Rusin I. The Missional Theology of Leslie Nyubigin

The study examines the trinitarian and dialogical paradigm of mission as exhibited in the writing of Lesslie Newbigin. Newbigin played an important role in the formation of the trinitarian paradigm of the mission. According to Newbigin, the Trinity is the source and primary agent of the mission. The church is always the first fruit and instrument of God's mission in the world. This aspect of the trinitarian missiology of Lesslie Newbigin was studied the researches. This study argues that the Newbigin's trinitarian paradigm of mission is dialogical. The doctrine of Trinity forms the trinitarian and dialogical understanding of mission in the Newbigin's theology of mission. He understands Trinity in dialogical and relational categories. Trinity is an eternal dialog and relations of love between Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The mission starts in these dialogical relationships and in dialogism it is completed. So, the mission is not just started by God - it is started in God, in the eternal dialog and perfect relationships of love between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God's mission is started in the internal dialogical nature of the Trinity. This study also argues that the trinitarian and dialogical understanding of God's mission according to Newbigin has a fundamental influence on the understanding of the church and its mission. According to this research the trinitarian and dialogical paradigm of mission completely reshape an understanding of the role of the church in the world.