Abstract
This spring 2024 issue of Missiology contains a varied collection of articles from authors around the globe. Starting in Uganda in the late 19th century, the articles then move to Djibouti, Thailand, and Asia. The final article steps back from any specific context to look at the qualities of movement leaders.
The issue starts with Kimeze Teketwe’s analysis of Irish missionary Philip O’Flaherty’s work in Uganda at the turn of the 20th century. Among his many excellent contributions, his work to establish Ugandan church leadership stands out, argues Teketwe.
Next is Rachel Jones’ discussion of gendered trauma experienced by some cross-cultural women workers in Muslim-majority contexts. She maintains that sport can be used to connect Christian and Muslim women in such settings, not only for activity and shared interreligious engagement, but also for processing their shared gendered trauma.
Then, Kelly Hilderbrand and Chatchai Puipim offer a grounded theory study of reasons for conversion to Christianity among Buddhist background believers from North eastern Thailand. They found that, among other things, a supernatural encounter with God was highly influential.
Next, Xiaoli Yang offers an extended metaphor of a pregnant mother to illustrate the spiritual process of accompaniment for discipleship. She uses the stories of several mission leaders in Asia to illustrate the process for the reader.
Continuing in the Asian context, Justin Lee calls for additional contextualized theology by Asian theologians. He laments an overreliance on western theology and offers suggestions for development of Asian theologies moving forward.
Last, Daniel Hoskins and Emanuel Prinz present the findings of their study of 147 mission catalyst leaders. They argue that the qualities needed by pioneer leaders can be developed, and they encourage ongoing personal growth as a central component of ministry leadership.
Following the articles, this issue presents a number of book reviews for readers’ consideration.
The editors hope you will find this issue challenging and encouraging. The topics are important and we hope readers will be encouraged to think, converse, and write more on any of the ideas presented here.
If you benefit from reading this issue, consider submitting your own work to the journal. Historical, theological, and empirical works are welcome, as are book reviews. Women, minorities, internationals, and doctoral students are especially encouraged to submit their work.