1.

Choose one from the different points presented in the Ecclesio-centric understanding of mission and discuss its
negative implication in today’s missionary life.

 Excludes others outside the Church in the doing of mission. Since mission is primarily the work of the Church
doing mission is also the work of Church leaders and members only. Its negative implication in today’s
missionary life is it become a case of group dysfunction. A time will come when such members whose feelings or
opinions never count will begin to feel very frustrated. They may lose self-confidence.

2. Discuss why there a shift from Ecclesio-centric understanding of mission to Theo-centric. Indicate the points that
made the Theocentric understanding favored over the Ecclesio-centric.

 There is a shift from a ecclesiocentric to a theocentric view of mission. In this view, mission is not the
recruitment of individuals to the programs of the local church, it is the church as a community engaging in God’s
mission of renewal and restoration. Mission doesn’t just happen over there on some distant, and mission
doesn’t just happen in here within the walls of the church. Rather, the missional church recognizes the reign of
Christ over all things, and collectively the church engages with God’s ongoing mission activity in their local
context. Always remember that mission always involves the participation of God’s people, His Church, in the
peace inaugurated in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

3. Find one or more further representation of the annunciation or nativity such as a painting, a crib or Christmas card.
Discuss how these pictures communicate the mystery of the incarnation?

 One representation of the Annunciation is the dove, which symbolizes the act of conception which took place in
the Virgin’s ear. Like the Burning Bush on Horeb (Mount Sinai) which carried God in the heart of the flames, so
Mary brought Christ into her virginity through her ear the Divine Word of the Father entered and dwelt secretly
in her womb.