Following is a good definition and 4 theological terms that best describes a missioanl way of life. This was written by my “old” friend Dr. Rob Guy as a Theology of Ministry for a Chaplains Ministry in a Nursing Home.
“We believe that the incarnate and resurrected Christ is Himself the mission of God, and is ever present and active in pursuing us, that we may personally know and love Him in return. Therefore we, as His Body, joyfully participate in His redemptive mission of love, through His real presence in the Holy Spirit.”
Missio Dei—We recognize that it is God who is on a mission. He who created us and has loved us from the beginning, and has sent His Son to redeem us, continues to pursue us, and to work within us. He is the Good Shepherd, who is tending the flock. The ministry is His ministry.
Participatio Christi—Our role, then, is to participate in what He is doing. We neither determine our own agenda, nor merely imitate His, but rather participate in His, according to His call and guidance.
Imago Dei—We recognize that each person is created in the image of God, and thus possess the inherent dignity and value that accompanies it. We recognize also that God has been, and continues to be, at work within them, leading them on a unique and sacred journey.
Corpus Christi – We recognize that together we, who participate in this ministry in any way, comprise the Body of Christ. Christ, of course, is our head. Each member is a valid and valuable member, and as such, is God’s gift to the body. There is an inherent interconnectedness, and interdependence. In participating with each other, the weak with the strong, the old with the young, the advanced with the beginners, we cooperate with Christ in what He is doing in our midst.
