In this post-Christian era, the focus of the North American church centers on the maintenance of the institution rather than on God's mission. In this timely volume, six missiologists examine the church's loss of dominance in today's culture. Presenting a biblically based theology, they challenge the church to recover its missional vocation---here in North America. 288 pages, softcover from Eerdmans.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
3 of 3 Reviews Showing:
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, WV), September 22, 2007
Guder provides here a good introduction to missional theology and ecclesiology. While not for the casual reader or average church layperson, this book does provide fascinating scholarly insights into the depth of the missional church movement. Guder serves as the general editor, compiling together a number of authors' thoughts on various aspects of missional theology and ecclesiology. Topics include: missional church, missional witness, missional community, missional leadership and missional structures.
This volume is deep and academic in tone, but for the pastor or scholar wanting to get a better understanding of the missional church movement today. It will not disappoint.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mark Strickland (Canada), April 08, 2002
As a member of the post-modern generation, I found this book to be more well suited to those who do not understand post-modern thinking and are looking for mission strategies for today's North American Culture. I also found that the Chapter on the Holy Spirit, although very informative, did not integrate the connection between the Spirit and Missional outreach very well. I think that chapter in itself could make a very interesting book on its own. Finally, I found that the reading level of the book varied between the authors. This could pose a problem for people who may grasp the concepts behind some of the authors writings, but not fully grasp the concepts behind the other authors writings. However, this book is to be commended for showing distinction between Canadian and American culture. Also, the multiple authorship has an advantage in that the book is not as biased(to any denomination) as it might be if only one author were writing it. This book is a good read for those who do not understand today's culture and how to effectively evangelize to it. However, growing up as a post-modern thinker, I did not find it as helpful as I thought it would be.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bruce Epler (Morro Bay, CA), June 10, 2000
"Missional Church" is a compiled work of six authors who
managed to distill each others thoughts, observations and
study into a coherent and practical exposition.
This is a must read for any christian concerned about the vitality
of the church in America and the world. This book will be
especially challenging and relevant to pastoral and lay leaders
in the local church. It is a lucid work that brings an
understanding of how the church in America exists in its
present form today and where it has failed to become relevant
in today's post modernistic society.
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