Professor Ken Cherney from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary joins us to discuss missiology in the epistles, financial support for missionaries, and missiology in the Old Testament.
About Professor Ken Cherney:
Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, teaching Old Testament and systematic theology.
1988 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
Served in various ministry settings, including Brazil, South Louisiana, and the Caribbean.
Former director of the Caribbean Christian Training Institute.
Key Discussion Points:
Missiology in the Epistles:
The epistles present a spirit of joy and confidence in God's mission.
Mission work is warm, personal, and relational.
The epistles highlight the urgency of mission in light of Christ's return.
Balancing the urgency of mission with the confidence that it is God's work.
The importance of affection for the people being served.
Training People for Gospel Ministry:
Ministers of the Gospel are gifts from God.
The doctrines of church and ministry are key.
Using technology wisely in missions.
Mission Promotions:
Connecting missionaries and mission churches with each other.
Emphasizing the relational connection of the Gospel across boundaries.
Financial Support of Missionaries:
A missionary’s salary is provision for needs, not payment for services.
Ministers are ordinarily supported by those they serve.
In certain situations, ministers may decline support.
Determining appropriate compensation requires careful discussion and cultural sensitivity.
Missiology in the Old Testament:
The Servant Songs in Isaiah highlight the mission to the Gentiles.
The greatness of Christ motivates mission work.
Isaiah 60 and 61 emphasize the worldwide mission.
Final Thoughts:
The importance of joy, confidence, and love in mission work.
The need for cultural sensitivity and adaptation.
The value of partnerships and interdependence in missions.
The centrality of the Gospel in motivating and shaping mission strategy.
Key Takeaways:
Mission work should be characterized by joy, confidence in God's plan, and love for the people being served.
Financial support of missionaries should be viewed as providing for their needs, not as payment for services rendered.
The Old Testament, particularly the book of Isaiah, also emphasizes the importance of the worldwide mission.
Links and References:
Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2000 Years book by Thomas Standage
Brand Luther book by Andrew Pettegree
God’s Money in God’s Mission essay by Dr. Kenneth Cherney
Quotes:
“God's people have a Savior. You're not Him.”
"Do you love these people?"
"The medium is the message." - Marshall McLuhan
"If you had to pay for gospel ministry, what really anything commensurate with its real value to you? Forget it. You couldn't afford it."
"A savior this great needs a world that great and a mission that great."
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system
Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.
Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
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