Introducing Christian Mission Today - by Michael W Goheen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Michael Goheen gives us a full-scale introduction to mission studies today in its biblical, theological and historical dimensions. Goheen covers the full horizon of major issues in mission, including its global, urban and holistic contexts. This text shows how the missional church encounters the pluralism of Western culture and global religions.

Book Synopsis

Best Texts of Missiology, Hearts and Minds Bookstore

Mission--a driving force in the long Christian story--today is often cast as the embarrassing relative of tall-steeple religiosity.

In our wider culture it's now tucked in the endnotes of book-club histories or forms the ghostlike ellipses in the six o'clock news. But in Introducing Christian Mission Today, Michael Goheen brings the vibrant history, motivation and challenges of Christian mission to the fore.

Through the centuries Christian mission has always been recalibrating, retooling and reevangelizing. It has repeatedly taken surprising turns as it is carried along by the Spirit of God. Goheen's introduction to mission's biblical, theological and historical dimensions engages the present and anticipates the future. As he unfolds the major issues of the global and urban, the pluralistic and wholistic contexts of mission today, he lays the ground for engaging in God's great kingdom enterprise.

This full-scale text incorporates the keen missional insights of Lesslie Newbigin, David Bosch and other formative thinkers. It will be a valued resource not only for those in crosscultural contexts but also for those engaged in reevangelizing the West.

Review Quotes

"Introducing Christian Mission Today is a well-written, accessible and comprehensive survey of mission theology. Michael Goheen provides the reader with an authoritative and balanced account of the salient developments--starting with a robust biblical theology that puts the mission of God at the dynamic center--that have transformed our understanding over the past century. This work edifies and challenges."

--Wilbert R. Shenk, senior professor of mission history and contemporary culture, Fuller Graduate School of Intercultural Studies

"An excellent resource for mission agencies as a well-written introduction on the missional nature of the Church, with focused exploration of the developments that have contributed to transformed understandings of mission over the last century."

--Allison Norton, Evangelical Missions Quarterly, July 2015

"Based on Scripture and in light of current and historical developments, Introducing Christian Mission Today recalibrates the church's understanding of mission. Evangelical in spirit, yet ecumenical in breadth, this is an important and stimulating introduction to the foundations, challenges and issues of Christian mission today."

--Craig Ott, professor of mission and intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Goheen argues compellingly that we have much to learn from the global church."

--Nick Smith, Christian Renewal, July 29, 2015

"Michael Goheen's book will be added to my list of recommended books. Part one gives a biblical and theological reflection on mission. Part two hands the reader a historical and contemporary reflection on mission. These chapters are more than mere reflections; they also contain gospel-centered recommendations to move the worldwide church forward. . . . This book gives the church guidance and hope to continually be involved in God's mission."

--Henry Bartsch, Haddington House Journal, 2015

About the Author

Michael W. Goheen (PhD, University of Utrecht) is theological director and scholar-in-residence in missional theology at the Missional Training Center in Phoenix. He is also professor of missional theology at Newbigin House of Studies and Jake and Betsy Tuls Professor of Missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His published works include A Light to the Nations and The Drama of Scripture (coauthored with Craig Bartholomew).