THE PHENOMENON OF DIASPORA: MISSIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN MISSIONS

Abstract

Diaspora in a large scale is a recent phenomenon of short history, of several decades; yet with strong socio-cultural impact on many countries and people groups. It is important to provide definition of some key-terms and state the assumptions of this paper at the outset. Etymologically, “diaspora” (from Greek) means scattering and the term is used in this paper in reference to the phenomenon of large-scale movement of people from their home land to elsewhere geographically over a period of time (i.e. not mere transient). The term “migration” is used to describe the movement of people from one location to another with no reference to home country; whereas “emigration” is leaving one’s own country for another, while “immigration” is just moving to another country.It is understood that “mission” is the “Great Commission of making disciples” by carrying out the “missions” (ways and means of accomplishing the “mission”) including proclamation of the Gospel, persuasion for conversion, practicing the Great Commandment (of loving God and one’s neighbor in holistic ministry), producing disciples and self-multiplying congregations, etc.  The purpose of this paper is to describe the phenomenon of diaspora and delineate its missiological implications.  Important as they may, discussion and analysis of various factors and multiple forms of diaspora are beyond the scope of this paper.  However, helpful references and web sites will be provided in the List of Reference and Appendix 1 for those who are interested in further exploration and research.