Exploring Transformative Encounters Developing a praxis-based missiological framework

Abstract

This article is a revised version of an address presented to the inaugural conference of IAMS Africa in August 2024. It argued that the formulation “Mission in vulnerability” created a more fruitful platform to engage missiologically with vulnerability than the conference theme “Mission as vulnerability”. To justify this view, the address developed a missiological framework to clarify the difference between “Mission as” and “Mission in” statements. It then proceeded to suggest some ways to understand “Mission in vulnerability”. This paper is an expanded version of the first part of the address, which sets out an encompassing missiological framework based on a praxis approach and having five aspects. These are an ontology (to affirm the reality of missio Dei), an epistemology (to recognise and distinguish five elements of God’s mission), a praxeology (to identify seven dimensions of each mission praxis), an encounterology (to explore the nature of the interactions between praxes) and an axiology (to describe the ethos of a mission praxis). These five aspects are presented as essential aspects of a well-rounded and well-grounded missiology.