Rediscovering joy in costly and radical discipleship in mission
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Date
Authors
Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Open Journals
Abstract
The research attended to the call by the World Council of Churches in the mission affirmation
Together towards life to renew methods of evangelism and to communicate the good news with
persuasion, inspiration and conviction, by providing a theological framework for reflection on
joy and flourishing life, and its place in mission studies.
The link between mission, evangelism and discipleship was developed as a basis to expand
the understanding of evangelism as an invitation to personal conversion and discipleship.
Discipleship was defined as participating in the Triune God’s life-giving mission and as being
on a journey towards flourishing life.
It showed that the gospel message of joy, good news and life in fullness serves as a counterculture
against the prevailing rhetoric of religious and secular prosperity gospels, consumerism and
individualism. It also warned that discipleship in mission is costly and radical. Discipleship is
a life of generosity and service, where the true disciple delights in justice, gives generously and
cares for the weak.
The research concluded with a discussion of practical holistic practices of embodied
discipleship – practices that will form habits where disciples will live a flourishing life.
Description
Keywords
World Council of Churches (WCC), Evangelism, Flourishing life, Joy, Radical discipleship, Mission study, Embodied discipleship
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Niemandt, C.J.P., 2016,
‘Rediscovering joy in costly
and radical discipleship in
mission’, HTS Teologiese
Studies/Theological Studies
72(4), a3831. http://dx.DOI.
org/ 10.4102/hts.v72i4.3831.