Encounter with the Theology of Mission

Theology of Mission and Missionary Practice Meet

The theology of Christian mission has undergone drastic changes throughout church history, particularly in the twentieth century. Encountering the Theology of Mission provides biblical clarity and globalized information regarding the church's mission in the twenty-first century. Recognized scholars in the field expound on the biblical theology of mission, provide a historical overview of mission in terms of the development of various viewpoints, and address current theological issues in world mission from an evangelical perspective. They also offer creative approaches that help answer the most controversial questions regarding mission theology and missionary practice today.

“Good maps can be hard to find. Fortunately, Craig Ott, Stephen Strauss, and Timothy Tennent have drawn a deep but easy-to-understand guide for us to navigate through the complex terrain of Christian mission theology. I find it difficult to imagine a more careful presentation than this on such an extensive subject.” – J. Nelson Jennings, Covenant Theological Seminary; editor of Missiology

“I am deeply grateful to our three writers for giving us such a rich and high-quality work! This book is rooted in Scripture, history, and context; it is challenging yet easy to read; it is antiphonal—it takes us from theology and theory to practice—but it has some excellent explanatory charts and case studies. Although the book can be read by anyone, I would highly recommend it to my colleagues around the world, experienced missionaries who continue to reflect on mission today. – William D. Taylor, Mission Commission, World Evangelical Alliance

“This globalized world needs a relevant theology of mission that articulates a compelling ‘biblical direction for the church to fulfill its missionary mandate.’ This excellent book takes us from a paternalistic understanding to a fraternal one, which seeks to proclaim Christ to all, everywhere. I recommend this book not only to professors and seminary students but also to experienced missionaries and mission committees in local churches.” – Junias Venugopal, Seminary and School of Missions, Columbia International University