How much does your theology matter on the mission field? We asked missionaries to share the ways theology influences their work of evangelism.
David Okken (Karimojong region, Uganda)-I don't believe that I would be able to continue were it not for my knowledge that the sovereign God has his elect among every nation, tribe, and tongue, including the Karimojong. I am encouraged to continue preaching the Word boldly and faithfully, by the promise that Christ knows which are his sheep and they will listen to his voice and follow him. Reformed theology rightly affirms and emphasizes the current presence of the kingdom having come in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also recognizes that its glory is hidden, as it has not yet come in its fullness. Living amidst such deep-rooted paganism as well as suffering, it is encouraging to know by faith in God's Word, though we cannot see it with our visible eyes, that God has caused the light of his glory to shine in Jesus Christ. Recognizing that the church is not simply a parenthesis in God's plan, but the fulfillment of all his covenant promises, gives me great encouragement to labor diligently as God uses me to build his church here.
Patrick Bukenya (Kampala, Uganda)-Covenant theology has made such a great difference in the lives of many people in our churches. It teaches of God's sovereign dealings with humanity-that our God is the sovereign King, Lord, and Savior who both initiates and sustains his chosen people throughout their covenant relationship with him. Blessings come to those who are faithful, but also judgments come against those who violate his covenants.
Neal Hegeman (Miami, Florida)-Reformed theology is worth preserving and propagating, but its cultural mold needs to be critically reconstructed. Reformed missiology subdivides into three modalities: traditional Reformed, ecumenical Reformed, and evangelical Reformed. All modalities appeal to the classical model, but differ in their definition and association of the church. The traditional Reformed tend to be exclusivist. The Body of Christ is defined in terms of the Reformed tradition alone. The ecumenical Reformed position forces one to compromise on fundamental issues in order to cooperate, which is problematic. The evangelical Reformed value the biblical, theological, and historical importance of the Reformed ecclesiastical tradition, but do not limit themselves to Reformed ecclesiastical and cultural expressions. The doctrines of grace have extended beyond the Reformed churches. I believe the Voetian mission tradition is the finest representation of Reformed missiology. Gisbertus Voetius saw missions as the extension of the kingdom of God.
Tony Curto (Greenville, South Carolina)-I would agree with the criticism that says Reformed churches do not do enough mission work. We should be doing a lot more. If we believe that the doctrine of election is not a hindrance but a guarantee of saved souls, why aren't we going out to the mission field? Why is the multitude of missionaries non-Reformed? As much as our theology teaches us the power of God, we have a hard time believing it.
Matt Baugh (Haiti)-There are huge advantages of having a Reformed view in the area of missions. You are more purposeful because of your eschatological perspective. If you have a premillennial/dispensational view of eschatology, then you are not going to approach missions with a long view. On the other hand, if you have an amillennial eschatology, you believe Christ is reigning right now, and he already owns his kingdom. You are optimistic and expect to see individuals and families converted and transformed. That is what we expect to see. Even though broad evangelicals are doing great mercy ministries, their practice is not consistent with their eschatology. Your theology will influence your expectations of the mission field.
Two summers ago, while teaching the five points of Calvinism (Doctrines of Grace) in Haiti, I was teaching on limited atonement. There was some skepticism, but Haitians have a high view of Scripture, and I began to prove the doctrine from Scripture. Afterward, an elderly man approached me and began weeping. I was thinking, I wasn't even preaching! He said to me, "I always knew this was true but was never able to express it. My father was a Baptist minister and I heard him say that Jesus died for the sins of the world, every individual. But I knew Christ's death was effectual, and I could never square those two doctrines." He thanked me for clearing it up for him. He was so grateful to be corrected and to better understand the Scriptures at his ripe age. We usually have a defensive posture when we talk about limited atonement. But I was reminded what a rich heritage we have in Reformed faith. As we go through our catechisms, we should not forget or take for granted the standards and doctrines that God has given to us throughout history.
Timothy Monsma (Africa)-If you believe that it is ultimately up to the individual to accept or reject the gospel, then if you present the gospel to a person and he rejects it, you may think it is your fault that he rejected it. We need to rest in the Lord and trust that he will do the work.
George Scipione (Uganda)-Your theology, good or bad, dictates your ecclesiology and missiology, which have long-term effects. Theology, ecclesiology, and missiology must all be Reformed, since they inform each other. Reformed theology exposes people to historic Christianity and defends the historic faith, so as not to create our own religion. What Reformed theology lacks is a confessional standard for mission work, as well as church growth and practical theology.
