Mission from the Cross : The Lutheran Theology of Mission

The Reformation and Lutheran orthodoxy largely focused on the repristination of the Gospel, yet the writings coming out of these periods indicate an undeniable missionary flavor. Mission from the Cross further accentuates the fact that the doctrine of justification is the golden thread that holds the mission tapestry neatly together. The author's African and German roots bring to light many previously unknown German missiologists. The Lutheran Church is a missionary church! Rev. Dr. David P. Tswaedi Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa

Schulz examines in detail how the Book of Concord carries adherents of the Lutheran Confessions, without exception, into evangelistic engagement with the world.

Conversing with a rich variety of contemporary theologians, the author shows how the trinitarian faith informs God's sending of His people to the world with the announcement of Christ's saving work. Using the Book of Concord, Mission from the Cross addresses practical challenges in conversion, assimilation, and church planting. Particularly helpful is its anchoring of the missiological enterprise in the doctrine of justification and the significance of that doctrine for addressing both the needs of individual sinners and the sincere inquiries of non-Christians. Robert Kolb Missions Professor of Systematic Theology, Director of the Institute for Mission Studies, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Detlev Schulz reads Luther and the Lutheran Confessions, especially the Augsburg Confession, with missiological eyes. He explores the trinitarian nature of the mission of God; the role of the Church and the Sacraments in mission; and aspects of pastoral ministry, Christian vocation, and ethics related to mission. The work of Christ on the cross is presented both as a central principle of a theologically synthetic approach to mission and as the key stimulus continually invigorating the missionary church. Mission from the Cross will be on my reading lists. Andrew K. Pfeiffer Head of the School of Pastoral Theology, Australian Lutheran College, Adelaide, South Australia