On Mission with Jesus
Changing the default setting of the church
Published on 22. January 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-1-78622-541-2 (ISBN)
Description
January 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the Fresh Expressions movement which spread internationally and denominationally from its origins in the Church of England. Graham Cray was its first National Leader.
Countless new forms of church have emerged through Fresh Expressions, the Church Army, New Wine, and various pioneer network. On Mission with Jesus offers a theological understanding of the missional nature of the church, which will undergird and inform local practice and assist ministerial and pioneer training.
Its central argument is that the Church's inherited understanding of itself imprisons the imagination of local congregations and in ten chapters, Graham Cray seeks to establish a new self-understanding for local congregations:
1. Updating Default Settings
2. Sharing in the Mission of God
3. Making Disciples
4. Following the Spirit
5. Shaping the Church
6. Anticipating the Future
7. Joining the family Business
8. Being a Pilgrim People
9. Recognising Jesus in the Church
10. Becoming a Jesus on Mission-Shaped Church
Countless new forms of church have emerged through Fresh Expressions, the Church Army, New Wine, and various pioneer network. On Mission with Jesus offers a theological understanding of the missional nature of the church, which will undergird and inform local practice and assist ministerial and pioneer training.
Its central argument is that the Church's inherited understanding of itself imprisons the imagination of local congregations and in ten chapters, Graham Cray seeks to establish a new self-understanding for local congregations:
1. Updating Default Settings
2. Sharing in the Mission of God
3. Making Disciples
4. Following the Spirit
5. Shaping the Church
6. Anticipating the Future
7. Joining the family Business
8. Being a Pilgrim People
9. Recognising Jesus in the Church
10. Becoming a Jesus on Mission-Shaped Church
Reviews / Votes
'On Mission with Jesus is vital 'unlearning' for the church, rebooting our ecclesial imagination with the missionary dynamism of the New Testament. This is a compelling case for a new Christian default more deeply rooted in our gospel past and more radically oriented to the world in love. Comprehensively biblical, robustly theological - this is a whole library of missiological wisdom in one book, beautifully and wisely digested. As a mature reflection on the mission-shaped church and a pointer to the future it will make an important contribution.' -- Rev Canon Dr Mark Powley, Archbishop's Mission Enabler for the North 'I consider Graham Cray to be a foundational thinker and leader in helping communities engage more missionally and faithfully in our time. This book, loaded with insights gleaned from the last few decades of activism, bolsters his legacy in a meaningful way. An important contribution.' -- Alan Hirsch, Founder of the Movement Leaders CollectiveMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
347 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78622-541-2 (9781786225412)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
01/2024
Hymns Ancient & Modern
€29.49
Available for download
Person
Graham Cray chaired the Mission-Shaped Church report, led the Fresh Expressions team for five years, chaired the Church of England Pioneer panel and introduced this movement in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and various European countries. More recently he has taught Missional Ecclesiology at St Hild's College.