Towards a Theology of Mission Today (Pioneers, Trends, Models & Prospects)

Fellowship of Indian Missiologists (FOIM) is an ecumenical association of missiologists. This XVIII volume discusses the Theology of Mission in the Contemporary Context. It examines pioneers, movements, and missional principles and praxis. We hope this volume will be of great assistance to Churches, missiologists, mission practitioners, and students of missions.

Fr. Dr. Paul Vellarackal is a catholic priest of the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Kerala, India. His doctoral dissertation, Vision of Sarvodaya for the Mission of the Kingdom of God in India was published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, USA and Germany in 2011. He has in his credit eight scholarly books, many scientific articles and a number of national and international presentations. He edited many books and co-edited three volumes of previous FOIM series.

Dr. Dasan Jeyaraj is the current Executive Secretary of FOIM. He is the Bishop of the Presbyterian Church India and is based out of Hyderabad. His Ph.D. in Missions is from Utrecht University, the Netherlands. He is a Professor of Missions and a member of the Board of Study of the Senate of Serampore College (University) for Missiology.

Theology of Mission is foundational and instrumental to the existence and expansion of the Church. In the changing context of the world, Theology of Mission is met with challenges, and must stay both meaningful and relevant. Hence, there is a constant need for missiologists and mission practioners to interact and dialogue about the theory and praxis of mission. The XVIII FOIM research conference, which met in Patna, Bihar in October 2019 deliberated on the theme Towards a Theology of Mission Today: Pioneers, Trends, Models and Prospects. Sixteen papers were presented in this consultation.

In the state of Bihar, a Cradle of Religions, we met in the capital city of Patna. We had two papers on the History of Mission in Bihar. Jose Kalapura traces the Catholic mission in Bihar. The missionary endeavours of the pioneers led to the formation of ecclesiastical structures. Patna diocese celebrates its centenary year (1919-2019). The church has contributed to the transformation of Christians in the socio-economic-religious spheres. The Christian faith has uplifted marginalised communities and as a result, their identity and values have been transformed.

S. D. Ponraj investigates the growth and development of the Protestant Christian mission in Bihar. Beginning in the 18 century, various Protestant missions have been serving in this state. Almost all of them followed the traditional charity model of mission. The arrival of South Indian missionaries during the 20 century changed the landscape of the Protestant mission, and their inputs were invaluable to the planting and growth of churches.

'That they all may be one' (John 17:21) is the high priestly prayer of Jesus Christ for His followers. Ecumenism is an excellent phenomenon, where Christians work together irrespective of their denominations and doctrinal differences to be the salt and light of this world by fulfilling the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Fellowship of Indian Missiologists (FOIM) is one of the models of true ecumenism among missional academicians and practioners. It now has 170 members from all three Christian traditions.

FOIM was inaugurated in October 1991 at Bhopal in the august presence of 18 missiologists with the vision to bring together mission thinkers and practioners. So far, FOIM has had 18 meetings, the last one being held at the Tarumitra Ashram, Patna, Bihar (October 29-November 1, 2019). We are thankful to the host Fr Tony Penda, SJ and his team for the warm welcome and wonderful hospitality. Tarumitra Ashram is a bio-diversity center committed to maintaining a sustainable ecology, and the natural setting reminded us of God's beautiful creation and our role as stewards.

During the inaugural meeting, the chief guest Archbishop William D'Souza welcomed the delegates to the Patna Archdiocese, which was also observing centenary celebrations at the time (1919-2019). He exhorted the delegates to be innovative and be path-finders in researching and practicing the mission. Bishop Daniel Ponraj of Bihar Christian Church was the guest-of-honour and he drew the attention to people who are non-literates and oral learners, who also need to hear the good news. Mrs. Maria Lordanescu of Agape Cottage Foundation was also present with us. The FOIM community felicitated Dr. Dasan Jeyaraj, the secretary, and Bishop of Hyderabad PCI Diocese.

**Contents and Sample Pages**