Rehearsing the New Creation: Diaspora Missions and the Means of Grace in a Wesleyan Context in Canada

Abstract

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER JUSTIN EDWARD BRADBURY DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY REHEARSING THE NEW CREATION: DIASPORA MISSIONS AND THE MEANS OF GRACE IN A WESLEYAN CONTEXT IN CANADA ABSTRACT The thesis argues that John Wesley's missiological conception and use of the means of grace is a methodology by which churches may engage in missions to, through, by and beyond diaspora Christians arriving in Canada. Whereas ideological and policy changes enacted by the Government of Canada since 1971 indirectly created the context for a new era of diaspora missions, churches have not deeply embraced the potential for partnership with diaspora Christians migrating here. Wesley's theology of the means of grace offers a way to engage in partnership in missions that is not limited to socio-cultural models, but rather transcends these via the means of grace. The means of grace are universal practices of the church that form Christians in holiness communally, and equip them to practise mission communally. The methodology employed by this thesis is Theological Action Research (TAR), an inter-disciplinary approach that is is enumerated in the Introduction. Chapter one is a socio-cultural analysis of Canada's Diversity model as initiated by the Government in 1971; the impact of the changes in immigration patterns; and the intended and unforeseen outcomes of the praxis of multiculturalism and immigration. A new era of diaspora missions is one indirect result of these socio-cultural changes. Chapter two examines how Canada's evangelical churches have responded to diaspora missions, and why the multi-ethnic approach to church planting is useful for Canadian churches and diaspora Christians to partner in mission in multi-cultural cities. The dominant church planting models are explored. The assertion is that the multi-ethnic method is viable as an intermediate approach. The missiological implications of partnership with diaspora Christians are considered, concluding that missions to, through, by and beyond diaspora Christians are crucial for the future of missions in Canada. Chapter Three demonstrates that John Wesley believed the practise of the means of grace as works of piety and works of mercy formed early Methodists for holy mission. As the implications of the means of grace for the church are appraised, an enduring basis from which to develop a Wesleyan missiology is found. Chapter Four addresses critically the interpretations of John Wesley's conception and use of the means of grace, and concludes that the categorisation of the means of grace may appropriately be expanded beyond their soteriological orientation within the ordo salutis, to Wesley's expansive missiological aim. The integrated practice of the means of grace is vital to Wesley's theology of mission. Chapter Five argues that Wesley's missiological conception and use of the means of grace is a methodology by which churches may engage in partnerships in mission with diaspora Christians. It is appropriate for churches to respond to the outcomes of the Canadian diversity model with intentionality and trust in the eschatological vision; through scriptural holiness in partnership with diaspora Christians; and by the integrated practice of the means of grace as churches rehearse together the new creation. The Conclusion articulates the response to the research problem and proposes new research possibilities.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2020
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	RMS UnKnown (Supervisor)