The Congregation as Hermeneutic of the Gospel

Lesslie Newbigin's concept of the congregation as hermeneutic of the gospel has been used for over thirty years to discuss the overlap of mission and ecclesiology. This book provides the contextual background to the congregation as hermeneutic of the gospel, then discusses the important components of this concept and how they connect with Newbigin's lifetime of writings on the nature and identity of the church. Within this discussion, there are three key elements to Newbigin's ecclesiology as it pertains to the congregation as hermeneutic of the gospel: the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the local congregation, the kingdom of God and the local congregation, and the local congregation within itself. These three components can be found throughout Newbigin's discussions about the nature of the church ranging from the 1940s until the 1990s. Pulling all these components together and showing how they shed light on Newbigin's intended meaning by calling the local congregation the hermeneutic of the gospel for their society provides a new interpretation of this concept that will both strengthen and challenge contemporary uses of this concept within the church today.

"For many of us missiologists, Lesslie Newbigin serves as one of our heroes. While scholars have mined his writings for years, few have unpacked the significance of his argument that the 'local congregation is the hermeneutic of the gospel.' Shawn Behan fills this lacuna in a meaningful way. I can think of few topics more important in our contemporary society. We desperately need local congregations that embody the gospel in word and action."
--Gregg A. Okesson, Ira Gallaway and D.M. Beeson Chair of Leadership Development, Mission, and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Shawn Behan provides a fresh and nuanced discussion of Lesslie Newbigins's complex concept of the congregation as a hermeneutic of the gospel. His exploration of Newbigin's corpus of writing provides a robust understanding of the missionary nature of the church, which he argues is central to the purpose and identity for the church in the world."
--A. Sue Russell, professor of missions and contextual studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Shawn Behan has done a great service to all who are intrigued by Lesslie Newbigin's sense that the local congregation is the 'hermeneutic of the gospel' for the people among whom it lives. Behan traces this notion and its implications throughout Newbigin's published works to plumb its depths and nourish imagination for the formation of Christian communities that live by its wisdom. This is a book we've needed, by an author competent to write it."
--George R. Hunsberger, professor emeritus of missiology, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

Shawn P. Behan is a doctoral graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary with a focus on the theology of mission and currently teaches at Missouri Baptist University and Pacific Islands University. Shawn focuses his teaching and research on the cross-section of theology and missiology, and works to help students integrate these fields into their lives and ministries.

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