Embodying the Marginality of Jesus: The Creative Core of Mission and Evangelism in the Uniting Church in Australia
Abstract
The context in which mission and evangelism takes place has changed dramatically over the last century. Since Union and into the 21st century the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) has not manifested itself in political and social power; rather, the UCA like other churches in the west is continually coming to terms with its marginality in the wider spheres of community life, politics and society. This paper will challenge the UCA to take seriously its marginal identity by reflecting theologically on the marginality of Jesus and the implications this has on mission and evangelism in the UCA.
Author Biography
Cyrus Kung
Cyrus Kung is a Second Generation Hong Kong Australian. An ordained Minister in the Uniting Church, he currently works for UnitingWorld as a Church Engagement Manager for South Australia and Western Australia as well as in placement as a Mission Activator for the Mission Resourcing Team in the Synod of South Australia. Cyrus is passionate about seeing people connect with the deeper parts of themselves whilst also exploring the simplicity of Christ in the complexities of life in the twenty-first century. Creativity, third spaces, liminality, in-betweenness and hybridity shapes much of his approach to ministry and community life.