INTRODUCTION: Historical theology does not often get a place at the table in missiological discussions. Its neglect can leave us at the mercy of current thinking and trends. Reading theologians from other eras guards us against our blind spots. Other eras have their blind spots too but they are usually different than ours. Historical theology …
Category: Book Reviews
Book Review: Well Sent
I have frequently been asked about resources for local church missions programs. In 2015, Steve Beirn, Global Ministries Pastor at Calvary Church in Lancaster, PA, published Well Sent: Reimaging the Church’s Missionary-Sending Process. Steve served at our sending church in Holland, Michigan before going to Calvary so I know him well. He writes with passion and experience. …
Book review: Stubborn Perseverance
Stubborn Perseverance: How to launch multiplying movements of disciples and churches among Muslims and others (a story based on real events) by James Nyman with Robby Butler. How-to manuals are generally difficult to read, and those who purchase them are not often motivated to read them from start to finish. Stubborn Perseverance is a different …
Review of Dialogical Apologetics
I have a couple of shelves full of books on apologetics in my library. Some are very philosophical and technical - the kind you need a dictionary handy in order to understand. Some are like cookbooks that give recipes for every question you might encounter in defending Christian faith. A good friend recommended David K. …
Review of Paul Hiebert’s Transforming Worldviews
Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change is variously described as "the capstone of Paul Hiebert's work", "Hiebert at his best!", and "mission anthropology at its best." (from the back cover). A. Scott Moreau writes, "For the first time, all of his major missiological insights - from set theory in church growth to …
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Review: Early Christian Mission by Eckhard J. Schnabel
Early Christian Mission, published in 2004 by Eckhard J. Schnabel is a massive resource. The two volumes contain 1928 pages, 1588 of which are text. The size of the work will intimidate many but the thoroughness of Schnabel's scholarship is rewarding. Theologian and New Testament scholar Peter T. O'Brien gives this endorsement of this work: …
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Review: From Seed to Fruit, 2nd Edition
The Second edition of From Seed to Fruit: Global Trends, Fruitful Practices, and Emerging Issues among Muslims, edited by J. Dudley Woodberry contains reports and analyses of the Global Trends and Fruitful Practices Consultation in 2007. The consultation included almost 500 people from around the globe involved in outreach to Muslims. The book is a …
