What in the World Is God Doing? The Essentials of Global Missions
Overview
In What in the World Is God Doing? C. Gordon Olson examines the state of world Christian missions through five lenses: the biblical, the historical, the contextual, the regional, and the functional. Olson seeks to create “world Christians” that are aware of God’s vision for his kingdom. The text is designed for those who might not have extensive knowledge of cultures, geography, or theology. Olson’s book is accessible, while remaining a substantive scholarly introduction to missiology.
The Logos edition of What in the World Is God Doing? enhances your study with amazing digital functionality. Use the Timeline to follow along with Olson through the history of Christian missions. Use the Topic Guide to compile verses addressing missions and evangelism. Study with your community and leave comments on the go with Faithlife and free tablet and mobile apps. With Logos, the most efficient and comprehensive tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Examines the state of world Christian missions
- Traces the history of missions from the first century to today
- Provides a substantive and accessible introduction to missiology
- The Biblical Dimension
- Dispelling the Fog
- Is Missions Really in the Old Testament?
- The Jewish Messiah’s Global Plans Disclosed
- His Church Bridges the Cultural
- The Only Light in the Deadly Night
- Why in the World Should I Go?
- The Historical Dimension
- Pre–Reformation Expansion & Missions (33–1517)
- Reformation Missions (1517–1786)
- Missions Restored: Pioneers (1786–1865)
- Expansion to Interior Frontiers (1865–1945)
- Transition to the Contemporary Scene (1945–)
- The Contextual Dimension
- Non-theistic Religious Contexts
- Theistic Religious Contexts
- The Secular Context of Missions
- The Regional Dimension
- North America: Our Samaria
- Asia: The First and Vastest Challenge
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Growth Through Struggle
- Latin America: a Christo-pagan Melting Pot
- The Muslim World: Neglected Challenge
- Europe: Re-evangelizing Secular ‘Christians’
- The Functional Dimension
- Why in the World Do We Need Mission Agencies?
- How in the World Do We Get Good Missionaries?
- What in the World Do Missionaries Do?
- What in the World Can My Home Church Do?
- Where in the World Do We Go from Here?
Top Highlights
“It has been said that ninety percent of the Christian workers are ministering to the ten percent of the world’s population in the West, where the church is already established, and ten percent are working among the ninety percent who are yet unevangelized.” (Page 11)
“Leo the Great, bishop of Rome from 440–61, marked a significant stage in the evolution of the papacy. The Council of Chalcedon was favorable to his papal pretensions and yet gave the bishop of Constantinople equal authority with the bishop of Rome. Another giant step was made by Gregory the Great (590–604) who secured the allegiance of the weakened Roman Emperor to the bishop of Rome, pressed for uniformity of worship, and subjugated the British and German churches to the authority of Rome.” (Pages 188–189)
“Arianism: A major theological movement started in the 4th century by Arius of North Africa, a Greek rationalist priest (d. 336). It denied the eternal sonship of Jesus Christ by seeing Him as a created being. It was opposed by Athanasius and condemned by the Council of Nicaea (325). Ulfilas, missionary to Germanic tribes, infected them with Arianism. Although it died out in the 7th century, it is represented today by Jehovah’s Witnesses and Unitarianism.” (Page 351)
“It is clear that the Great Commission is part of the revealed moral will of God for all Christians, and it is sin for Christians to be unconcerned about fulfilling it.” (Page 79)
“Israel failed to be God’s missionary nation because they failed to be a holy nation.” (Page 26)
What continues to make this book a standout is the variety of topics that are masterfully yet practically handled, giving the reader a comprehensive and biblically solid introduction to missions.
—Marvin J. Newell, senior vice-president, Missio Nexus
What in the World Is God Doing? is just the right question to ask and Gordon Olson is uniquely qualified to answer it. He has been engaged in both theological reflection and missiological application for 60 years. You will discover the interconnection between the Bible and its mandate upon us all and the world—a glimpse from 35,000 feet—yet, with practical application and mature insight. Thousands of students have been challenged and blessed by this work, and the 7th edition continues the tradition.
—Greg H. Parsons, US Center for World Mission
Finally someone has written an introductory text that respects missiology’s interdisciplinary nature and treats the areas of concern for modern missionary ministry . . . a balanced blend of theory and practice. It proves to be a useful textbook for introductory missions course in Bible colleges and seminaries.
—Keith E. Eitel, missions professor, Southwestern Baptist Seminary
- Title: What in the World Is God Doing? The Essentials of Global Missions
- Author: C. Gordon Olson
- Edition: 7th ed.
- Publisher: C. Gordon Olson
- Publication Date: 2013
- Pages: 383
C. Gordon Olson was an engineering student when he converted to Christianity. He studied theology at Dallas Theological Seminary and founded the Pakistan Fellowship of Evangelical Students and worked in Urdu and other areas of Pakistan. He was professor of theology and missions at Northeastern Bible College (1967–1990) and a trustee of Christar mission (1968–2004). He earned his doctorate in missiology from Trinity International University. He is currently a speaker and adjunct professor at Liberty University.
