This volume seeks to be both fair and comprehensive. Its critical insights do not prevent the endorsement of an ecumenical latitude consistent with our biblical faith. It was written for those who are determined to listen and learn from all whom God has manifestly received and called to holistic mission in today's world." --Arthur Glasser, Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary Bassham's comprehensive study of developments in mission theology between 1948 and 1975 is the most thorough and reliable work available on the subject. The book is invaluable for an understanding of the crucial issues in world mission during this turbulent period." --Gerald Anderson, Director, Overseas Ministries Study Center Bassham has written what ought to become the standard textbook for those seeking to acquire a comprehensive long-range perspective on developments in missiology in recent decades. Delightfully clear and simple without being simplistic, the book shows the remarkable convergence of the main streams of missiological thinking..." --Al Krass, Editor, The Other Side

Presents the development of conservative evangelical mission theology as well as the tensions which accompany it.

This fresh, comprehensive text fills a need for an up-to-date theology of mission. It offers creative approaches to answering some of the most pressing questions in theology of mission and missionary practice today. The authors, who are leading mission experts, discuss biblical theology of mission, provide historical overviews of the development of various viewpoints, and address theologically current issues in global mission from an evangelical perspective. This readable yet thorough text integrates current views of the kingdom of God and holistic mission with traditional views of evangelism and church planting. It also brings theology of mission into conversation with ecclesiology and eschatology. Topics covered include contextualization, the missionary vocation, church and mission, and theology of religions. Sidebars and case studies enable readers to see how theology of mission touches real-life mission practice.

What is the goal of mission? What strategies are needed today? How do evangelism and social problems relate? What is the role of dialog between Christians and non-Christians? These questions and more are the concerns of Protestant, evangelical, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic churches. Dr. Scherer analyzes the various approaches of churches in mission and sharpens the biblical goal of making disciples of all nations.

ÒConceived and developed by two of Europe's most eminent missiologists, in the country where the scientific and sustained study of mission first took shape, [the 'Dictionary of Mission'] represents the finest of the chorus of voices that comprise contemporary missiology . . . The choice of topics and the authors to address them reflects what Christian mission has become: a genuinely worldwide and ecumenical phenomenon. That there would be entries on regional theological developments is indicative of how the world church is developing. A host of other topics here explored show too how the landscape of mission is changing. Taken as a whole, then, the 'Dictionary of Mission' is a road map through this exciting and challenging terrain. --from the Foreword

René Padilla was one of the premier representatives of orthodox evangelicalism in Latin America. He consistently championed integral mission, a holistic understanding of Christian mission in which there is no artificial barrier between evangelization and social responsibility. Biblical, faithful to Scripture, contemporary and inspirational, the core message of this updated classic remains just as urgent as when it was first published twenty-five years ago. This revised version includes a new essay on the contemporary history of integral mission, a history that began with the Latin American Theological Fellowship, progressed within the Lausanne Movement, is bearing fruit globally through the Micah Network, and challenges evangelicals to address the major issues of our day.

Contrary to popular impressions, the days of the missionary are far from over. North American churches send more missionaries than ever before, and 90 percent of them are evangelicals who are not affiliated with the mainline Protestant mission boards. The first major historical treatment of the distinctly evangelical wing of twentieth-century American missions, Earthen Vessels truly breaks new ground. Covering territory that missions histories have scarcely explored yet, the distinguished historians contributing to this volume portray the North American (including Canadian) evangelical missionary enterprise from the Student Volunteer Movement to the very recent past. The book traces the influences of premillennial eschatology, the fundamentalist-modernist controversies, the rise of independent missions and conservative denominational boards, the role of World War II and America's rise to world power, the recent development of a distinctly evangelical theology of missions, and the growing influence of the Two-Thirds World's evangelical leaders. While this volume certainly does not contain the last word on these subjects, in a number of areas it does offer very nearly the first look. With its fresh subject matter and new historical interpretations, Earthen Vessels will interest church history scholars and students, missionaries and ministers, and any others who wish to know more about American missions.