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Mission in the 21st century: call to mission Swanwick-lakeside, 5-9 May 2003.

Article Excerpt
1. As sisters and brothers in Christ we have gathered from 60 countries in Swanwick, England in this month of May 2003 to devote our hearts and minds to the future of Baptists in mission in the 21st Century.

2. We have been inspired by God's word, and challenged afresh by the needs in God's world. We have listened to each other's stories and learned from one another. We have been enriched in worship and prayer together.

3. We have affirmed our unswerving commitment to the historic truths revealed in Scripture. It is our conviction that God has acted decisively and supremely in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Mission of God, Missio Dei, is laid forth from Genesis to Revelation and in this cosmic drama we recognize that--

God the Father yearns for us to participate (Luke 15:20)

God the Son both invites and commands us to participate (Matthew 28:19)

God the Holy Spirit empowers us to participate (Acts 1:8)

4. Thus called, invited, commanded and empowered we offer our lives once more to the task of making Jesus known in word and deed. This we affirm is the task of all disciples of Christ.

THE CONTEXT FOR MISSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY

5. The last century was a time of great growth in human knowledge. Many secrets of the world have been unlocked and utilized for the benefits of humankind. We have also seen the spectacular growth of the church in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and with it a faith-filled missionary outreach to the ends of the earth. We give thanks to God for the dynamic wind of the Spirit bringing growth and renewal to many parts of Christ's church. We agree that...