Mission in the Way of Daniel: Empowering Believers to Live into God’s Plan

by Edward L. Smither

Publisher:

William Carey Publishing

, 2022

Mission in the Marketplace 

 

What can the prophet Daniel teach us about serving in God's mission? Daniel was not a priest or official religious leader—he was a forcibly displaced Israelite, who became a public administrator in the Babylonian and Persian empires. While he may serve as an example of an admirable work ethic—often finding favor and recognition with political leaders—he is also a prime example of a bold and godly individual, willing to be a witness in his sphere of influence. Though his boldness resulted in suffering, he consistently experienced and demonstrated God’s power in his witness. This same boldness is needed today. 

 

While many books and Bible studies explore the work ethic and character of Daniel, Ed Smither takes those discussions to a new level, illustrating why each of Daniel’s qualities and skills is a necessary component of mission today.  

 

Mission in the Way of Daniel probes mission theology and practice in the Old Testament, exploring the well-known story of Daniel through the lenses of mission history and mission practice. Providing relevant application for contemporary issues like diaspora, power encounters, and divine favor in mission, the themes in Mission in the Way of Daniel advance the ongoing conversation about how to do mission.  

 

For mission practitioners, tentmakers, and all Christians, this book shows us how God can use us where we are in life and work. 

Contents

Introduction 

Chapter 1: Vulnerable: Displaced for God’s Mission 

Chapter 2: Gifted: Natural Abilities for God’s Mission 

Chapter 3: Favored: God-Given Favor Before Authorities 

Chapter 4: Empowered: Experiencing and Demonstrating the Power of God in Mission 

Chapter 5: Emboldened: Witness, Prayer and Suffering 

Appendix: Daniel: Background and Context 

Acknowledgements 

Bibliography 

Praise for Mission in the Way of Daniel

From the life of Daniel, Smither shows how God uses grief and gifting to carry His message to the nations. Smither challenges us to consider how God wants to use the anguish and abilities in our lives to further God’s witness.  

-Brian Gault, PhD 

Dallas Theological Seminary 

This is a ground-breaking work of missional hermeneutics that offers thought-provoking assessments of the life, witness, and work of Daniel in the Hebrew Scriptures.  

-Robert Gallagher, PhD 

Wheaton College 

Smither takes the reader on a fascinating and insightful journey, beginning with the life and book of Daniel, demonstrating how the qualities that Daniel possessed and exercised are essential qualities for fulfilling today’s mission as well. 

-João Mordomo, PhD 

Lausanne Global Network 

Product Details

• Title: Mission in the Way of Daniel: Empowering Believers to Live into God’s Plan
• Author: Edward L. Smither
• Publisher: William Carey Publishing
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781645084228, 9781645084204, 1645084205, 1645084221
• Resource ID: LLS:9781645084228
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-06-13T00:52:38Z

About Edward L. Smither

Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity Saint David; PhD, University of Pretoria) is professor and dean of intercultural studies at Columbia International University. He spent 14 years in intercultural ministry in North Africa, France, and the USA. His previous books include Missionary Monks, Mission in the Early Church, and Augustine as Mentor.