God at work: An exploration of the dynamic inter-relationship between the reign of God and the people of God

Abstract

In this article, it is argued that we must take seriously the missional invitation of the Triune God to communion and fellowship. Further, it is argued that it is this invitation which informs, shapes and forms the nature of our understanding of the missio Dei. The expression of the missio Dei is most clearly and visibly demonstrated in terms of the metaphor of the kingdom, the reign of God. It is the reality of the reign, the kingdom of God that creates a community, the ecclesia, the church. If we are to take seriously the link between the nature of God and the missio Dei and the link between the missio Dei and the kingdom, and the link between the kingdom and the community that the kingdom calls into being, then we must ask ourselves what the nature of that community should be. Ultimately, the community that derives its nature from the Trinitarian nature of God should have a specific shape and form and act in a certain way and it can be expected that those who act as leaders in this community should act in a certain way.