Tentmaking: A Misunderstood Missiological Method
Ebook
Overview
Would it surprise you to know that New Testament scholars, missiologists, and church-planting authorities cannot agree on how to define tentmaking, whether or not the church should be practicing it today, or even why Paul did it in the first place? It’s true.
In Tentmaking, the widespread confusion and overall disagreement within the church regarding Paul’s self-support are exposed. Commonly held assumptions are removed from their entrenched positions and myths are debunked. In their place, Tentmaking offers an unadorned yet powerfully convincing presentation of Paul’s own self-disclosed reasons for intentionally selecting to support himself in some ministry contexts, but not others.
This well-researched book provides answers to crucial questions that currently surround tentmaking, as well as a practical guide intended to lead to the recovery of biblical tentmaking within the church. Readers who pick up this book should be prepared to embark on an engrossing journey that will reward them with clarity on the often-misunderstood topic of Paul’s tentmaking.
Misunderstanding abounds when it comes to tentmaking. Definitions are legion, and practices are sometimes so diverse they are unhelpful for kingdom advancement. Kruger has written a comprehensive treatment on the topic and must not be ignored. Pay attention here! This book challenges and provokes as it encourages and exhorts. The author draws his definition of tentmaking from the Scriptures and makes a strong argument that such was a missionary method for didactic and evangelistic purposes. Kruger begins in the word and concludes in the world by moving us to the practical. May we learn from this work, adjust present realities, and apply such truths to the field! The kingdom would benefit greatly!
——J. D. Payne, Associate Professor of Christian Ministry, Samford University
Pastor Kurt Kruger provides a valuable study of the history, theology, and practice of tentmaking in church ministry. Well-researched and clearly written, this book ought to be used by all church and mission agencies engaged in church planting. In fact, it should be assigned reading in seminary church administration and mission courses. Excellent work!
——Kenneth L. Gentry Jr., retired Presbyterian pastor, Director, GoodBirth Ministries
Kruger’s quality of research and writing is commendable. He presents sound and needed biblical and sociological conclusions regarding the implementation of Pauline support structures for the advancement of Christian mission today. His work is a significant contribution to contemporary research and ministry methodology.
——Steve Childers, President and CEO of Pathway Learning
I am glad that Dr. Kurt Kruger brings back this important issue with some new theological, biblical, and practical insights. And such study is relevant not only for missionaries and missiologists but also for Christian ministry in general across the street and around the world.
——Elias dos Santos Medeiros, Professor of Missions, Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary
- Title: Tentmaking: A Misunderstood Missiological Method
- Author: Kurt T. Kruger
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 222
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781725265134, 9781725265158, 172526515X, 9781725265127, 1725265125, 1725265133
- Resource ID: LLS:9781725265134
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-23T00:26:10Z
Kurt T. Kruger (MDiv Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, DMin Reformed Theological Seminary) is the lead pastor and teaching elder at Peace Community Church (PCA) in Frankfort, Illinois. In addition to Tentmaking, he has written hundreds of articles for Sunday School Guide Publishing that provide verse by verse commentary on selected Old Testament and New Testament passages.