21세기 지구촌 기독교의 선교적 특징들

The Missiological Characteristics of the Global Christianity in the Twenty-First Century

I have attempted to identify the characteristics of the global Christianity in the twenty first century, which were drawn from the characteristics of the society and the church in the twenty first century. Considering that the contexts of the world and the church in the twenty first century are subject to change, an attempt to foresee the future like this is bound to have limitations. The nature of the essay is not prescriptive but descriptive and this essay has employed a missiological perspective. I have summarized the characteristics of the society in the twenty first century as follows. First of all, globalization, which began when Europe explored and found Asia, Africa and Americas, will continue to take place. Secondly, conflicts and wars will continue to arise, if not more. Thirdly, the society will continue to secularize and, yet, individuals and groups will show interest and needs for spirituality. Lastly, the globe will be richer than ever before and, yet, the gap between the rich and the poor will widen. I have summarized the characteristics of the church in the twenty first century as follows. The church was global from its beginning and will be more global than ever before. The Chrismatic movement in the church has spread all over the globe and will be more influencial. The partnership in the church, which began in 1960’s, will be promoted more than ever before. There will be more mega churches in the twenty first century. The characteristics of the global Christianity in the twenty first century are as follows. More people will engage in professional mission, using their skills and careers for missions. Short-term mission will play a major role in the world mission. Another characteristics of mission will be from everywhere to everywhere. Lastly and most importantly, the Christian mission in twenty first century will be the mission of the Majority World mission.