Abstract
All of us involved in missional thinking and practice ought to be encouraged by recent publications advocating fresh ideas and methods. This text is not a new twist on traditional and practice. In fact—and for good reasons—the writer (missiologist with Southern Baptist Convention credentials) takes his stand on passages from the New Testament, and especially from the Acts and Pauline literature.
I nodded my head in agreement with most of what I read while noting concerns in the author’s presentation. I want to be clear, fair and balanced in my brief remarks.
I can happily affirm almost all of the ideas presented in the 12 chapters. Let me be specific in my attempt to sharpen my perspective on this fine volume. Positive commentary: (1) evangelically biblical and theological, the author’s methodology is not an exercise in proof-texting; (2) several helpful illustrations and graphs are inserted at points throughout the text; (3) the author’s commitment to evangelism and making disciples is refreshing and encouraging; and (4) several helpful lists demonstrate the writer’s practical—but not pragmatic—bent.
Concerns: (1) the author’s apparent lack of on-the-field experience detracts from the total impact of the book; (2) although the writer’s desire is for this text to stand on its own merits, constant reference to the writer’s previous texts are distracting; and (3) the questions relating to Timothy and Titus’ roles in Ephesus and Crete are unclear (chapter 10).
Finally, in spite of the concerns addressed, this is a very good text that could be adopted for use in seminaries where missionaries are trained for the North American context.