Reconciling missiological visions: A comparative study of evangelical and ecumenical approaches to missio Dei and the missional church

Since Johannes C. Hoekendijk proposed the “God–World–Church” paradigm, theological discourse concerning missio Dei and the missional church has increasingly demonstrated convergence, particularly as both evangelical and ecumenical traditions have come to emphasize evangelism alongside social responsibility. ¹ This study examines the mission statements issued by the 11th World Council of Churches (WCC) Assembly and the Fourth Lausanne Congress in order to analyze areas of theological convergence and divergence between these two traditions. The comparison identifies significant differences in ecclesiology, biblical interpretation, and understandings of the Gospel, while also highlighting shared commitments to evangelism, social engagement, and participation in the missio Dei . It further suggests that both traditions continue to affirm the centrality of divine love, the world as the context of mission, and eschatological hope as important themes for contemporary missiology. These common commitments provide opportunities for greater mutual learning and cooperation between evangelical and ecumenical communities in contemporary mission.