Episode 2: Mission in the Book of Acts | Dr. Glen Thompson

Guest: Dr. Glen Thompson, Professor Emeritus at Asia Lutheran Seminary

Topics Covered:

• Key missiological ideas in the first 12 chapters of Acts, including the conversion of Peter and the stories of Stephen and Philip

• The importance of humanitarian aid in missions

• Different categories of missionaries and how Paul fits into those categories

• Paul's mission strategy and the importance of flexibility

• The importance of the polis in understanding the early church

• The multi-site church model and its roots in the early church

• Training of church leaders in the early church

• The importance of letter writing and other forms of technology in the early church

• The Book of Acts as a descriptive rather than prescriptive guide for missions

Key Takeaways:

• The Book of Acts is a valuable resource for understanding the early church's missiological approaches, but it is not a prescriptive manual.

• Flexibility is key in missions, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

• The early church made effective use of technology, such as letter writing and the codex.

• The multi-site church model has roots in the early church's approach to ministry.

Call to Action:

• Read the Book of Acts with an eye toward the missiological principles it reveals.

• Consider how you can be more flexible in your own approach to missions.

• Explore the resources listed in the show notes to learn more about the early church and its missiology.

Additional Notes:

• The interview also touched on the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in missions and the need for missionaries to be sensitive to the cultural contexts in which they serve.

• Dr. Thompson emphasized the importance of partnership and cooperation among missionaries and churches.

• He also encouraged listeners to pray for missionaries and to support them financially and practically.

Links and Resources:

• Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours by Roland Allen

• Understanding Church Growth by Donald McGavran

• Paul the Missionary: Realities, Strategies and Methods by Eckhard Schnabel

• Dr. Thompson’s Website: www.fourthcentury.com

• Books by Dr. Thompson:

  • In This Way We Came to Rome

  • Jing Jiao: The Earliest Christian Church in China

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Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag

• WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)

• WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)

• Collection of Confessional Lutheran Essays

• 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.