Toward the Twenty-First Century in Christian Mission

by James Phillips; Robert Coote

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1993

Overview

This collection of essays offers a comprehensive survey of the status of Christian missions in all parts of the world. With a preface by Lesslie Newbigin and contributions from more than two dozen top mission scholars from every continent, editors James M. Phillips and Robert T. Coote have compiled the most insightful and important reflections on missions into this singular volume. The essays in Part 1 consider unique perspectives on missions from a range of denominational affiliations and church backgrounds. Part II explores the influence of particular regions and cultures on the practice of mission. Part III treats the foundational disciplines of mission, including biblical and theological models, spiritual formation, and contextualization. Part IV focuses on contemporary challenges, such as the role of women in missions, the poor and missions, urban missions, interfaith dialogue, and church-state relations.

The contributors address a range of topics for a diverse audience. In particular, they write for those who are concerned with the present and future of Christian world missions: students in college and seminary; mission planners and mission board administrators; pastors, church members, and people of all sorts who want to become better informed on missions. Each essay concludes with suggestions for further reading and study. Toward the Twenty-First Century in Christian Mission offers a comprehensive introduction for scholars, pastors, students, and anyone interested in missions.

Key Features

• Further reading suggestions included with each essay
• Further reading suggestions included with each essay
• Detailed index

Contents

Top Highlights

“Jonah is the only ‘missionary’ I know of who fervently hoped that his listeners would not heed his message! But God does not allow his compassion to be subverted. So the story of Jonah is a call to Israel to be converted to a compassion comparable to that of Yahweh.” (Page 181)

“Our multicultured societies are now so obvious that the old domestic-foreign missions distinctions have little meaning.” (Page 280)

“Protestants generally were as dilatory in beginning the teaching of mission as they were in becoming part of the Christian missionary effort.” (Page 272)

“since Jonah was not sent to preach a message of salvation but to announce judgment on Nineveh.” (Page 181)

“The mission of the church, then, has all the dimensions and scope of Jesus’ own ministry and may never be reduced to church planting and the saving of souls. It consists in proclaiming and teaching, but also in healing and liberating, in compassion for the poor and the downtrodden. The mission of the church, as the mission of Jesus, involves being sent into the world—to love, to serve, to preach, to teach, to heal, to save, to free.” (Pages 189–190)

Praise for the Print Edition

A gold mine of up-to-date information on the church at work around the world. The list of suggested readings added to each of the twenty-eight essays is the best concise bibliography of current viewpoints in Christian missions that I have seen, and would be enough by itself to recommend the book to teachers, students, and anyone else who wants to know how Christians regard their global role in today’s world.

—Samuel Hugh Moffett, Princeton Theological Seminary

This book must rate as the number one choice for Christian world mission reading this year. The chapters are written by an all-star cast of mission leaders representing a wide range of traditions. The editors have brought together an excellent survey of contemporary mission by geographical area, theological themes, and special challenges. One should not miss reading this book.

—Eugene Heideman, General Program Council, Reformed Church in America

Product Details

• Title: Toward the Twenty-First Century in Christian Mission
• Authors: James M. Phillips and Robert T. Coote
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1993
• Pages: 412

About the Authors

James M. Phillips is associate director of Overseas Ministries Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut.

Robert T. Coote is assistant to the director for planning and development at Overseas Ministries Study Center.

Sample Pages from Toward the Twenty-First Century in Christian Mission