The Realities of Money and Missions: Global Challenges and Case Studies

by Jonathan J. Bonk; Michel G. Distefano; J. Nelson Jennings

Publisher:

William Carey Publishing

, 2022

Overview

Perhaps there is no greater challenge in missions than money. Paul reminds us, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (2 Cor. 8:21).

Money sufficient to assure the viability of one’s life work carries with it an insidious ethical virus that can easily infect the integrity and accountability of its stewards. The Realities of Money & Missions provides a unique level of credibility and transparency as it calls for evangelicals to reevaluate their relationship with money, both personally and corporately. Global case studies, workshops, and testimonials cover a broad range of topics such as:

Misalignment between fiscal theology and practice

Environmental stewardship, community development, and business as mission

Mobilization, fundraising practices, and "faith financing"

Short-term missions, patronage, and dependency

Power dynamics and structural injustice

The Realities of Money & Missions was not written by experts in the fields of investment, money management, or fundraising, but by men and women whose calling as missionaries, pastors, and administrators has brought them face-to-face with the complex, real-life issues involving the intersection of money and ministry. Read on and be challenged to change.

Key Features

• Calls for evangelicals to reevaluate their relationship with money
• Presents global case studies, workshops, and testimonials
• Features the testimonies of people whose calling to missions and ministry has brought them face-to-face with the complex, real-life issues

Contents

Bible Studies - Christopher J. H. Wright

• The Integrity of Our Funding in the Eyes of God: 1 Chronicles 29:1-19
• Accountability in Our Stewardship of the Grace of God: 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5
• The Viability of Our Ministry under the Sovereignty of God: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Section A: Case Studies

• Faith-Based Organizations and Investments in Mission: The Case of the All Africa Conference of Churches —Bright G. Mawudor
• Fundraising Practices of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church —Zosangliana Colney
• Missions and Money: Christian Finance in Global Perspective —Gina A. Zurlo
• Jesus Abbey: A Case Study in “Faith Financing” —Ben Torrey
• The Structure and the Financial Management Policy of GMS from the Perspective of Credibility, Transparency, and Accountability —Jinbong Kim
• Missions and Education —Allison Howell
• Registration of Real Estate: A Pivotal Factor in a Collaborative Effort to Establish a Seminary in Postwar Japan —J. Nelson Jennings
• Money and Self-Support: A Challenging Principle of the Nevius Method for Korean Protestant Churches and Missions —Sung-Deuk Oak

Section B: Workshops

• Optimizing Missions through Organizational Financial Accountability —Valentine Gitoho
• The Core Elements of the Establishment and Development of United Theological Seminary in Kyrgyzstan —Joohyung Lee, Emil Osmonaliev, and Sungbin Hong
• Church Missions in the Public Sphere with a Focus on Onnuri Church’s Use of Public Funds —Hong Joo Kim
• Evangelicals and Structural (In)Justice—What Are We Afraid Of? —Justin Thacker
• Integrity Is Illusive: Intercultural Gospel Work Needs to Be Vulnerable to Allow Indigenous Free Self-Expression —Jim Harries
• Mission, Power, and Money —Paul Bendor-Samuel
• Global South Mission Is Possible! —Andrew B. Kim
• The COVID-19 Crisis and Opportunities for Increased Community:A Local Pastor’s Recommendations —Mongsik Lee
• COVID-19 and Opportunities in Mission: An Ibero-American Case Analysis —Levi DeCarvalho
• Mission, Fiscal Responsibility, and Care for the Environment —Allison Howell
• Toward a Money-Missionary Relationship Model: A Grounded Theory Approach Based on the Empirical Data of Korean Missionaries —Jooyun Eum
• The Role of Patron as Father (Gap) in Church Planting Efforts in Cambodia —Robert Oh
• Can Any Good Be Done on a Short-Term Mission Trip? Opportunities and Pitfalls in Athens, Greece —Darren M. Carlson
• Paul Mission Training Center and Jeonju Antioch Church Mission Fund —Seung-Il Lee And Dong-Whee Lee

Section C: Testimonies

• Have Faith in God —Hak Hyun Cho
• My Testimony —Sokreaksa Himm
• Experiencing the Faithfulness of God in Missionary Support —Paul Ogbadu
• Testimony of Smyrna Church —Hakkyoon Shin

Section D: Conclusion

• Concluding Summary —Timothy Kiho Park
• Concluding Summary —Timothy Kiho Park
• Appendix: KPM’s Missionary Leadership Structure and Responsibilities for Financial Policy (Accountability and Reliability) —Young Gee Park

Praise for The Realities of Money & Missions

This book provides unique insights and perspectives into the multifaceted challenges entailed in the use and abuse of money in contexts of missionary service.

—Jesse N. K. Mugambi, PhD, FKNAS, EBS, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy & Religious Studies, Nairobi University, Nairobi, Kenya

Here you will be equipped to address- rather than to avoid-the often-hidden financial element of mission work. May we come away from reading this book with new perspectives and approaches to share within the church and with boldness to change.

—Laura S. Meitzner Yoder, PhD, Director and John Stott Chair of Human Needs and Global Resources; Professor of Environmental Studies, Wheaton College

Product Details

• Title: The Realities of Money & Missions: Global Challenges and Case Studies
• Authors: Jonathan J. Bonk, Michel G. Distefano, J. Nelson Jennings
• Publisher: William Carey Publishing
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Pages: 291
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• ISBNs: 9781645083016, 9781645083054, 1645083012, 1645083055
• Resource ID: LLS:RLTSMNYMSSNCSST
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-16T17:34:35Z