Can Public Theology and Missional Theology Talk to Each Other? Imagination and Nuance For the Church’s Public Practices

This essay explores the question of whether or not public theology and missional theology can talk to each other. While the short answer is a resounding “yes,” the author goes much further to suggest how a dialogue should start. The author begins with two stories that demonstrate the ideal union of public theology and missional theology. He then paints some broad characterizations of each discipline’s view of the other. This is helpful in understanding why it can be so difficult for the two theologies to work together. Even more helpful, though, is the bulk of the essay. This is a brief look at some recent trajectories of both public theology and missional theology. This is followed by some concerns for both. The essay ends as it starts, on a positive note, urging the reader for an imagination that thinks into a partnership of public theology and missional theology.