the church as missionary. This is a must-read for every missiologist and ecclesiologist and for anyone who has been captivated by Newbigins generous spirit and powerful intellect. Todays church and the church of the future must be missionarythe gospel demands it, and the world needs it. Leading us through Newbigins many works, Goheen shows how it is possible.

Steve Bevans, SVD , Catholic Theological Union

Goheen effectively captures Newbigin as a passionate thinker, communicator, and leader. The fact that Newbigin continues to be read and discussed two decades after his death testifies to the continuing force of his vision, ideas, and convictions. Goheen mines Newbigins voluminous writings and presents the major themes that compose his dynamic ecclesiology, which is rooted in his vision of Gods mission to the world. The biblical narrativethe election of Israel, the incarnation, Christs death and resurrection, the commissioning of the disciples to follow Jesus Christ in his mission to the world, living toward the eschatoninvites the participation of all disciples. In each generation the church must discover its vocation, under the lordship of Christ, as a witness sent into the world. The many years Goheen has invested in thorough study of the Newbigin literary oeuvre yields rich insights in this book.

Wilbert R. Shenk , Fuller Graduate School of Intercultural Studies

Goheen is a superb interpreter of Newbigin. In this inspiring and highly readable book, Goheen invites us to rediscover Newbigins missional ecclesiology for this generation. This book makes a convincing case that Newbigins responses to crucial questionsWhat is the gospel? What must we be as Gods people? How should the church encounter Western culture?speak to the church today more than ever. I appeal to pastors, students, teachers, and local church leaders: read this book! It will shape your understanding of the churchs missional vocation in the world.

Dean Flemming , MidAmerica Nazarene University