Vatican II s famous declaration that "the church on earth is by its very nature missionary has often been taken out of context and used to support all manner ofchurchinitiatives. But, the conclusion of the statement "since . . . it has its origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit" is of monumental importance.
In "The Way of Discipleship," theologian Anthony Gittins describes the eternal mission of the Trinity, historicallybrought "down to earth" in the ministryofJesus, and thencontinued to the ends of the earth by those called and sent as disciples throughout future generations. Gittins explains that Christian discipleship mustbe the living out of Jesus' own example in many different times and places. He encourages people of all ages to follow the invitation of Jesus to be missionary disciples.
"The Way of Discipleship" exploresseveral New Testament examples ofJesus' call and commissioning, distills the principles involved, and then recontextualizes the stories so that they pose adirect challenge to disciples today. In this way, Gittinsbuilds up a picture both of "the Way" of Jesus himself, and of the way in which today's disciples canloyally follow his call to mission."