Postdenominational Missiology: Developing an Ecumenical Renewalist Approach

Abstract

The emergence of postdenominational identities has been recognised as a significant development in approaches to mission. These contribute to a deeper form of ecumenism in the way they integrate different traditions in themselves rather than starting from a confessional or correlational outlook. They also seek to develop over time through ongoing dialogue with different traditions. This article examines one such postdenominational identity, the emerging ‘renewalist’ identity that is particularly shaped by the charismatic tradition. A renewalist approach is contrasted with the ecumenical approaches of Lausanne and the World Council of Churches as represented in their latest agreed statements on mission. We also consider the next stage of renewalist development by asking how it might learn from these mission statements. This article strengthens the claim to significance of postdenominational identities and clarifies the nature of renewalist missiology.

Interreligious Respect Manifested in Chautauqua

“…Fortunately, the men in control of the Company were Christians first and businessmen second." 8 Just as Lakeside blended the financial with the religious, it also blended the religious with the scholarly. "Lakeside adopted the Chautauqua idea and molded it to suit its own needs, joining the best of the old with the best of the new, resulting in a true welding of knowledge with Hallelujah!"…”

“…This will occur with a sharpening of focus on the changing times that will exist. The Lakeside Heritage Society does a wonderful job of documenting this 8 Ibid., 37 -38. 9 Ibid., 30.…”

Interreligious respect manifested in Chautauqua

“…Consideration for postdenominational realities has been discussed at Lakeside. "The emergence of post-denominational identities... contributes to a deeper form of ecumenism in the way they integrate different traditions... they also seek to develop over time through ongoing dialog with different traditions" (8).…”