Introduction
The Global Mobiology Research Library (GMRL), an initiative of the Global Mobilization Institute, seeks to fill this gap in the global Church. Functioning as a “connecting point,” the GMRL helps institutions, scholars and students integrate this little known area of study. Our hope is to see this tiny trickle of current emphasis on “mobilization studies,” or “mobiology,” grow into a wave that impacts and influences the global Church in being activated in God’s mission.
Mission
Our mission is to:
- Cultivate a vibrant international community of mission mobilization practitioners and scholars.
- Elevate the study of mobilization (mobiology) to the highest academic level as a distinct field of study.
- Equip the global Church to understand mission mobilization as central to its identity and purpose.
- Foster informed perspectives on the expanding field of mission mobilization.
Objectives
GMRL aims to develop a robust mobilization theology (mobiology) with accompanying practice that propels the global Church forward in its Great Commission calling. We will achieve this by:
- Developing a global community of scholars from diverse denominations, mission organizations, seminaries, and theological institutions, particularly from the Two-Thirds World.
- Providing resources and mentorship to these scholars, including access to research facilities, libraries, and academic and spiritual guidance.
- Fostering the development of local networks of mobiology scholars to advance biblical scholarship in this field.
- Integrating mobilization theology (mobiology) and practice into the mainstream of global Church life.
Partnership: 3 Levels
- Six World Renowned “Partner” Institutions:
We seek collaborative partnerships with six institutions globally, renowned for their commitment to strong, cutting edge missiology. We believe these institutions can lend their established reputations and credibility to the GMRL and its vision of encouraging “mobilization studies” (mobiology) as a viable area of missiological academic research.
- Clear Governance: A management team appointed by GMMI and an advisory board representing partner organizations will oversee the library’s operations.
- Resource Sharing: We invite partner institutions to provide access to their online, digital libraries for the GMRL community to utilize. This includes developing policies for online resources.
- Instructor Sharing: We invite missiology professors from partner institutions to periodically visit Chiang Mai, Thailand, for lectures. GMRL will likewise make available its leaders to periodically share at partnering institutions, highlighting the important role of mobilization studies as part of a faithful missiology.
- Mutual Recruiting: GMRL commits to encouraging those in its community to consider higher education with partnering institutions if they are not already students of a particular institution. Additionally, GMRL asks partner institutions to advertise the GMRL and its function as a “connecting point” regarding mobilization studies.
- Operational Policies: Defined policies for library operations, user access, and resource preservation will be established.
- Member Missiology Departments of Institutions:
We also seek collaborative partnerships with missiological departments of Seminaries, Bible Schools or Ministry Training Institutions internationally as “Members” of the GMRL. These institutions are interested in seeing “Mobilization Theology” or “Mobiology” integrated into their course and department curriculum. Each of these institutions is encouraged to provide at least one course per year in “Mobiology” as a foundation from which to potentially build upon.
- “Affiliate” Individual Scholars and Students:
Third, we seek to develop “Affiliate” partnerships with individual professors and students wanting to connect with a community of others exploring themes and topics related to “Mobilization Theology” and “Mobiology.”
