Missions

This book shows patterns of assimilation and integration that are common among immigrant groups and provides tools of cultural research to get out in the city, talk to people, build relationships, gain entrance into these communities, find leaders, and plant healthy churches. These tools are important because they can be carried to any city and put into practice. In some regard, it is impossible to tell somebody how to do ethnic ministry. The only legitimate answer is, "It depends." This book helps you know what it depends on and how to work effectively in that situation. After reading this book, we hope you feel equipped to walk out your door, look at your neighborhood, and say, "I have the theology, tools, heart, and motivation to understand who is here and how I can begin to reach them with the gospel and work towards the goal of church planting."

Up-to-date, well-documented, comprehensive coverage of cults, sects, and world religions, from the historical to the contemporaryINCLUDES- Well-known groups and world religions, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Islam, and Baha'i- Groups with a significant North American influence, including Santeria, Rastafarians, Haitian Voodo, white supremacy groups, Wicca, and SatanismREVISED, UPDATED, AND EXPANDED TO INCLUDE NEW ENTRIES AND NEW INFORMATION- Updated information on Islam and its global impact- New entries: the Branch Davidians, Native American religions, Heaven's Gate, Aum Supreme Truth, the Boston Movement, the Masonic Lodge, and many others- Developments in the world of cults and the occultEncyclopedic Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions is arguably the most significant reference book on the subject to be published. Formerly titled Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions, and the Occult, it provides reliable information on the history and beliefs of nearly every form of religion active today. This extensively revised edition includes new topics, updated information, and a brand-new format for a clearer, more organized approach.The authors evaluate the beliefs and practices of each group from the perspective of the Bible and the historic creeds of the Christian church. You'll also find group histories, numerous illustrations, charts, current statistics, websites, bibliographies, and other useful information.

What is the Church's mission? What does it mean to participate in God's mission personally? How do "mission" and culture interact and conflict?

This book articulates various evangelical views regarding the church's mission and provides a healthy, vigorous, and gracious debate on this controversial topic. In a helpful Counterpoints format, this volume demonstrates the unique theological frameworks, doctrinal convictions, and missiological conclusions that inform and distinguish the views:

Soteriological Mission: Jonathan Leeman

Participatory Mission: Christopher Wright

Contextual Mission: John Franke

Ecumenical-Political Mission: Peter Leithart

Each contributor answers the same key questions based on their biblical interpretations and theological convictions:

What is your biblical-theological framework for mission?

How does your definition of mission inform your understanding of the church's mission?

How does the Mission of God and Kingdom of God relate to the mission of the church?

What is the gospel?

How does your view on the gospel inform the mission of the church?

How do verbal proclamation of the gospel, discipleship, corporate worship, caring for the poor, social justice, restoring shalom, developing culture, and international missions fit into the church's mission?

The interactive format helps readers get a clearer picture of why different conclusions are drawn and provide a fresh starting point for discussion and debate of the church's mission.

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

How does the gospel relate to a pluralist society? What is the Christian message in a society marked by religious pluralism, ethnic diversity, and cultural relativism? Should Christians encountering today's pluralist society concentrate on evangelism or on dialogue? How does the prevailing climate of opinion affect, perhaps infect, Christians' faith?

These kinds of questions are addressed in this noteworthy book by Lesslie Newbigin. A highly respected Christian leader and ecumenical figure, Newbigin provides a brilliant analysis of contemporary (secular, humanist, pluralist) culture and suggests how Christians can more confidently affirm their faith in such a context.

While drawing from scholars such as Michael Polanyi, Alasdair MacIntyre, Hendrikus Berkhof, Walter Wink, and Robert Wuthnow, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society is suited not only to an academic readership. This heartfelt work by a missionary pastor and preacher also offers to Christian leaders and laypeople some thoughtful, helpful, and provocative reflections.

Examines or compares the aspects of Jehovah Witness with Christianity

Examines or compares the aspects of Satanism with Christianity.

Examines or compares the aspects of the Masons with Christianity.

Examines or compares the aspects of the New Age Movement with Christianity.

While Africa and Madagascar seem like strange and faraway places, the world in which we now live has become much smaller than many of us could ever have imagined. Moreover, even our neighbors visit the local fortuneteller, read the horoscope page in the newspaper, and attend séances that seek to reach departed friends, lovers, and family members. Consequently, as we begin a journey into faraway places, we may soon find they are not as far away as we may have expected.

- Chapter 3

I Am Not Afraid is Rev. Dr. Robert Bennett's fascinating first-hand account of the spiritual warfare found within the Lutheran Church of Madagascar. Is spiritual warfare something new to the Church? Bennett reviews what the Bible, Church Fathers, and contemporary Lutheran leaders have to say.

Part One includes recent conversations dealing with spiritual warfare, an introduction into the Malagasy Lutheran Church, and the traditional Malagasy worldview. These are the stories of those who have been rescued from the darkness of sin and brought into the light of the Gospel.

Part Two looks to the Bible and the Church for explanation and historical perspective on the spiritual warfare found in the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Is it something only found in the time of Jesus and the apostles? What has the Church said in the past about such activities? Bennett explores the views of Martin Luther and other Lutheran leaders, and finally provides some helpful contemporary material and resources for dealing with spiritual warfare in today's context.

Includes a glossary of key terms, transcripts of personal interviews, bibliography, Scripture index, and subject index.

Modern missional movements have often viewed the historic Christian traditions with suspicion. The old traditions may be beautiful, the thinking goes, but they're too insular, focused primarily on worship and on the interior life of the church, and not looking outward to evangelism and good works.

In Liturgical Mission, Winfield Bevins argues that the church's liturgy and sacramental life are in fact deeply missional. He explores the historic practices of the Christian church, demonstrating how they offer a holistic framework for everyday Christian discipleship and mission in the twenty-first century. The result is a book that not only invites all Christians back to the historic liturgy of the church, but also invites those already in liturgical churches to rediscover the missional life that has too often remained latent in their own traditions.

Outreach is more than hosting community events and hoping they stick! Getting unchurched people through your doors is one thing, but engaging them over time is another.

Effective outreach helps people move from congregational visitors to committed members and disciples of Jesus. This book addresses what makes for effective, Word and Sacrament based outreach that can help you reach the unchurched people in your community.

Rev. Mark Wood walks readers through a four-part process for congregations wishing to strengthen or initiate their outreach efforts, including:

How to build awareness

Create connections

Nurture relationships

Make disciples.

This resource book is perfect for congregation leaders, volunteers, and outreach teams. It is a great supplemental resource both for those who have completed the Every One His Witness workshop and for those who want to learn about effective community outreach!