Lecture: The Student Volunteer Movement and the Debate on Mission
Overview
The Student Volunteer Movement: Considered one of the significant movements in church history, particularly in the modern period.
Demise: The movement ended mainly due to debates over the definition of mission, especially between evangelism and social action.
Key Debate
Evangelism vs. Social Action: Not a matter of choosing one over the other, but understanding their relationship.
Evangelism: Sharing Christian faith, saving souls.
Social Action: Serving the poor, engaging in justice efforts, etc.
Questions surrounding their relationship:
Is social responsibility a means to evangelism?
Should social action be considered an end in itself?
Positions in Evangelicalism
Prioritism:
Advocates that evangelism and discipleship are the primary mission.
Social actions are important but secondary.
Holism:
Argues that social action and evangelism are inseparable and equally important.
Both are essential parts of the church's mission.
Readings Assigned for Case Study
Rethinking Missions (1932 by William Hocking):
Critiques Western mission work in Asia.
Suggests mission should focus on social reform within other religions rather than conversion.
The Case for Prioritism:
Details the debate between prioritism and holism.
Argues for prioritism, presenting it as the minority view today.
The Lausanne Covenant (Articles 5 and 6):
Statements on social responsibility and evangelism.
Reflects on the balance between evangelism and social action.
Historical Context
The Lausanne Movement: Founded by Billy Graham and John Stott, carried on debates from the Student Volunteer Movement.
Graham represented prioritism, focusing on evangelism.
Stott advocated for holism.
Reflection and Discussion
Consider how mission priorities influence church decisions and resource allocation.
Reflect on personal and institutional inclinations towards prioritism or holism.
Engage in discussions and debates to explore these positions further.
Conclusion
The lecture closes with prayer, focusing on wisdom, humility, and unity in discussions about mission priorities. Suggestions made for further discussion in Zoom calls to delve deeper into the topic.