In this episode, Brian Doebler, a pastor in Southern California, discusses the concept of missiology with us, particularly its application in the Old Testament. He explains "missio dei" as the mission of God, emphasizing the Triune God's sending of His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the church to the world. Missiology, he notes, is a multi-disciplinary study that includes sociology, anthropology, and cultural analysis. Doebler challenges the traditional view of Old Testament mission as purely centripetal, arguing for a more inclusive understanding that includes missionary activity by both prophets and laypeople. He highlights examples like Uriah the Hittite and Ebed Melech, illustrating Gentile believers influenced by Israelites. Doebler advocates for a consistent view of God's mission throughout the Bible, encouraging missionaries to integrate missiology into their devotional and professional lives.
About Brian Doebler:
Pastor at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Garden Grove, Southern California.
Ministering in a diverse community with a large Hispanic and Vietnamese population.
Part of a pastoral team, collaborating with pastors focused on Spanish and Vietnamese ministries.
Married with four children.
Explanation of Missio Dei
Brian defines missio dei as the mission of God, focusing on the Triune God's sending of His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the church to bring salvation to the world.
He emphasizes the simplicity and universality of the mission of God, regardless of different interpretations.
Brian explains the sending of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the church as central to the mission of God.
Definition and Study of Missiology
Brian describes missiology as a multi-disciplinary study that includes theology, sociology, linguistics, anthropology, and cultural analysis.
He explains the importance of understanding the message, the messenger, and the audience in missiology.
Brian highlights the role of missiology in analyzing mission activities throughout history and providing feedback to missionaries.
Missiological Gadflies
Brian explains the metaphor of a gadfly, which irritates to create unrest and resist complacency.
He emphasizes the evangelical role of missiology in encouraging and challenging both theologians and missionaries.
Brian discusses the balance between theology and mission, using the metaphor of Isaiah 54 to illustrate the need for strength in the Word of God.
Missiology as the Queen of Theology
Brian explains the integration of missiology with theology and other disciplines in seminary training.
He advocates for a curriculum that fully integrates missiology alongside other disciplines to inform and guide mission efforts.
Brian emphasizes the importance of missiology in providing a sounding board for mission activities and challenging assumptions in theology and mission practice.
Challenging Assumptions in Missiology
Brian explains that missiology questions assumptions about mission practice, the training of theologians, and hermeneutics.
He discusses the centripetal and centrifugal mission models in the Old and New Testaments, respectively.
Brian challenges the assumption that mission in the Old Testament was purely centripetal, focusing on drawing people to Israel, and argues for a more inclusive view of mission in the Old Testament.
Examples of Mission in the Old Testament
Brian highlights the early mission activity in Genesis, starting with God's promise to Adam and Eve and the call on the name of the Lord in Genesis 4.
He mentions the calling of Abraham in Genesis 12 and the universal command to be a blessing to all nations.
Brian emphasizes the active role of lay people in mission, such as the household of Abraham and the proclamation of the gospel by the Israelites during the Exodus.
Missional Hermeneutic in the Old Testament
Brian discusses the importance of a missional hermeneutic in interpreting the Old Testament.
He highlights the universal message of salvation in Genesis 3 and the call to proclaim the gospel in Psalm 96.
Brian emphasizes the role of the Israelites as a kingdom of priests and the importance of their mission to the nations.
He argues against a centripetal-only view of mission in the Old Testament and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of mission throughout the Old Testament.
Practical Advice for Missionaries
Brian emphasizes the importance of a strong devotional life and finding the impetus for mission in the heart of God as revealed in the whole Word of God.
He encourages missionaries to look for the mission heart of God in every corner of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
Brian advises missionaries to integrate missiology into their training and devotional life to inform and guide their mission work effectively.
Brian emphasizes the importance of a consistent view of mission throughout the Bible.
Resources Mentioned:
Brian’s doctrinal paper about missiology in Psalm 22 and his Powerpoint presentation (pdf notes version) about Missiology in the Old Testament on our downloads page.
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
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