Reclaiming the Mandate: A Contextual Examination of Mark 16:15-16 and its Implications for Evangelism in Ogbomoso Anglican Diocese

The mandate in Mark 16:15-16 is a primary focus of the Church. This study examined the biblical mandate of evangelism in Mark 16:15–16, focusing on its contextual implications for evangelistic engagement within the Anglican Diocese of Ogbomoso. It addressed the problem of declining enthusiasm for evangelism among clergy and laity, despite the clarity of Christ’s commission. The aim was to look at the theological depth of the passage, evaluate existing evangelistic efforts, and propose contextually relevant strategies. The study is premised on Missio Dei (Mission of God), a theoretical framework popularised by David J. Bosch, which frames mission as rooted in God’s nature and initiative rather than as solely a Church-led activity. The research adopted a qualitative method. Primary sources included exegetical analysis of biblical texts and unstructured interviews with clergy and laity of the Diocese; secondary sources comprised books, journal articles, diocesan reports, and Church documents. Findings indicated strong theological awareness of the Great Commission but a lack of consistent practice, hindered by limited training, poor planning, and resource constraints. Respondents stressed the need for culturally informed approaches. The study concluded that reclaiming the evangelistic mandate demands theological renewal, practical training, and strategic diocesan initiatives. Recommendations included capacity-building programmes, integration of evangelism into worship life, and leadership-driven missional planning.