Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development
Overview
There is a deepening crisis in mission as practiced by North American congregations. Many mission activities are more effective at satisfying church members than making a lasting difference, producing what’s too often consumer-oriented “selfie mission.” Too much effort is based on colonial-era assumptions of mission launched from a position of power. These practices are not just ineffective—they deviate from mission in the way of Jesus.
Hunter Farrell and Bala Khyllep want to help free congregational mission from harmful cultural forces so churches can better partner with God’s work in the world. They invite leaders to lay the foundation for more faithful and effective missions with three core elements:
- a Christ-centered theology of mission rooted in companionship
- an appetite and competence to engage across differences with cultural humility
- insights and strategies to accompany local and global neighbors in co-development
Farrell and Khyllep deliver key takeaways from the latest mission research, inspiring examples from innovative congregations, and a set of step-by-step tools for churches to discern and implement sound practices that will work for them. The local church community is well-positioned to build a spreading circle of relationships centered in Jesus Christ. With this book, congregations of every Christian tradition will find practical help to direct their resources in truly life-giving ways as they seek the mission of God.
This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.
- Invites leaders to lay the foundation for more faithful and effective missions
- Delivers key takeaways from the latest mission research
- Provides practical help to direct resources in truly life-giving ways as they seek the mission of God
- The Crisis We Face
- Unchecked Baggage
- A Theology of Companionship: The First Stone
- An Invitation to Cultural Humility: The Second Stone
- The Power of Co-Development: The Third Stone
- Redeeming Short-Term Mission
- Caring for Vulnerable Children and Families
- Unbinding Mission Leadership
Hunter Farrell and Bala Khyllep bring decades of hands-on mission experience to the urgent task of reframing congregational mission. This book rejects ‘selfie mission’ and affirms that God is calling North American Christians to walk alongside others as companions in Christ. I highly recommend this book for classroom use. It is refreshing and accessible. Most important, it is full of faithful wisdom.
—Dana L. Robert, Boston University School of Theology, author of Faithful Friendships: Embracing Diversity in Christian Community
- Title: Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development
- Authors: S. Balajiedlang Khyllep, Bennett Hunter Farrell
- Publisher: IVP Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2021
- Pages: 269
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subjects: Missions › North America; Christianity and culture › North America; Postcolonialism › North America
- ISBNs: 9781514000694, 9781514000687, 1514000695, 1514000687
- Resource ID: LLS:FRNGCNGRGTNMSSN
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:05:29Z