The Church and Its Vocation

"In The Church and Its Vocation Goheen has written a rich and engaging introduction to Newbigin's missionary ecclesiology. He's done so in a way that demonstrates his context and perspective as a missional theologian in his own right. Goheen has soaked in Newbigin's ideas for decades. This book gives us the opportunity to benefit from that long study and to discover the wisdom of Newbigin, a magisterial spiritual visionary of enduring relevance."

"Once again, Newbigin is a prophetic voice during a turning point in the history of the church. Newbigin's vision for the church brings fresh direction, vision, and purpose for the church in our increasingly secular world. Newbigin's work is profoundly relevant and an essential read for all who want to regain their passion for the church's mission in the world. Goheen's book masterfully and thoughtfully brings Newbigin's ecclesiology to life for 'such a time as this.' Many books pick up parts of it, missio Dei, public theology, emerging church, etc., but this book places each of these discussions into the context of the whole of Newbigin's vision for the church. Goheen brings together the flow of Newbigin's ecclesiology from several sources, starting in the biblical narrative and rooted in Christology, to highlight the missional purpose of the church for restoration and shalom. Goheen's thorough treatment of key themes enriches current discussions on the direction and purpose of the church in the world. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a fresh, relevant, challenging vision for the church today. The most exciting and thought-provoking book I have read all year!"

"In this important book, Goheen channels his love and deep knowledge of Newbigin into a clear and compelling systematic reflection on the church as missionary. This is a must-read for every missiologist and ecclesiologist and for anyone who has been captivated by Newbigin's generous spirit and powerful intellect. Today's church and the church of the future must be missionary--the gospel demands it, and the world needs it. Leading us through Newbigin's many works, Goheen shows how it is possible."

"Goheen effectively captures Newbigin as a passionate thinker, communicator, and leader. The fact that Newbigin continues to be read and discussed two decades after his death testifies to the continuing force of his vision, ideas, and convictions. Goheen mines Newbigin's voluminous writings and presents the major themes that comprise his dynamic ecclesiology, which is rooted in his vision of God's mission to the world. The biblical narrative--the election of Israel, the incarnation, Christ's death and resurrection, the commissioning of the disciples to follow Jesus Christ in his mission to the world, living toward the eschaton--invites the participation of all disciples. In each generation the church must discover its vocation, under the Lordship of Christ, as witnesses sent into the world. The many years Goheen has invested in thorough study of the Newbigin literary oeuvre yields rich insights in this book."

"Michael Goheen is a superb interpreter of Newbigin. In this inspiring and highly readable book, Goheen invites us to rediscover Newbigin's missional ecclesiology for this generation. This book makes a convincing case that Newbigin's responses to crucial questions--What is the gospel? What must we be as God's people? How should the church encounter Western culture?--speak to the church today more than ever. I appeal to pastors, students, teachers, and local church leaders: read this book! It will shape your understanding of the church's missional vocation in the world."

"Goheen's introduction Newbigin's missionary ecclesiology is the resource ministers and churches today need. It is all here: the Bible for the people of God, the gospel in a pluralist society, healthy church structure, biblical church leadership, differentiating mission from missions, the shape of real ministry, and the future hope of the church. A towering theological light in the twentieth century, Newbigin casts a rich theological vision of the church that is biblically rooted, centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ, deep, reflective, and immensely practical. Goheen has spent a lifetime learning from Newbigin, and this fruit of his labor is for the good of the church."

"There is no theological voice more necessary to today's world than Lesslie Newbigin's. And I can think of no one more able to represent Newbigin to the twenty-first century than Mike Goheen."