For many, missions is the story of heroes, martyrs, and the advance of the gospel. For others, it's the story of colonialism and missionary disasters. So how do we respond to God's call to love our neighbors as a new era emerges?
Subversive mission is submission-to God and local leaders. Subversive mission offers a new way forward for outsiders called to crosscultural ministry by serving as humble alongsiders. Join Craig Greenfield on this inspiring journey in Asia and beyond as he rediscovers the fivefold missional gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, and demonstrates how each of these must look radically different in a crosscultural context. Along the way, you'll discover your own missional type through the Missional Type Inventory and come face to face with the five most common pitfalls that Westerners face in crosscultural settings.
By the end of this story, you'll be inspired by a radically different way of working for change in the world. Come alongside. And join God in what he is already doing.
"Personality and spiritual inventories are often trendy but not always biblically grounded. This book has the feel of a spiritual inventory but is utterly based in Scripture. It also has concomitant pitfalls to avoid, plus the author's rich crosscultural experience to inform it, uniquely translating into practical ways to serve in overseas contexts. This is a combination nicely balanced and definitely needed for today's globalized world as we endeavor to embody Jesus' upside-down kingdom."
Allen Yeh, professor of intercultural studies and missiology at Biola University
"Craig is the real deal, seeking to sensitively model a way forward for expatriates participating in God's mission. When the spotlight falls on him, as it does with his writing and speaking, he redirects it to others, to the insider guardians of the gospel who are teaching us the ways of indigenous missions. The greatest challenge in missions today is for people of privilege to remove ourselves from the center. Anyone who is an 'outsider' to the people they're ministering with is privileged,otherwise we could not afford to be there. In this book, reimagining the ascension gifts for crosscultural application, Craig draws on his hard-learned experience to challenge outsiders to become alongsiders. Truly understood, the prophetic call carried along by Craig's pithy turns of phrase should bring us to our knees, surrendering our condescensions in penitent humility."
Jay Matenga, director of the Global Witness Department, World Evangelical Alliance
