The term ‘expansion’ or ‘extension’ of the kingdom of God has been widely used in Christian theology and missiology. The author, however, suggests to use a new term, ‘revitalization’ of the kingdom of God, instead. The author sees a remainder of colonialism in the common term ‘expansion’ or ‘extension’ of the kingdom of God. It is also too aggressive. It is even restraint of God’s reign per se. Revitalization of the kingdom of God is a combination of church growth movements and church renewal movements. Therefore the main topic of this article is revitalization of the kingdom of God and the church. The author chose the term ‘revitalization’ over ‘growth,’ because the growth of real plants could be limited in a special area. The kingdom of God shouldn’t be restricted to the church. In section 1, the author deals with the kingdom of God and church renewal. The aim of church renewal is to go beyond the church boundaries to include all that is the kingdom of God. In section 2, the author handles the relation of the kingdom of God and the church. The author especially focuses on the important discussions of world mission conferences in the 1980s.’ In section 3, the author discusses the church as a seedbed and a hub of the kingdom of God. The church as a seedbed of the kingdom of God is an ecological model and it can be complementary to the ‘overspill’ model of the Grand Rapids Report of 1982. The church as a hub of the kingdom of God is an economical model. Jesus Christ, of course, is the axis of the hub. In each section, the author affirms Howard A. Snyder’s renewal view, especially his three conversion experiences: to Jesus Christ, to the church, and to the kingdom of God, as foundational to this article. The author concludes this article by quoting Snyder’s signature opener. “Once you’ve caught a vision for the kingdom of God, you’ll never be satisfied with anything less!”

• 권오훈(목원대 강사, 선교학) | Kwon O-hoon