What is the Missio Dei?

• A. The belief that humans initiate mission to spread religion to all nations.
• B. The belief that God initiates and pursues global mission to redeem a people for Himself; Christians participate by joining God's mission through the church and individuals, aligning plans with His purposes.
• C. A program focusing on church growth within local communities only.
• D. A political movement to convert nations through diplomacy.

Answer: (B)

Missio Dei refers to the mission of God—the idea that God initiates, pursues, and carries out His global plan to redeem a people for Himself. It emphasizes divine initiative and direction: mission begins with God, who sends and empowers. Humans participate by joining God’s mission through the church and as individual believers, aligning our plans and efforts with His purposes rather than starting or directing the mission on our own. This partnership reflects the continuous work of the Trinity—God the Father sending the Son, the Spirit empowering the church, and believers joining in as they witness and serve. It’s not about humans initiating mission, a narrow local focus, or political effort; it’s about partnering with God in His worldwide redemptive activity.