宣教與服務VS回顧與展望

From Mission and Service to Reflection and Vision

林娟芬(Chuan-fen, Lin)

《神學與教會》 40卷2期 (2015/06) Pp. 333-352

https://doi.org/10.6888/TC.201506_40(2).0004

並列摘要

Missionary work is crucial in fulfilling the Great Commission according to the Lord's commandment; it is also one of the most important work Christians do in preaching the gospel. Across the history of missionary movement rose different missionary emphasis, such as worship (Doxa), fellowship (Koinonia), training (Didache), equipment (Katarismos), evangelism (Kerygma), serving (Diakonia), and commission (Diaspora), etc. Missionary work in Taiwan started in the 19th century when the British and Canadian preachers came and brought with them the Gospel. They helped establishing scientific research and modern medicine in Taiwan, and opened the door for western education as well as social services that rendered itself in the development of Gospel and social welfare missionary model in the church. The preachers fulfilled the Greatest Commandment ＂Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'＂ (Mark 12:28-34), and became role models for us. With their dedication and professionalism , they brought about the foundation of mission and service along with establishing standards for proficiency and competency. As we entered the 150th year missionary anniversary of Taiwan Presbyterian Church, we prospect the next 150 years by reviewing the past, celebrating the present, appraising and planning the future. Upon reviewing past events and accomplishments, four distinct timelines in the history of missionary work were documented: 1) Establishment of health care and education system between 1865 and 1905; 2) Growth in the socioeconomic status and growth in church population between 1905 and 1945; 3) Expansion of community between 1945 and 1970; and 4) Tailoring individual needs from 1970 till present time. Each of the four distinct timelines illustrated different tasks which in turn founded many of Taiwan's social service standards. Nevertheless, there are still a number of obstacles and limitations ahead of missionary work and social services. For example, many pastors and their congregation are incoherent with their doctrine of social services; lack of principle, structure, and professionalism in missionary groups; lack of enthusiasm in participating missionary work; etc. The future of Taiwan's Missionary work strives to reach out to the society including elderly outreach; fathom and strengthen the Gospel and social welfare missionary model; delineate budgets for social welfare services; utilize professional social workers to thrust a movement towards and provide training for social services; and identify society needs and collaborate with church outreach. Lastly, missionary and social services are the basis underlying church mission and its function. They are also the foundations for spreading the Gospel. Missionary and social services posed a complementarily relationship in that social services is a technique for missionary work, and missionary provides a route for social services.