Leadership in a Slum
A Bangkok Case Study
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book looks at leadership in the social context of a slum in Bangkok from an angle different from traditional studies that measure well-educated Thais on leadership scales derived from the West. Using both systematic data collection and participant observation, it employs a culturally preferred model, as well as a set of models based in Thai concepts that reflect on-the-ground realities. This work challenges the dominance of the patron-client rubric for understanding all forms of Thai leadership and offers a view for understanding leadership rooted in local social systems, contrary to approaches that assume the universal applicability of leadership research findings across all cultural settings. The book concludes by looking at the implications of the anthropological approach for those who are involved in leadership training in Thai settings and beyond.
Mission Agencies in Crisis?
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book examines aspects of theology and practice of six British mission agencies, aiming to understand their capability to respond to the crisis of a disconnect between mission practitioners and mission scholars, and suggesting that agencies need to consider leadership and governance aspects in order to respond effectively to the challenges they face.
The Mission of God
Studies in Orthodox and Evangelical Mission
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This is a must-read collection of essays, that are rooted in prayer, in the Scriptures, and in the rich, histories of two very different traditions. The variety of topics and perspectives are, presented by senior scholars and leaders, giving the reader an excellent glimpse into the ways in which Orthodox and Evangelical Christians around the globe have come together to participate in God's transforming mission. Highly recommended for pastors, as well as, for seminary and Bible college students and staff.
Culture Change in Ethiopia
An Evangelical Perspective
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book addresses the causes and consequences of culture change in Ethiopia. Although the book is written from an evangelical perspective, it invites Ethiopians from all religious, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds to reflect on their past, analyze their present, and engage in unity with diversity to face the future. It also appeals to the conscience of global and regional powers, that have been, directly and indirectly, involved in the affairs of Ethiopia.
Searching for Heaven in the Real World
A Sociological Discussion of Conversion in the Arab World
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
While adjusting to a new identity is akin to adjusting to a new set of skin, even more difficult is realizing that this new skin may not be, as comfortable, or, as pleasant as, the old one. In this book, Kathryn Kraft explores the breadth of psychological and social issues faced by Arab Muslims after making a decision to adopt faith in Christ. Along the way, Kraft investigates some of the most surprising and significant challenges new believers face.
Reluctant or Radical Revolutionaries?
Evangelical Missionaries and Afro-Jamaican Character, 1834-1870
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This study is, based on extensive research that challenges traditional ways of understanding some evangelical missionaries of nineteenth-century Jamaica and calls for revision of those views. It highlights the strength and character of persons facing various challenges of life in their effort to be faithful to the guiding principles of their existence. It gives an account of evangelical missionaries fulfilling their mission to the black people of Jamaica as ex-slaves as they simultaneously contend with hostility from the elites of society. It also tells of the Afro-Jamaicans who rejected unacceptable imposition from the missionaries while contending with challenges from plantation owners and others in Jamaican society.
Diakonia as Christian Social Practice
An Introduction
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
The concept of diakonia has, developed over the last decades, especially within the ecumenical movement, to a degree that may be, characterized as a paradigm shift. Three main features characterize this change: First, the ecclesial dimension of diakonia is now strongly, underlined. While earlier, diakonia was often, perceived as the activity of professional diaconal workers or agencies, it is now, emphasized that diakonia belongs to the nature and the mission of being church. Second, it affirms that diaconal action must be holistic, taking into consideration the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions, and rejecting practices that tend to departmentalize sectors of human reality. Third, it enhances bold and prophetic expressions of diaconal action, in solidarity with marginalized and suffering people, moving away from traditions of conceptualizing diakonia as humble service. The authors of this book, most of whom, belong to the faculty of Diakonhjemmet University College in Oslo, largely subscribe to this understanding.
Proclaiming the Peacemaker
The Malaysian Church as an Agent of Reconciliation in a Multicultural Society
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
With a history of racial violence and, in recent years, low-level ethnic tensions, the themes of peaceful coexistence and social harmony are recurring ones in the discourse of Malaysian society. In such a context, this book looks at the role of the church as a reconciling agent, arguing that a divided society necessitates an ethos of peacemaking. With a combination of theological, historical, and sociological perspectives, Rowan sets out to demonstrate that being an agent of reconciliation is, linked to our effectiveness in bearing witness to an identity given to Christ.
When Women Speak…
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
The twentieth century should be remembered in missions as the time when women got lost. Over that time, the voices of women missionaries, leaders, and facilitators of new Christian movements were all too often excluded from missiological discourse and strategic mission discussion. It is hoped that this book signals a revival in the contribution of women to mission in a way that values what they have to offer.
Shaping Christianity in Greater China
Indigenous Christians in Focus
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book is an integral collection of essays looking at the shaping of Christianity in China, with a special emphasis on the contributions of Chinese believers. In addition to its geographical scope of the China Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the material covers a span of time from the end of the Ming Dynasty until the Sichuan earthquake of 2008. Also, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Charismatics, and various kinds of independents rub shoulders within its pages. This is, of course, how it should be.
Diakonia in a Gender Perspective
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Gender perspectives play a core role, when it comes to both the theory and the practice of diakonia. This is the second book on diakonia published by Regnum. It follows Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction (2014).
The authors, most of whom have experience themselves as diaconal practitioners, are concerned about the role gender plays within the theory and practice of diakonia. The academic context of this publication is not gender studies per se, but an interdisciplinary approach where diaconal theory is, deepened through the lenses of a gender perspective, and where examples and case studies are, provided in order to exemplify the impact of a gender perspective on diaconal theory and practice.
Beyond Fragmentation
Integrated Mission and Theological Education
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Beyond Fragmentation is an inquiry into the development of mission studies in evangelical theological education in Germany and German-speaking Switzerland between 1960 and 1995. This is, carried out through a detailed examination of the paradigm shifts, that have taken place in recent years in both the theology of mission and the understanding of theological education.
Mangoes or Bananas?
The Quest for an Authentic Asian Christian Theology
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Over the past few decades, awareness has been growing of the need for contextual theologies throughout Asia. But, how genuinely contextual are these? Based on the premise that theology and mission are inseparable, the author applies four missiological criteria to representative examples of Protestant Asian writings to assess their adequacy as contextual theologies. These are relevance to sociopolitical challenges, enhancing evangelism and pastoral care, inculturation, and faithfulness to the Christian tradition. The study reveals certain discernible trends in Asian ecumenical and conservative theologies, as well as distinctive strengths and weaknesses. But, the greatest problem with most of these theologies appears to be that, at heart, they have been domesticated by Western dualism and Enlightenment thought. Authentic Asian Christian theologies will only emerge with the dual recovery of confidence in both gospel and culture within Asian Christianity. In this new edition, the author has further shared his personal journey that brought him to this conclusion.
Integral Mission
A New Paradigm for Latin American Pentecostals
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This volume studies Pentecostalism in Latin America as a broad, diverse, and multifaceted movement. It describes different features and colors that together shape its collective face. This is done from context to context, weaving in various relationships with society and politics. Pentecostalism is situated as a collective actor embedded in a changing reality that blends various streams for theological reflection. The book explains how Pentecostals in Latin America connect to the topic of God's mission in the world today.
Jubilee
God's Answer to Poverty?
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
At the heart of Old Testament law is, a revolutionary concept that, if applied today, could transform our economy and world. Jesus himself claimed that his ministry would bring its fulfilment, transforming the world. Uniting social justice, creation care, equality, and worship, jubilee remains a radical challenge and offers ideas and inspiration for disciples today.
The authors each bring their unique context and perspectives, which challenge us to go, beyond viewing the jubilee ordinances as simple rules, to help us begin to understand the redemptive and restorative power of the jubilee principles for us today.
A Passion for China
Norwegian Mission to China Until 1949
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
These boldly argued essays are not to be, missed by anyone who cares about the vitality and authenticity of the church's life and mission. An impressive array of scholarly contributions representing different Norwegian mission agencies are, brought together here to make a sound case for the missionary past. This book is, indispensable to the understanding of Norwegian mission work in China, from the beginning to the establishment of the People's Republic of China. This work is immensely important for Christian mission history, as a whole.
Discipling the Church
A Study of Christian Education in the Anglican Church of Myanmar
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Christian education is an essential component of church development and transformation. Due to the low level of Christian education among lay mission workers, the growth of the Diocese of Yangon was almost stagnant from 1877 on. Such a low level of Christian education in the diocese is mainly, due to the failure of the successive bishops in not training lay workers and lay leaders since the formation of the diocese. They may have worked hard for the mission, but made very little provision for the development of lay ministry. Therefore, to move the diocese one-step forward, all bishops and clergy need to understand the importance of training lay workers, catechists, and the heads of all the lay departments.
Many Monks across the Sea
Church of the East Monastic Mission in Ninth Century Asia
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book seeks to shed light on the Eastern church under early Islam, in order to reveal something of the vigor of Christianity where it has been, overlooked or was not expected. It brings together existing and new scholarship to provide a picture of faith that sees the challenge of mission and meets it with integrity, courage, and imagination.
Contextual Missiology of the Spirit
Pentecostalism in Rajasthan, India
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book explores the identity, context, and features of Pentecostalism in Rajasthan, India, as well as the internal and external issues facing Pentecostals. It argues for an indigenous origin of Pentecostalism in Rajasthan, as it is a product of local Spirit revivals in the existing churches and of the missionary activities of Indian Pentecostals. The book aims to suggest "a contextual missiology of the Spirit" as a new model of contextual missiology from a Pentecostal perspective. It is, presented, as a glocal, ecumenical, transformational, and public missiology.
World Christianity in Western Europe
Diasporic Identity, Narratives & Missiology
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Christianity is a world religion with about 2.3 billion practitioners. While World Christianity's attention to the explosive growth of Christianity in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, and Oceania is definitely significant, it is also important to consider World Christianity, as it is, developing in Europe. This book investigates this phenomenon in Western Europe through the prisms of diasporic identity, migrant narratives, and migrants' mission theology. It considers the complex Christian identity of people migrating to Europe, their stories, and mission praxis. The contributors to this book include scholars and practitioners, Europeans, as well as, migrants from the Majority World (Africa, the Caribbean, South Asia, and Latin America). Employing an interdisciplinary approach, their work encompasses the fields of Diaspora Missiology, Practical Theology, World Christianity, Contextual Theology, and Pentecostal Studies.
Power and Partnership
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
The purposes of this book are to focus on faith-based, development with a particular emphasis on the question of power, to deal with the dark sides and the positive sides of power and partnership and how the two interact, to present relevant case studies on the topic, from some of the world religions, and to publish new material and insights on the interdisciplinary debate on the topic. The book thus aims to fill a vacuum in the general discourse on faith-based development.
Jesus and the Incarnation
Reflections of Christians from Islamic Contexts
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
In the dialogue of Christians with Muslims, nothing is more fundamental than the cross, the incarnation, and the resurrection of Jesus. This book brings forth the voices of Christians living in various Islamic contexts and reflecting on the incarnation of Jesus. The aim of these reflections is constructive, and the hope is, that the essays woven around the notion of the Word will not only promote dialogue among Christians on the roles of the Person and the Book, but will also, create a positive environment for their conversations with Muslim neighbors.
Finding Our Way through the Traffick
Navigating the Complexities of a Christian Response to Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Where do we go from here? We want to help others find freedom-lasting freedom, from trafficking and exploitation. But, the process is as fraught with challenges as it is filled with calls to do better. What are the best routes to effectiveness? How do we avoid common pitfalls? This book brings together decades of experience to help us navigate the complexities of responding to holistic needs in prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration. It also explores how to prepare ourselves as organizations and individuals for the journey ahead. This companion to Stopping the Traffic is, an essential guide for practitioners, donors, and academics to successfully, "find our way through the traffic."
The Emergence of Christ Groups in India
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book studies the emergence of Christ Groups against the background of Western individualistic approaches in the Indian national context. These small worship groups were formed and grew as the conversion of families began, as a result of, the literature distribution, that was meant to reach individuals.
The Christ Groups allow the cultural response to develop at its own pace in contrast to the mass-movement approach of church growth through homogenous units toward complete social and cultural change, focusing on social responsibility and social justice.
The Contextualisation of Leadership in Paul
Applied to English-Speaking Methodist Churches in Peninsular Malaysia
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Leadership, especially Christian leadership, is a subject that needs clear, biblical, theological, and contextual thinking. There is no "one size fits all" model of leadership that will work in every context. Senior's effort in working out the apostle Paul's leadership principles in Malaysia, with its multicultural, multiethnic, and multi-religious contexts, is commendable. This book will surely serve as a catalyst toward additional research and critical thinking on issues faced by the church in Malaysia.
Socialism & Development in Ethiopia
A Critical Examination of the Military Regime's Socialist Agricultural Program
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This study identifies and analyzes the methods, achievements, and constraints of the socialist agricultural policy of post-revolutionary Ethiopia. It investigates the Land Reform Legislation of 1975 and its relevance to Ethiopian conditions at that time. Applying a social-interaction approach, this book examines the interrelationships among the different socioeconomic actors, who affected the success and shortcomings of the policy and its implementation. Through critical consideration of a historical period, this book also uncovers applicable lessons for future achievable development in Ethiopia and similar economies.
Japanese Perspectives on the Death of Christ
A Study in Contextualized Christology
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Writing with an international theological background and his experience as a missionary in Japan, How Chuang Chua presents an extremely insightful study in contextualized Christology. The careful expositions of the writings of Kitamori, Endo, and Koyama are a feast of insights into Japanese culture and theology. This book, however, is far more than an exposition of their thought. Dr. Chua also evaluates their writings for biblical fidelity and compares them to classical theories of the atonement. Their thoughts are also probed for their missiological relevance. This book brims with cultural and contextual insights.
Witnessing to Christ In a Multi-Religious Context
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This, book grows out of a desire to come to grips with our new context. Until, a few decades ago, we believed that Norway was for Norwegians, and that Norwegians were Christian, most of them even Lutheran. Slowly at first, but then, with increasing momentum, our neighborhoods and villages changed from being mono-cultural and mono-religious into something less Norwegian, but more like a rainbow society. This book brings together the presentations of a symposium on these issues. The symposium featured two international keynote speakers, Robert Schreiter and Kirsteen Kim, as well as, a group of presenters and respondents, to discuss and reflect on the challenges to witnessing to Christ in societies with multiple faith traditions.
Christianity and Cultures
Shaping Christian Thinking in Context
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This volume is a way of marking an important milestone in the relatively short story of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS). The papers here, have been, exclusively, sourced from Transformation, a quarterly journal of OCMS, and seek to provide a tripartite view of Christianity's engagement with cultures by focusing on the question: How is Christian thinking being formed or reformed through its interaction with the varied contexts it encounters? As Christianity has, taken and still takes shape in multiple contexts, it naturally results in a variety of expressions and emphases. One can gain an appreciation of these by studying different strands of theological-missiological thinking, sociopolitical engagement, and forms of family relationships in interaction with host cultures.
Ministry across Cultures
Sharing the Christian Faith in Asia
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
At a time when more and more Christians are meeting people from different cultural backgrounds, this book addresses a number of important questions: How do we understand what culture is all about? How do we reach out to people from different cultures? What impact does culture have on "making disciples"? What impact does culture have on the local church? This book seeks to address and answer these questions and is relevant to all Christians, including members and leaders of local churches, who want to reach out to their neighbors and encourage them, to be part of the church. It would, also be, useful for those about to engage in mission in, a new culture.
Child, Church and Compassion
Towards Child Theology in Romania
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Children are hungry and homeless. Christians around the world care and send finances to organizations that provide care for such children. The local churches do their part. This is what we believe; this is what we expect. But, do the organizations and churches always succeed in their efforts? Are Christian organizations more effective than other organizations in helping children? What if local churches do not help ,as much as, they could because they see realities that outsiders do not? What factors enable local churches and outside organizations to work together?
These and similar issues are considered in a landmark study of faith-based organizations in Romania that provide for children who are at the margins of society. Based on many years of experience with at-risk children, Dr. Prevette studied dozens of churches and agencies that work with children, in a research project that spanned more than half a decade. The results are often encouraging, sometimes disturbing, and always insightful. Prevette offers a theological perspective that is perceptive and innovative. This book advocates the emerging study of child theology. The preceptions, analysis, and conclusions are critical to an informed understanding of neglected and abused children, and those who attempt to help them.
Christian Mission in Urban Context
Identifying Main Conditioning Factors in the Growth of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Lima
by Amador Israel Caviedes Mandujano
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book is the result of a socio-theological analysis of the substantial membership growth of the Christian and Missionary Alliance-C&MA-in Lima, Peru, since 1973. The C&MA is a Protestant Christian denomination with worldwide work in North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and, recently, Europe. The focus here is on its work in Lima, Peru. The C&MA started its work in Lima in 1957, and by 1973 had 120 members. Today's membership has grown to about 60,000 with heterogeneous social backgrounds. It is this substantial membership growth, starting at the end of 1973, that has motivated the primary research question: What are the main conditioning factors that have led to the substantial growth of the C&MA in Lima since 1973?
Stopping the Traffick
A Christian Response to Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
Stop the traffick? How do we, even begin addressing, such an important, and yet overwhelming-task? If you are a practitioner striving to assist victims, or a faith-based organization wondering how to get involved, you may be, wrestling with questions like the following: How should we go about working with exploited people? Where should we focus our response? How do we, deal with the challenges?
This cutting-edge book brings together practical advice and strategic insight from more than forty global experts and experienced practitioners who thoughtfully explore how best to answer these questions and more. Stopping the Traffick is for everyone who wants to go beyond merely knowing that something must be, done to a deeper, understanding of how we can more, effectively bring an end, to exploitation.
Jesus and the Resurrection
Reflections of Christians from Islamic Contexts
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This volume, here, is concerned with the theme of resurrection. Our aim is, to build a bridge between Muslims and Christians with Jesus in the center of the discourse.
As an idea, "resurrection" is, shared by and is central to the eschatologies of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In Islam, the beliefs in life after death, resurrection, and the day of judgment are so central that they are, considered to compose one of its "Five Pillars." Life has meaning because in resurrection, humanity will meet its maker on the Day of Judgment. The presence of such an idea in Islam is, arguably, evidence of the cross-fertilization among the monotheistic faiths. Although traditionally, Muslims have denied the death of Jesus, "the ignoble and accursed" death on the cross"- both major branches of Islam maintain that Jesus is alive-there is room here for dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
Christocentricity of this nature contrasts sharply with the secular worldview, where there are no such common grounds. The idea of the living Jesus also relates to a widespread sub-tradition of Islam, Sufism, which shows a muted preference for sainthood and progressive revelation; the living Jesus plays a significant part in such traditions. Although there is an irreconcilable chasm between the traditional Muslim and Christian positions, there is a meeting of sorts, also in their "ordinary narratives", as they encounter the person of Jesus, who touches their lives, in tangible ways.
Mission in the Spirit
Towards a Pentecostal/Charismatic Missiology
Part of the Regnum Studies in Mission series
This book explores the unique contribution of Pentecostal/Charismatic mission from the beginning of the twentieth century. The first part considers the theological basis of Pentecostal/Charismatic-mission thought and practice. Special attention is, paid to the Old Testament, which has been, regularly overlooked by the modern Pentecostal/Charismatic movements. The second part of the book discusses major mission topics with contributions and challenges unique to Pentecostal/Charismatic mission. The book concludes with a reflection on the future of this powerful missionary movement. As the authors served as, Korean missionaries in Asia, often their missionary experiences in Asia are, reflected in their discussions.