Spirituality in Mission: Embracing the Lifelong Journey
Ebook
Authors from eighteen countries give us their perspectives on biblical principles and cultural expressions of spirituality particularly as the church engages in God’s mission. The anthology of texts enriches our understanding of the depth and the meaning of being spiritual and the diversity of forms to live out the Christian faith. The issue today is how spirituality should direct and guide a daily life as followers of Jesus in the engagement in the mission of God. No doubt that it has to do with our inner life and our relationship to God, but it is in showing our love and concern to others that we prove our love to God, according to the Apostle John (1 John 4). Mission without spirituality will only be a human effort to convince people of religious theories. Spirituality without a missionary involvement of the church will not express God’s desire that the transforming gospel reaches every person. This book will help you rethink your understanding of what is spiritual, revisit your own spiritual journey, and appreciate the different forms of spirituality as they are described and performed around the globe.
Century after century, missionary vision and dynamism have always come from churches and persons that enjoyed spiritual vitality. Missionaries that I have known who left a mark in mission history were women and men that practiced regularly the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation of the Bible. The value of this new book, Spirituality in Mission, is how it explores and expounds its subject through personal testimony, reflection, and Bible exposition. The diversity of authors and subjects make it a milestone in missiological literature. J. Samuel Escobar, Facultad Protestante de Teología UEBE, Spain; Author, The New GlobalMission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone
For decades, Bill Taylor and his global colleagues have encouraged our pursuit towards being “reflective practitioners.” Spirituality in Mission is the masterpiece collection of guidance towards that goal. In a day of hyperactivity, exhaustion, and ministry burn out, this resource—written by an amazing collection of global Christian leaders—provides the challenges andthe tools needed for long-term personal depth and ongoing organizational renewal. Slow down, read this book reflectively, and reenter ministry work strengthened. Paul Borthwick, Senior Consultant Development Associates International; Author, GreatCommission, Great Compassion (IVP, 2015)
Mission organizations, Bible agencies, and church planters are coming together in unprecedented ways in the twenty-first century. They are working together to build God’s kingdom. As a result, they’re developing a broader vision and experience of what it means to be the body of Christ. Those of us on the journey like to reference Psalms 133—it is wonderful and pleasant when brothers and sisters live and work together in harmony! Harmony is precious and refreshing, resulting in God’s blessing. May your reading of this book give you new insight, blessing, and refreshment for your own journey. Bob Creson, President/CEO Wycliffe Bible Translators USA
Starting with the phrase “the use of means,” William Carey inaugurated the modern missionary movement as fundamentally pragmatic. As we move into a new era of mission far more diverse and richer, we must infuse that pragmatism with the aroma of Christ in new ways. Spirituality in Mission does just that, offering perspectives on the spiritual journey that is not constrained by the task at hand. Be warned, though, that some essays will not paint a picture of spirituality that is void of reality. Rather, what emerges is an interior life of the Spirit that is both global and local, and enriching to all. Dr. Ted Esler, President Missio Nexus
Here is a true gold mine of life experience and wisdom, unearthing new facets of Christian spirituality through a fresh theological understanding. It is an eye-opener to enriching voices of the majority world and a corrective to the sacred-spiritual Western dichotomy, with its individualistic spirituality. The imagery of a “lifelong journey” and the “finishing well” perspective provide important food for thought with missions too often marked by quick fix, short-term, and numbers. This resource displays an authentic, all-embracing understanding of Christian spirituality as the “undivided longing for God’s glory to shine out to the world.” This book is a crucial toolkit for reforming the spirituality of our churches and mission organizations, of mission workers and pastors alike. Prof. Dr. Anne-Marie Kool, Professor of Missiology, Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia; Director of the Osijek Institute for Mission Studies; Vice-President of the Central and Eastern European Association for Mission Studies; Associate Professor of Missiology Baptist Theological Academy, Budapest, Hungary
Spirituality in Mission is well written, accessible, intellectually engaging, and comprehensive in its subjects and issues. As a mission educator and cross-cultural mission practitioner, I am pleased that the contributors are well known and globally diverse, representing both experienced mission practitioners and thoughtful academics. I loved the case studies from different cultural and geographical contexts. Do not neglect the concluding annotated bibliography. It is a valuable resource to those engaged in mission practice, education, and training, and also for those engaged in missionary care. This book is greatly needed, useful, and a timely resource. Rev. Dr. George Iype Kovo, Chaplain to The Queen; Fellow Berkeley College Yale University, USA; Former Principal Trinity College Bristol, UK; Former Mission Education Director of The Church Mission Society UK
There is much of profound value in this anthology. The outstanding treasure for me was the sense that we are not alone on our spiritual journey. Chapter by chapter it is as if each contributor joins the reader and shares from their cultural and personal experience of spirituality in mission as we all walk the road together. At the outset, Rose Dowsett instructs, “Authentic spiritualityis profoundly communal,” and that is well represented by this volume. It is a communal work. Own this book and let the diverse global voices encourage us all to stay and grow, together, on mission. Dr. Jay Matenga, Executive Officer, Missions Interlink New Zealand, Coauthor, Mission in Motion: Speaking Frankly of Mobilization (WCL, 2016)
Spirituality in Mission addresses a vision of the spiritual life that forms and feeds mission. The variety of cultural contexts of the mission scholars and practitioners give weight to the rich expressions of spirituality. The authors bring together mission and spirituality through biblical and practical exploration. The thoughtful consideration of the various approaches and aspects of spirituality present a broad range of perspectives. I found the practical reflection and application section at the end of most chapters perfect for individual study or small group discussions. This book is refreshing and convincingly shows that spiritual formation and missional living are a dynamic, interrelated process. Monika Mench, Recruitment Director, DMG
Comprehensive in content and often deeply convicting, this volume treats the topic of spirituality in missions from every conceivable angle. Seasoned leaders from around the globe lend their voices to various aspects of spirituality in ways a solitary worldview could not. Topics ranging from the missionary call all the way to the conclusion of a missionary’s life are insightfully touched upon. This newest mission resource should be referenced by every aspiring missionary and current message-bearer, to guide him or her through their ministry journey. Dr. Marvin J. Newell, Senior Vice-President Missio Nexus
At last, a timely, comprehensive, and foundational resource for missions in the twenty-first century! It is filled with gems of wisdom, grace, and helps for the beginners, “wounded warriors,” and thriving missionaries. The future of missions depends on many more of God’s people successfully embracing it as a life-long journey. Such an endeavor is usually too much for individual missionaries without a caring and understanding missional community behind them. Together, we will have the needed spirituality to embrace it life-long and to finish strong and well. Thus, this book is also invaluable for every Christian engaged in the Great Commission. Dr. Andrew Ng, Missions Consultant SIM East Asia
- Title: Spirituality in Mission: Embracing the Lifelong Journey
- Authors: William D. Taylor, John Amalraj, Geoffrey W. Hahn
- Publisher: William Carey Library
- Print Publication Date: 2018
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780878080588, 9780878080564, 0878080562, 0878080589
- Resource ID: LLS:9780878080588
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-09-08T19:34:40Z