Mission Studies

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the History and Theory of Global Missions

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Mission Studies with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0168-9789
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Converge1985, from 1987 to 1990, from 1993 to 1994, from 1996 to 1997, from 2000 to 2024
AbbreviationMISSION STUD / Mission Stud.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

Mission Studies focuses on the intersection of Christianity and cultural contexts, exploring the dynamics of mission practices and their implications across diverse global landscapes. It emphasizes both historical and contemporary perspectives on mission, aiming to foster dialogue between theology and socio-cultural realities.
  1. Historical Analysis of Mission Practices:
    The journal frequently examines historical contexts of missionary work, providing insights into how past practices influence current mission strategies and theological understandings.
  2. Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue:
    A significant portion of the research focuses on the interactions between different faiths, particularly in multicultural settings, highlighting the importance of dialogue in mission work.
  3. Social Justice and Ethical Engagement:
    Mission Studies emphasizes the role of mission in addressing social justice issues, exploring how faith communities can engage with and respond to societal challenges.
  4. Pentecostalism and Charismatic Movements:
    The journal pays particular attention to Pentecostal and charismatic expressions of faith, analyzing their impact on global Christianity and mission practices.
  5. Theological Reflections on Modern Challenges:
    Contemporary issues such as migration, identity, and health crises are explored through a theological lens, encouraging a reflective approach to mission in a changing world.
Mission Studies is currently witnessing several emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and the evolving landscape of global Christianity. These trends indicate a responsive approach to the complexities of modern missions.
  1. Multicultural and Multireligious Engagement:
    Recent publications emphasize the importance of engaging with multicultural and multireligious contexts, reflecting the realities of globalized societies and the need for inclusive mission practices.
  2. Focus on Social Justice Initiatives:
    There is a rising trend in addressing social justice through mission work, with scholars exploring how faith communities can effectively respond to issues like poverty, inequality, and systemic injustice.
  3. Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements:
    The increasing prominence of Pentecostalism and charismatic movements in mission studies highlights their significant role in shaping contemporary Christian practices and outreach strategies.
  4. Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
    Emerging discussions around ecological crises and the role of mission in promoting environmental stewardship indicate a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of faith and ecological responsibility.
  5. Identity and Migration Issues:
    Themes related to migration, identity, and belonging are gaining traction, reflecting the complex realities of displaced populations and the church's role in addressing these challenges.

Declining or Waning

While Mission Studies has a rich history of diverse themes, some areas have seen a decline in focus in recent years, reflecting shifts in scholarly interest and societal concerns.
  1. Colonial Mission Studies:
    Research centered on colonial missions is becoming less prominent, possibly due to a growing emphasis on post-colonial perspectives that critique traditional missionary narratives.
  2. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers that focus solely on European missionary activities, as the journal increasingly prioritizes global and local narratives from non-Western contexts.
  3. Traditional Ecclesiastical Structures:
    Themes related to traditional church structures and their missions are waning, reflecting a shift towards exploring more fluid and diverse expressions of church and community.

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