The purpose of
this study is to review missiological research methodology diachronically and
synchronically and to rethink related issues with an anticipation of exploring
a possible new direction for future study.
For the sake of clarity,
the following definitions are proposed in order to clarify some key terms:
"Mission"—the Great Commission: making disciples of all
nations (Mt 28:19-20).
"Missions"—ways and means of accomplishing "the
mission" which has been divinely entrusted by the Triune God to the Church
and Christians.
"Missiology"—the systematic and academic study of
missions in the fulfillment of God’s mission.
"Missiological Research Methodology"—the systematic,
dynamic and integrative manner of conducting research in missiological study.
"Paradigm"—the perceptual perspective, conceptual
framework or scientific model of reality (cf. Bosch 1996, 184-85).
"Macro-Paradigm"—a paradigm of universal acceptance and
well established in all fields of knowledge, i.e. the Enlightenment (Bosch
1996, 185).
"Meso-Paradigm"—paradigm of partial acceptance.
"Micro-Paradigm"—paradigm of acceptance in a particular
context that may not be accepted in a different context.
"Theory"—a set of interrelated hypotheses which
constitute a tentative explanation of a complex phenomenon of reality.
Continue Reading by Downloading. Download Free: Rethinking Missiological Research Methodology: Exploring a New Direction