International Review of Mission
Volume 100, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 4-16

Emerging migrant churches in the Netherlands: Missiological challenges and mission frontiers (Review)

Noort G.*
  • a Netherlands Mission Council (NMC), Netherlands

Abstract

Emerging migrant churches in the Netherlands are a visible sign of a changed society. These changes demand rethinking of missiological challenges and "mission frontiers". In this process sentiments of the Dutch population towards immigrants need to be addressed. Since the murders of right-wing politician Pim Fortuyn and film producer Theo van Gogh, existing tensions in society and feelings of fear can neither be neglected nor downplayed. Referring to three examples of newly emerged multicultural churches, the author comments on how these communities shape their church and mission. He argues that migrant churches are missional by definition in their focus on internal, external or common mission. In discussing the response to migrant's theologies, he argues that true dialogue is often precluded by reductionist tendencies. More opportunities for theological training of the leadership of migrant churches, on their own terms, are mentioned as an important challenge. Defining one's own Christian identity anew in the changed context is seen as vital for true dialogue and connectedness. Copyright © 2011 World Council of Churches.

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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84861014874&doi=10.1111%2fj.1758-6631.2011.00052.x&partnerID=40&md5=77474c004d68a21a1cfc75441265fc74

DOI: 10.1111/j.1758-6631.2011.00052.x
ISSN: 00208582
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English