Crossword Puzzle 1: Introduction to World Missions
TL;DR:
This crossword puzzle, based on Chapter 1 of Discovering Missions, reinforces key concepts, historical figures, and terminology related to world missions. The page also summarizes major fields of study within missiology.
A tool for learning about world missions
Based on Chapter 1 of Discovering Missions by Charles Gailey and Howard Culbertson
Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even if you do not have the book? If not, use this online PDF of Discovering Missions to find the answers!
The church historian who said that "if everything is mission, nothing is mission"
3
A missionary to Ireland who, according to tradition, used a shamrock to explain the doctrine of the Trinity
4
The theological study of the Church, which John Howard Yoder saw as inseparable from missiology
8
The study of, or conscious reflection on, the practice of Christian mission
9
Someone whom Ray Tallman defines as "a ministering agent sent by God and His church to communicate the gospel message across any and all cultural boundaries"
DOWN
1
A two-word term describing the worldwide development of differences within a mutually intelligible language
5
The fulfilling of the Great Commission by establishing communities of Christian faith within every culture
6
An academic discipline dealing with the science of verbal communication from which missiology gleans insights
7
A missionary to India who is often called "the father of the modern missionary movement"
Based on material in the book Discovering Missions by Charles Gailey and Howard Culbertson, published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, now The Foundry Publishing.
What are the important subfields or topics in missiology today?
Missiology encompasses a range of subjects related to the theory and practice of Christian mission, particularly across cultural boundaries. Major subjects include:
Theology of Missions: This includes understanding the biblical basis for missions and examining theological viewpoints on evangelism, discipleship, and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
Cross-Cultural Communication: The study of communication across cultural boundaries, including language learning, cultural anthropology, and contextualization of the gospel message.
History of World Missions: Examination of the historical development of Christian missions, including key figures, movements, and strategies from early Christianity to contemporary mission efforts.
Mission Strategy and Methods: Analysis of different approaches to missions, including work in creative access areas, indigenous church planting, holistic ministry, tentmaking, short-term missions, and long-term missionary work.
Contextualization: Understanding how to present the gospel message in culturally relevant ways without compromising its core truths.
Globalization and Missions: Analysis of globalization's impact on missions, including the opportunities and challenges created by global migration, technology, and interconnectedness.
Missionary Anthropology: The study of human cultures and societies from a missionary perspective, with a focus on worldviews, social structures, and religious beliefs.
Missional Ecclesiology: Analysis of the relationship between missions and the nature and purpose of the Church, including the role of local churches and denominations in sending and supporting missionaries.
Ethics and Missions: Examination of ethical issues related to missions, including cultural sensitivity, empowerment, paternalism, social justice, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Missions and Community Development: Integration of missiological principles with development work, including community development, poverty alleviation, health care, education, and sustainable economic projects.
Spiritual Formation and Discipleship: A focus on the spiritual growth and formation of missionaries, as well as the discipleship of new believers and church leaders in cross-cultural contexts.
Missions and Evangelism in Urban Contexts: The study of the distinctive challenges and opportunities that urban environments present for missions and evangelism, including strategies for engaging diverse populations.
