INTRODUCTION
Why a “Catechism” of the Missio Dei (Sending of God or Mission of God)?
The word “Catechism,” based on a Scriptural Greek word, κατηχέω (katēchĕō), means to instruct, inform, or teach by word. In Acts 18:21, Apollos was orally instructed in the way of the Lord. Galatians 6:6 mentions receiving instruction (or being taught) in the Word. Acts 21:21 and 24 refer to being informed. (See also 1 Corinthians 14:19 and Romans 2:18.)
Circa 1528–1529, Dr. Martin Luther produced books of instruction, the Small Catechism and the Large Catechisms, which were based on a series of sermons and the official visitation of the churches. The catechisms were to instruct and aid pastors, heads of households, and laity to know, understand, and apply God’s Word. Luther very much wanted the people of his day to live and practice Biblical truths. His emphasis was teaching the 5 or 6 chief parts of Christian doctrine through basic Christian instruction. This led to him asking simple questions such as, “What is this?” How does this happen?” “What does this mean?” You might recognize these as typical catechism questions today.
The Missio Dei Catechism is a handbook of sorts to aid pastors and laity in knowing, understanding, and applying the sending of God. The Missio Dei is the lens through which Christians should read and interpret God’s Word and the world – the lens for both the Word-view and the worldview – all for the being and doing of God’s sending, the Missio Dei.
Luther’s catechisms were highly influential in carrying out the Reformation. His work played a major role in encouraging immersion in God’s word, reforming and transforming pastors and congregations to more clearly understand the mission of God. Today, a Missio Dei Catechism can similarly encourage believers to be compelled by Christ’s love, and to no longer to live for themselves, but to be a new “sent” creation in Christ and His mission authority. In short, this catechism is a resource for Christians to immerse themselves in the Missio Dei.
We live in a world that is distressed and scattered, “as sheep without a shepherd,” (Mark 6:34). We live amid a growing lack of understanding not only of the Missio Dei, but of Scripture itself. How well do you know the Bible? How well does your neighbor know the Bible? All in all, we as a society (at least in the United States) are reading the Bible less, attending church and church functions less and volunteering for activities and missional practices less. The Missio Dei Catechism can be used extensively in Christian congregations as a focus-tool for immersion in, revival of, and reset to a Christ-mission (Christ- sending) epiphany. It can be used as a core movement alongside and accompanying a church body’s catechism, such as Luther’s Small Catechism (not ever replacing or devaluing it), which together with his Large Catechism is included in the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Other resources such as the Apostle’s Creed and the Office of the Keys are also useful in broadening an understanding of the Missio Dei.
Enjoy a ground-breaking but Scriptural and catechetical understanding of the Missio Dei!
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.
—John 20:21
