Missionshift discussion

I am currently reading a book on missiology for an online discussion with a group of people, including noted missiologist Ed Stetzer. The book Missionshift deals with three major essays regarding the past, present and future of missiology and then several that respond to each particular essay. Then we who are reading the book get to have our say in the discussion as well.

We will focus on major essay one by Charles Van Engen, “Mission” Defined and Described. He presents a brief history of “mission” and the evolution of its definition over time. More importantly he observes its two main attributes: the nature of being sent, and the authority that comes with being sent. To illustrate he references Luke 9 and 10, the sending of the 12 and the 70. Ultimately, Jesus sends them (and us) out with authority and power to proclaim the kingdom of God to humanity.

Before we go further, it might be beneficial to discuss “mission” and “missions”. Although related they are different. A simple definition of “mission” is God’s plan to reconcile man back to himself, and from realization this we engage in missions, i.e. church planting, missionary efforts in foreign countries, community outreaches, etc.

However, Van Engen shows that as the definition changes, so does the missions’ focus. For example he discusses missionary William Carey’s definition of mission: evangelizing unreached people groups and involving them in Christ’s church, and then critiques the church planting emphasis of missions: building and nurturing churches in indigenous regions. I think that each of these emphases are not complete, but simply pieces of a bigger puzzle. We must be careful to capture the full picture solely upon a proper understanding of Scripture.

This is the view of Keith Eitel. He holds that unless the modern Church holds to a conservative hermeneutical approach, then its definition of mission could go off course. I fully agree with that statement. So often we see churches with right intentions, but without proper understanding of Scripture that leads to error. He mentions the emergent church that while wanting to be missional in a postmodern world, has the dangerous tendency to be relativistic in its worldview. I agree with him. To be true to the original intent of mission, it must be with a correct view of Scripture: that it alone is authoritative for faith and practice, that the entire Bible is relevant and worthy of application, and that it must be interpreted (as much as it can be) without personal feeling, bias or agenda. Let Scripture speak, then obey as we know how, partnering with God in his mission.

Enoch Wan is another writer contributing to the critique of Van Engen’s essay. Wan feels that Engen lacked a more Trinitarian approach in referring to and discussing God’s mission. But on this topic I must disagree with him. Although the Trinity is referred to in The Great Commission, the ultimate focus is Christ. According to basic Christian doctrine salvation is found in Christ alone, by faith alone, and through his grace alone. Paul preached the death and resurrection of Christ. And though the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Acts 1:8, the Holy Ghost power is for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel to the world.

(this is a work in progress...more to come hopefully tomorrow.)

To Transform a City

To Transform a City can be bought at Zondervan.com and Amazon.com

If you want to increase your vision for the kingdom of God, then To Transform a City is the book to get! Authors Eric Swanson and Sam Williams offer a great examination on the influence of cities both in biblical and modern times. They argue that if you can transform a city, then you can change the world through the Gospel. It is inspiring and eye-opening to see the stats and how our modern world is rapidly becoming an urban culture. They show how the Apostle Paul strategically went to the major cities of the Roman Empire on his missionary journeys and the exponential growth of the church through the following centuries.

The authors argue for a balance of the vocal Gopsel (i.e. preaching and evangelism) along with acts of service for the community. They give great suggestions and advice based upon their own extensive experiences as well as principles they have found from Scripture. They show how the local church can become a positive influence in the community, especially by linking up with other churches and believers that share a passion for growing the Kingdom of God. But even that level of involvement can be taken higher by partnering with the private business and government sectors of society. Often the church is better off to join an established community organization rather than creating a “Christian” alternative.

Ultimately the evangelistic mission is bigger than the local church. Many books exist on how to grow a church or particular ministry, but it is refreshing to see a kingdom mindset. This is a necessary resource for church planters, pastors or anyone looking to engage the culture around them

Ethnic Blends Book Review

This book can be found on Zondervan.com and Amazon.com.

Ethnic Blends sounds more like a Starbucks cup of coffee rather than a book about diversity in the local church. But just as coffee represents a blend of beans from around the world, so the local church should also be a representation of diverse cultures unified around Jesus Christ. Using the coffee motif, Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li teach how to intentionally create a multi-ethnic church from a homogeneous (single culture) congregation.

DeYmaz and Li draw their theology from Scripture, examining the book of Acts and more specifically, highlight the congregation of Antioch. The elders and staff there exhibited a passion for the Gentile culture, many who were Gentiles themselves. They also highlight Paul’s ministry and Jesus’ as well, expounding on the principles from their ministry to the different cultures. Not just biblical scholars, they share their story of Mosaic, a diverse church in Little Rock, Arkansas. They honestly show the triumphs and struggles of such an undertaking, detailing obstacles and challenges including worship music, church mergers, cultural misunderstandings, etc. They also give the reader a glimpse into other diverse churches around the world and how they do ministry.

This book is indeed “blended” well. It provides a clear exposition of the biblical principle of a unified, multi-ethnic church in Acts, and will challenge you to intentionally strive for the same. Ethnic Blends gives the inspiration and know-how, equipping you for the no-so-easy-yet-rewarding journey toward a true representation of what Christ’s church should look like.

Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story

This is a book review of Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story by John Sowers. It is an excellent resource for the church to use in understanding the culture of those who have no father. You can find it at zondervan.com and amazon.com.

Fatherless Generation is a power-packed punch to the church today. It will move you to tears as you read the stories behind the statistics. John Sowers shares his story and those of both obscure individuals and prominant musicians. He is a voice that represents the countless men and women, boys and girls who have no father.

But this book brings hope, a redemption to the stories gone horribly wrong. He shares how his mentors influenced his life: a karate instructor, a pirate, and a hunter. He shows how a relationship with the Heavenly Father changed everything. And I have seen it first-hand in the lives of some friends who have benefited from personal mentorship. It is the church's responsibility to reverse the trend and mentor the fatherless into amazing men and women who will change the pattern for their children.

It is certainly a must read that will make you think about a topic not mentioned often in the church. It is an echo of the biblical mandate and challenge to take care of the fatherless.

The Modern Tentmaker: The Challenges of a Bi-vocational Pastor

Bi-vocational ministry is as old as the New Testament church, yet it continues today. The bi-vocational pastor might be found in a small rural church, an urban church plant, a house church, or even on the staff of a large church. The term simply means fulfilling the dual role of a worker outside the church and as a minister inside the church. For example, although many churches can afford a paid, full-time lead pastor, those same churches cannot afford the supporting full-time staff such as worship leaders, children’s and youth pastors, and the pastor must work to supplement his salary.

Even if the church can afford a full staff, the Wall Street Journal (Joblessness Hits the Pulpit, May 17, 2010) points out that large churches are not immune to layoffs in this tough economy. Supporting pastors who rely only on a salary have received cuts in pay and benefits. Due to a lack of attendance and donations (tithe) many churches are forced to terminate members of their staff; and most churches do not offer a severance package or unemployment benefits. In 2009 the government counted 5,000 clergy looking for work. Having the skills to work in a secular profession can be a valuable safety net to have in case of a ministry layoff or pay cut.

Thus it is necessary for some pastors to be bi-vocational. In addition to being a missionary/pastor the Apostle Paul was a tent-maker. He was able to preach the Gospel without charge, while admitting he had every right to a minister’s salary (1 Corinthians 9:14). Working a secular job does present challenges to the pastor’s time, priorities, and the constant balance of ministry and work. However, with godly wisdom he should be able to overcome these obstacles to have an effective ministry.

The biblical job description of a pastor includes the “equipping of the saints” (Ephesians 4:11, 12). However, the modern pastor seems like the CEO of a company. He is responsible for church growth, dynamic teaching and discipleship, mentorship, visitation, etc. With a limited amount of time each week it becomes necessary to prioritize his duties. Matt Smay and Hugh Halter, bi-vocational pastors and authors of AND: The Gathered and Scattered Church, found they only had two days a week for ministry. They spent it investing in leaders and the un-churched, i.e. “equipping the saints” and helping others on their journey to discipleship. I think this is the right idea. The pastor is equipping the church not only to fulfill the Great Commission, but also to take up responsibility and ministry in the church. Delegating ministries and responsibilities will free the pastor to accomplish his goals without the additional stress of unnecessary tasks.

To constantly juggle a job, a church and a family is an admirable feat. It requires the support of a loving church and their understanding of the sacrifices involved. Because of the work for the Kingdom the pastor is entitled to every liberty given in 1 Corinthians 9: “to refrain from working” (secular jobs) and “to reap material things”. But quite honestly he just wants an income that will be able to provide for his family. The other job is not the pastor’s career, but a means to support his ministry. It is a way to ensure that his family is provided for and financially secure. It is not a distraction, but an opportunity to have other means of honest employment and also engage the culture in a way he wouldn’t be able to from a church office.

Pastors cannot help but preach! It is what God has called them to do whether they get pay and benefits or nothing at all. It is a “stewardship”, a mandate given to them by God to fulfill at church and the secular workplace. In the church setting, the pastor’s ability to prioritize his tasks and delegate others to a supportive congregation will help him use his time effectively to fulfill his bi-vocational mandate. And he will be following in the footsteps of many great men of God, from the Apostle Paul to those pastors already filling the dual roles of work and ministry all across America.

Turning Controversy Into Ministry Book Review

This is part of the Zondervan Blog Tour. This book can be bought on Amazon.com or Zondervan.com

Perhaps one of the most divisive and misunderstood issues facing the church today is that of ministry to homosexuals. The lines of theology and opinion have been clearly drawn, but what is less clear is the complexity of the root causes of homosexuality and the correct response of the church to the homosexual approaching the church for healing. It is a bold individual who would seek to tackle this topic! In his book Turning Controversy into Church Ministry, W. P. Campbell does a masterful job as a theologian and cultural commentator expounding not only on the biblical analysis of homosexuality, but also the social and scientific studies of the secular arena. He shows the implications of each and draws relevant applications to the culture. He further challenges the reader to respond and act in ministry to this largely marginalized group.

The most important concept of this book is the balance of truth and grace. Out of balance, truth can be used in a harmful and negative way to reject the homosexual and squelch any chance of healing and reconciliation within a church. Likewise, grace out of balance can lead to an acceptance of the sin, and an affirmation of bad theology. Yet it is so much more complex than this simple comparison.

Mr. Campbell speaks as a pastor within the embattled Presbyterian Church (USA), but his voice reaches across all the entrenched denominations. With this book he arrives on the front lines not with ammunition, but information. As a pastor he appeals to the authority and truth of Scripture, yet he also examines the history of the homosexual culture and engages the latest scientific and psychological studies. Each chapter it seems is the perfect combination of the three and the summary ties it together.

The topic of homosexual ministry is like dynamite: highly explosive. Campbell handles it with respect, yet without fear. He does not bash homosexuals, yet does not condone the lifestyle or philosophy either. He stays true to the authority and truth found in Scripture, but also shows the grace available to the gay person.

This is an intelligent engagement of homosexuality and the Christian response to it. It will equip and encourage any reader to understand and interact with a homosexual in a Christ-like way. I learned so much from this book and was greatly challenged to change some of my responses to that culture and lifestyle. If a person is to do the same, he should set aside his entrenched philosophies and opinions, and read this book with an open heart. It will change your ministry mindset and tune it closer to God’s heart for a hurting and lost culture.

Sticky Teams Book Review

It has been a long week of packing and moving across the country and I just arrived in Texas today. So here is my book review for Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne. It is an amazing resource that every pastor needs! You can find it at zondervan.com and amazon.com.


Nothing can fully prepare you for the shock of ministry but Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne is a book that any pastor needs to read before taking on his first church. So often we learn the basic overview of ministry but are left to figure out the details. This book gives excellent instruction on practical leadership that focuses on getting your ministry team on the same page, going after the same vision that God has given you.

Even the experienced pastor can benefit from Sticky Teams and use this book to identify the obstacles and challenges to a successful church. Osborne really emphasizes communication with staff, especially the board. He gives examples of how even adding an additional meeting every month to pray, train, and fellowship will result in a greater connectedness and unity among the board. He demonstrates the necessity of clearly communicating vision to the church and clarifying the church’s positions on theology, faith, practice, politics, etc.

Osborne attacks the many “sacred cows” of ministry: surveys and dealing with the anonymous group of “they”, supporting every ministry in the church including the ineffective ones, allowing any qualified person (on paper) to be elected to the board, etc. Osborne offers real advice that works. He ignores the “theys” and their negative views, allows ministries to die that are ineffective, and prayerfully considers board candidates beyond their resumes. He shows the seriousness of the ministry and the sacredness of the leadership’s responsibility for the church.


Larry Osborne bases his wise advice upon his own experiences, common sense and Scripture, resulting in a great resource that is invaluable to any board member or staff member in a church. The above is just a sampling of the priceless advice in this book. I certainly recommend this book hands down to people in church leadership; in fact it would even give a church member a glimpse into the complicated world of pastoral ministry and help him understand the tough decisions made every day.