Missions as Holistic Ministry: Toward a Seventh-day Adventist Theology of Mission for Relief and Development

Abstract

This article endeavors to develop a Seventh-day Adventist theology of mission for holistic
ministry. The importance (and need) of a solid biblical theology of mission for
relief and development activities is discussed. Such a task requires a well-defined theology
of holistic ministries which is significant in view of the fact that both individual
church members as well as church institutions are to be socially responsible towards
their neighbors or those most affected by misfortunes and tragedies. This holistic and
integrative approach to God's mission understands that relief development, and
Christian witness are the hands and feet of one body —the Body of Christ. Thus theological
and biblical principles set forth in the Scriptures must be rightly understood
and effectively put into practice.

Key Words: mission theology, holistic mission, relief development, charity, poor, welfare,
Seventh-day Adventist Church