Exploring the 'Whole Gospel': Transforming Mission Locally and Globally

At the end of February over 90 church and mission leaders gathered for a special Mission Action Partnership conference morning in collaboration with Langham Partnership and Tearfund NI. MAP and Global Connections’ vision is to see how together the whole church can bring the whole gospel to the whole world. So, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to hear from Rev Dr Chris Wright as he shared on Exploring the Whole Gospel: Transforming Mission Locally and Globally; Seeing the beauty of the Whole Gospel from Genesis to Revelation.

God's Big Story

Dr Wright shared how throughout the Bible we see God’s Big Story, and he unpacked a little of what it means for us as the church to participate in God’s Story. The Bible is at the centre of the Story and there are implications for how this Story needs to shape and change our lives. We were challenged to remember that we are all mandated to be co-workers with the Lord in his mission in the world. God’s desire is to redeem all of creation and while the Gospel is for individual salvation it is also for so much more! We were encouraged to think about the 5 Marks of Mission – Evangelism, Teaching/Discipleship, Compassion ministry, Creation Care and Seeking Justice and how we can see these fulfilled today.

Small Group Discussions

In the remainder of the morning there was time to root some of what was shared by Dr Wright. We had small groups discussion time with the opportunity to ask questions of Dr Wright. We also heard some practical outworkings of playing our role in God’s story through segments led by Tearfund NI and Langham Partnership.

Lois Bailie, NI Church & Supporter Engagement Team Leader, Tearfund writes,

‘Tearfund was delighted to be part of this event as Dr. Chris Wright spoke on the beauty of the "whole gospel," exploring the biblical narrative of God’s mission to restore all things and the implication of this on our role as His people. This provided an excellent opportunity for Tearfund to highlight its shared theological understanding. Two church leaders who recently returned from a Tearfund trip shared passionately about seeing holistic gospel transformation through Tearfund’s programs and how the experience has influenced their approach to mission work in their local churches.’

Mark Armstrong, Supporter Development Officer Langham Partnership UK & Ireland also noted; ‘God’s mission is best advanced in collaboration. When mission partners work together, valuable opportunities arise to strengthen and encourage the global church in its witness to Christ. This was demonstrated at this joint event hosted by MAP, Tearfund, and Langham Partnership. The conference provided a practical opportunity to highlight how mission organisations can collaborate in supporting and equipping the church for mission.'

Understanding Mission Course

Mark interviewed two individuals who are engaged with Understanding Mission, a free Bible study written by Dr Wright. This resource is for individuals, churches, and mission organisations. The course explores the good news from God, is about God and what God has done. The course also emphasises the church’s response through gospel-centred integral mission. Those interviewed used the course in different contexts. One church leader is using the study as part of his church’s midweek Bible teaching, while the other completed it through personal Bible study. Both spoke positively of the course, noting that it helps develop better understanding of how the gospel calls the church to faithful proclamation through preaching and evangelism, alongside practical witness through acts of love, compassion, service, and justice in the community.’

Concluding the morning Dr Wright reminded us that the mission of God has a triple focus, it addresses individual persons, society and culture, and creation. The big question is – how will this impact how we live out our faith where God has called us to be?!

Discover more about Tearfund Northern Ireland on their Facebook page.
Explore Langham Partnership’s Understanding Mission resource here