The future of the Church
Christianity is currently the world’s largest religion. One reason for this is its history of evangelicalGroup, or church, placing particular emphasis on the gospel and the scriptures as the sole authority in all matters of faith and conduct. and missionariesA person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country. work. This involves Christians spreading their religion in both local communities and other countries. Some Christians believe that it is their duty to continue sharing the teachings of Jesus with the intention of convertWhen someone changes their belief from one religion to another. people to Christianity. However, others believe this is an intoleranceUnwillingness to accept different beliefs. approach that is at odds with Christianity’s key messages.
History of Christianity’s missionary work
Missionary work is work done by Christians, sometimes abroad. Missionary work might involve promoting Christianity or providing education and resources.
- Missionary work began with Jesus’ discipleA person who follows and learns from someone else..
- After the death of Jesus, Saint Peter followed Jesus’ instructions to spread his teachings and began converting people in the area around Palestine.
- Saint Paul was also a crucial figure in spreading Christianity around much of the Mediterranean area.
- When European countries such as Britain began colonisingWhen a plant, animal species or group of people move or spread to a new place. other parts of the world, they often took missionaries with them.
- This meant that during the period of colonisation, there were often large numbers of people who were converted to Christianity.
The Great Commission
The Great Commission is the direct instruction Jesus gave to his disciples to spread his teachings. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus says:
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Different attitudes to missionary work
Some conservative and evangelical Christians believe missionary and evangelical work still has a role to play in the spread of Christianity. They believe Christians have a duty to follow the instructions given by Jesus. They also believe they should share their religion with others so that as many people as possible can experience God’s grace.
Many liberal Christians believe missionary and evangelical work is no longer as relevant as it was in the past. They may also believe that it can have a negative impact. In a multicultural society, trying to convert others might be seen as a form of discriminationTo treat someone differently or unfairly because they belong to a particular group.. Liberal Christians believe that it is better to demonstrate love by accepting people’s religious choices and respecting that people have different beliefs.
