Reflections and resources for lifelong learning for missionaries
In contemporary literature on church planting and disciple-making doctrine is often downplayed. Doctrine is seen as secondary or primarily the intellectual concern of academics. But Paul put great emphasis on doctrine when he wrote to his church planting partners, Timothy and Titus. Kevin Vanhoozer writes, Christian doctrine is the disciple's meat and drink. You may …
Continue reading Teaching Doctrine in Disciple-making: Academic elective or life-giving essential?
In the last number of years, many books have been published about how to engage and do evangelism among Muslim peoples. But few books address the specifics of how to help new believers from Muslim contexts grow in their faith while remaining in their Muslim communities and families. Given that some claim that up to …
Continue reading Effective Discipling in Muslim Communities – a review
Today's book review was written by Brittany Garrett, who serves with her husband and 3 children in Romania. Sensible Shoes: A Story About the Spiritual Journey by Sharon Garlough Brown is a fictional narrative of four women on a journey toward deeper intimacy with Christ. Each of these women bring their own baggage as they begin their …
A few weeks ago I had the amazing privilege of joining together with 6000+ believers (mostly Asians) at the Global Discipleship Congress (GDC) in Manila, Philippines. It was a transformational experience as God used several Spirit-filled Asian leaders to challenge us to intentionally live a life of making disciples -- to live out our faith …
In three previous blog posts, I have been talking about crucible experiences (trials, or in other words, painful and stressful life or work circumstances) and the role they have in transforming us. But as I have noted, difficult life experiences in themselves do not refine us. Our response to the crucible experiences of life and …
Continue reading Processing crucibles with the help of others
In two previous blog posts, I have been talking about crucible experiences that God often uses to perfect us. But as I have noted, difficult life experiences in themselves do not refine us. Our response to the crucible experiences of life and ministry is what allows the crucible to become transformative. Crucibles are used in …
In the preparation of his servants, God uses crucible experiences that test and purify us. This is no less true of missionaries than of any other servants of God. In a previous post in this blog, I looked at Scripture verses that speak of crucibles and noted some different types of crucible experiences. …
