The three-self formula and PRCA foreign missions (1)
Richard Smit examines the goal and methodology of foreign missions within the Protestant Reformed tradition, drawing on Prof. Robert D. Decker's theological framework that defines the missionary objective as gathering the elect into properly constituted church institutes. The article grounds this missiological approach in Scripture, the Belgic Confession, and Reformed ecclesiology, emphasizing the establishment of churches with proper pastoral oversight, sacramental ministry, and church discipline.
Among various things one can consider in foreign missions, there is this significant question: "What is the goal of missions?" Many, varied, and sometimes erroneous are the answers to that question in books about missions. Prof. Robert D. Decker, now emeritus professor of Practical Theology in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary, gave an answer to that question in an article at the conclusion of his thorough series on "Missionary Methods" in the Standard Bearer in April 1985. He...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org