A Missiology of the Road: Early Perspectives in David Bosch’s Theology of Mission and Evangelism

David Bosch (1929-1992) was one of the foremost mission theologians of the twentieth century; a prolific scholar, committed church leader and active participant in the global conciliar and evangelical mission movements. His distinctive role in the South African church’s struggle against apartheid is less well known, however. After reviewing Bosch’s background and exploring key themes in his understanding of mission and evangelism, Livingston explores Bosch’s legacy from the perspective of the missionary nature of the church. The church is God’s kingdom community, acting as a witness to and instrument of the coming reign of God. The church is God’s alternative community, simultaneously set apart from the world but also existing for the sake of the world, exemplifying the radical implications of Christ’s new community. It is also God’s reconciled and reconciling community, serving as a sign and embodiment of God’s love in Christ. For those acquainted with Bosch only as the author of his magisterial Transforming Mission, A Missiology of the Road shows how Bosch integrated his theology and practice in a faithful, contextually relevant way within South Africa and the global church.