Missional Theology: An Introduction

by John R. Franke

The notion of missional church and theology has become ubiquitous in the current ecclesial and theological landscape. But what is it all about?

In this clear and accessible introduction to missional theology, noted theologian John Franke connects missional Christianity with the life and practice of the local church. He helps readers reenvision theology, showing that it flows from an understanding of the missional character and purposes of God. Franke also explores the implications of missional theology, such as plurality and multiplicity.

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2020

About the author

John R. Franke is a Christian theologian and Theologian in Residence at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA. He was the Lester and Kay Clemens Professor of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, PA until 2011. Franke received a BA from Nyack College, an MA from Biblical Theological Seminary, studied at Drew University, and received his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford where he studied with Alister McGrath.

Franke has associated himself with the missional church and Emerging church (EC) movements, having given talks and presentations at various EC conferences. His theology tends to be regarded as postmodern and postconservative.

Reviews

[Rebecca Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missions is not all there is to mission. God has a mission and it will continue for all eternity. It includes more than simply going and telling, and it welcomes everyone to participate.

I like the book. I agree with it overall, even if I don't love or affirm every statement. In the main points, I have the sense that I am with Franke 100%. He certainly speaks with the understanding and humility of someone with authentic border-crossing experience that has impacted him spiritually. He clearly knows how that kind of experience can enliven a church. Though he demonstrates courage and understanding, he can unfortunately be so repetitive that it can be difficult to read without drifting off into distraction. It's not uncommon for him to say the same thing in three consecutive sentences.

I never know how my students will react to it. Invariably, some of my students love the book, have read it thoroughly, and find it to be mind-blowing. In fact, that's probably most of them. Some who have not read carefully decry it as liberal propaganda, and others who do not seem to have read it at all nevertheless attempt to post in discussions as if they have. But one thing is pretty clear: if they refer to missions (with an s), or to going and telling as if that activity is the totality of what it means for God or the church to be "missional," then I know that the student has not really done the reading. Anyone who reads this book will know that missional theology encompasses primarily (and far more than) our activity of participating in missions.

[Mikaela S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Very interesting and thought-provoking, but definitely not for new Christians or those wanting to learn more about the faith from a very early stage. There were times where I just wanted to read it for house, then there were pages and pages and pages that felt like I’d read the same thing over and over.

My brain hurts… but that may just be the head cold.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Franke. Solidly in the center of the "missional" conversation.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm writing a review for an academic journal. When posted, I'll put it here. 10 cent summary - a very able introduction that should serve students and congregations well.

[Faith Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful introduction to the topic, with good insight, but a lot of it felt like review, and it was often repetitive. I felt like what was already a short book could’ve been even shorter.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franke does a great job of opening up important theological questions in language that's accessible to armchair students of Christian theologies and the Church. I approached this book with skepticism, wondering where the edges of his reading list were. Would he engage with liberation theologians? Would his understanding of God's Kin(g)dom be primarily person-centric, or would he include the natural world, as well? Would he discuss white Christianity's attempted destruction of indigenous cultures in the name of "missions"? Would he quote any women theologians? The answer to all of these questions is yes. "Missional Theology" can serve as a great introduction to scholarship and theological issues across denominational and, to some extent, cultural lines.

That said, my early glee at seeing Elisabeth A. Johnson and Catherine LaCugna quoted began to wane as I realized women's theological contributions were going to play only a small part in Franke's book. In the same way, I longed for more depth in his discussions of liberation theologies and post-colonialism. Nevertheless, I will be using this book as a starting point for teaching about God's mission in the world and the Church's role in working that out.