WHO IS MISSION SHAPE MOVEMENT?

WHAT IS A MISSION SHAPE MOVEMENT?

INTRODUCTION

The first motor cars were called “horseless carriages” since here was a new and growing phenomenon that could only be described with existing vocabulary. By contrast, the word “computer” has been consistently used since at least the 17th century, once of a person who calculates, later to describe large mechanical machines and now of tiny implants that seem to operate most things. The words “mission” and “church” are being taken, with us, on a surprising journey, led by God, in relating to a changing world. There is continuity and discontinuity. This chapter will give a brief history of “fresh expressions” of church in South Africa to help leaders of churches (particularly of the historic denominational institutions) explore the implications of this “surprising move of God” for our ecclesiology.