Imago Dei Ecclesiology

Abstract

This chapter critiques the western cultural understanding of empowerment using a trinitarian framework by engaging two pertinent questions: What is the character of the church; and is the western encultured empowerment narrative a bridge or barrier to its renewed understanding of biblical empowerment in the face of suffering? This is especially relevant as the church responds to the Covid-19 global health crisis. In contrast to the western cultural value of autonomy-as-empowerment, this paper argues that God the Father as the Source of life, the church as the embodiment of the incarnate Christ, and the character-forming ecclesial implications of the Holy Spirit’s presence empowers the church to live in the likeness of God. This paper is designed to stimulate dialogue among missiologists, theologians, and practitioners in order to strengthen the church’s response to suffering. This paper argues for a trinitarian ecclesiology for a holistic mission, defining the church as a worshiping community (a people of God), joined to Christ in His sufferings (the body of Christ), and as expanding the presence of God (God’s temple) now and into the new creation.