This book brings together fresh insights into the relationships between missions and indigenous peoples, and the outcomes of mission activities in the processes of imperial conquest and colonisation. Bringing together the work of leading international scholars of mission and empire, the focus is on missions across the British Empire (including India, Africa, Asia, the Pacific), within ransnational and comparative perspectives. ... Themes throughout the contributions include collusion or opposition to colonial authorities, intercultural exchanges, the work of indigenous and local Christians in new churches, native evangelism and education, clashes between variant views of domesticity and parenting roles, and the place of gender in these transformations. Missionaries could be both implicated in the plot of colonial control, in ways seemingly contrary to Christian norms, or else play active roles as proponents of the social, economic and political rights of their native brethren. Indigenous Christians themselves often had a liminal status, negotiating as they did the needs and desires of the colonial state as well as those of their own peoples. In some mission zones where white missionaries were seen to be constrained by their particular views of race and respectability, black evangelical preachers had far greater success as agents of Christianity. ... Missionaries, Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Exchange contains contributions by historians from Australasia and North America who observe the fine grain of everyday life on mission stations, and present broader insights on questions of race, culture and religion. The volume makes a timely intervention into continuing debates about the relationship between mission and empire.

An introduction to missiological Christian leadership. The book's focus is on the need to empower and equip the people of God to carry out God's mission in the world. Exploring principles of leadership, it suggests practical skills and stimulates further discussion. The emphasis of the book is on theological engagement with practical issues, and each chapter gives concrete, applied illustrations of the theological approach.

The current religious climate poses unique challenges to those engaged in mission. Thus the authors of this book propose a new, yet very biblical, model for interacting with people of other faiths. They term this model giftive mission, as it is based on the metaphor of free gift. We bear the greatest gift possible--the gospel message. Adopting this perspective not only has the potential for greater missionary success but also enables us to more closely imitate God's gracious activity in the world. The core of the book explores eleven practices that characterize giftive mission. Each practice is illustrated through the story of a figure from mission history who embodied that practice. Further discussion shows how to incorporate these practices in specific mission settings.

This classic elucidation of the gospel and call to faith, by one of the most renowned preachers of the 19th century, includes: . To You . What Are We At? . God Justifieth The Ungodly . "It Is God That Justifieth" . "Just and the Justifier" . Concerning Deliverance from Sinning . By Grace Through Faith . and more. Every person of faith will want to read Spurgeon's inspiring words, through which his great and abiding love of Christ shines. British preacher CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON (1834-1892) frequently delivered sermons to audiences of more than 10,000 people. He also wrote The Treasury of David and Around the Wicket Gate, among many other works.

When Robert Raikes started his first Sunday School in 1780, he saw his idea grow to reach 300,000 unchurched children within five years - this in a nation widely ignorant of Christian ideas and values. Mark Griffiths has used Raikes' pioneering work in examining child evangelism in the UK. Working from extensive local and national research (leading to a PhD), he considers how children 'tick', what basic theology is at work in Christian outreach, and what constitutes best practice in child evangelism. His text is studded with insights and observations, and brings together the author's passion for his subject with the rigour of careful research. This is an unparalleled resource, laying the foundations of future growth.

The Salvation Army is nowadays viewed with fondness, but William Booth's evangelical crusade of the 1880s and early 1890s sparked violent riots led by an opposition group, the Skeleton Army. These riots caused destruction to property, injury to many people and, on occasion, loss of life. Spreading across the South and West of England, the Skeleton Army's aim was to eject Salvationists from their towns. Rather than facing repercussions themselves, however, it was often the peaceful parading Salvationists who were imprisoned. In With God on Their Side, James Gardner follows the spread of violence in the context of the popular conservatism of late-Victorian England, with close study of particular towns creating a rich tapestry of historical narrative that will be of interest to scholars and enthusiasts alike. The motives and actions of both groups are considered, along with the subsequent shift in the Salvation Army's focus towards social welfare. It is this shift that enabled the organisation to grow into the treasured charity we know today, and helped transform William Booth from one of the most vilified men of the nineteenth century into its saint.

Over the last quarter-century, evangelicalism has become an important social and political force in modern America. Here, new voices in the field are brought together with leading scholars such as William E. Connolly, Michael Barkun, Simon Dalby, and Paul Boyer to produce a timely examination of the spatial dimensions of the movement, offering useful and compelling insights on the intersection between politics and religion. This comprehensive study discusses evangelicalism in its different forms, from the moderates to the would-be theocrats who, in anticipation of the Rapture, seek to impose their interpretations of the Bible upon American foreign policy. The result is a unique appraisal of the movement and its geopolitical visions, and the wider impact of these on America and the world at large.

Over the last quarter-century, evangelicalism has become an important social and political force in modern America. Here, new voices in the field are brought together with leading scholars such as William E. Connolly, Michael Barkun, Simon Dalby, and Paul Boyer to produce a timely examination of the spatial dimensions of the movement, offering useful and compelling insights on the intersection between politics and religion. This comprehensive study discusses evangelicalism in its different forms, from the moderates to the would-be theocrats who, in anticipation of the Rapture, seek to impose their interpretations of the Bible upon American foreign policy. The result is a unique appraisal of the movement and its geopolitical visions, and the wider impact of these on America and the world at large.

Exploring how Christianity became a world religion, this brief history examines Christian missions and their relationship to the current globalization of Christianity.* A short and enlightening history of Christian missions: a phenomenon that many say reflects the single most important intercultural movement over a sustained period of human history* Offers a thematic overview that takes into account the political, cultural, social, and theological issues* Discusses the significance of missions to the globalization of Christianity, and broadens our understanding of Christianity as a multicultural world religion* Helps Western audiences understand the meaning of mission as a historical process* Contains several new maps that illustrate demographic shifts in world Christianity

..". this book fills a gap in the historiography of mission history by providing a one-volume history of modern British missions... This work deserves a place on the shelves of university libraries and should be consulted by specialists and readers interested in the history of Christian missions." Geordan Hammond (Manchester Wesley Research Centre and Nazarene Theological College)- H- Albion, H-Net Reviews

Missions are a topic of crucial importance in understanding the relationship between religion in Britain and the British Empire since 1700, as well as a significant part of the history of both modern Britain and the countries across that world that were visited by missionaries.

The British Missionary Enterprise since 1700 is unique in providing a one volume summary of the British missionary movement in the last three hundred years. It offers a balanced survey, viewing missionaries primarily as institution builders rather than imperialists or heroes of social reform. Jeffrey Cox examines both Britain as the home base of missions and the impact made by the missions abroad, while also evaluating the independent initiatives by African and Asian Christians. He emphasises the female- dominated nature of missionary ventures from Britain, and also examines the issue of missionary rhetoric. The book also makes comparisons between British missions and those from other predominantly Protestant countries including the United States.

This book brings a fresh and much needed overview to this large, fascinating and controversial subject, and will be of interest to all students of British history, religious history and religious studies.

A story of Florence's mission to the Kanakas in Australia and the Solomon Islands.

How can an ordinary church become a community of people who help one another live out their whole life at home, work, church, in the neighbourhood as followers of Jesus in his mission to the world? This book is for those who want life together in church to equip disciples who live out their faith in the realities of their day-to-day world. - Draws on three years of work with pilot churches across the UK - Practical examples of how a church can change - Real-life stories of churches and individuals

This work expresses the understanding of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria/lgbo Church in interpreting Vatican II for the development and communion of the local Churches. The Second Vatican Council is the first council the Nigerian Church has ever experienced. Its influence made it possible that there has not been an organ in the history of Nigeria that is so theological about the development of the local Churches and so diplomatic and out spoken about the situation of the country like the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. The Reception of Vatican II in Nigeria/lgbo Church is an on going dynamite for the better understanding and cooperation between the hierarchy and the laity. Since Vatican II the laity in Nigeria/lgbo Church breath the air of aggiornamento and renewal and have a clear vision of their functions in the Church in which they also have full and responsible participation.

Leaving Christendom for Good argues that the solution to some of the most troubling tensions in the life of the Catholic Church since Vatican II can be found in the council's document Gaudium et spes. This text's view of the church's mission and social relationships as dialogical has the capacity to liberate. Part One studies the contemporary place of religion-with particular reference to Charles Taylor's groundbreaking work, A Secular Age-and examines Gaudium et spes's dialogical view of the church-world relationship. Part Two explores what true dialogue entails and how it is best understood theologically, engaging critically with Joseph Ratzinger's view of the church-world relationship. The book's final chapter considers two practical implications of its argument: how evangelization can be best understood today, and how the church can best approach issues in the public sphere.

Do you want to love your neighbor as yourself but don't know where to start? This practical, accessible guide to bridging the dividing lines of politics, race, and economics, both individually and as the church, will help you amplify Jesus in your community and build God's kingdom. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus gave a two-part answer: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" and also "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love God. Love others. Jesus' simple command to love your neighbor can feel overwhelming when your neighbor looks, lives, and votes differently than you do. Racial and economic tensions across the country have resulted in deep dividing lines that seem really intimidating to cross. Docusen breaks down these lines in approachable chapters, including topics like these: how to actively seek out people you can benefit and encourage, what it means to find a diverse and supportive community that fulfills needs, examples of real-life experiences, including highlights and missteps of Docusen's ongoing journey, and how churches can teach on difficult topics with grace and truth. Neighborliness is a practical guide to bridging those dividing lines and learning to recognize and amplify the beauty of God in our communities. Backed by David's speaking and training through the Neighborliness Center, this book will help individuals and churches reach out to their neighbors, love them through Christ, and build God's kingdom.

Religion has always played an important, if often contested, role in the public domain. This book focuses on how faith-based organisations (FBOs) interact with the public sphere, showing how faith-based actors are themselves shaped by wider processes and global forces such as globalisation, migration, foreign policy and neoliberal markets. Focusing on a case study of an FBO in Morocco which gives aid to sub-Saharan African irregular migrants, the book reveals some of the challenges the organisation faces as it tries to negotiate at once local, national and international contexts through their particular Christian values. This book contends that the contradictions, tensions and ambiguities that arise are primarily a result of the organisation having to negotiate a normative global secular liberalism which requires a strict demarcation between religion and politics, and religion and the secular. Faith-based actors, particularly within humanitarianism, have to constantly navigate this divide and in examining the question of how religious values translate into humanitarian and development practices, categories such as religion, the secular and politics and the boundaries between them will need to be interrogated. This book explores the diversity and complexity of the work of FBOs and will be of great interest to students and researchers working at the intersections of humanitarianism and development studies, politics and religion.

The conversion of Spanish Roma to Pentecostal Evangelical Protestantism is one of the most unknown yet important religious movements of the past century. Its current transnational extension and its spectacular boom are due, among others factors, to the fact that it is directed, organized and composed of gypsies. This volume provides an important historical, theological, and ethnographic account of the Pentecostal Revival movement that has been sweeping through the Southern European Roma/Gypsy communities of France and Spain especially. Written by Manuela Canton-Delgado, an anthropologist from the University of Seville, together with three others collaborators, it is a fascinating and careful account of the social impact of this movement in contemporary Europe. As such, it represents one of the first serious analyses of a religious, ethnic and political movement largely unknown in North American, to be made available in English.

This book explores the vital role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in compensating for the market's and government's inability to provide vital services. Its key theoretical contribution is the notion that poverty is the result of a triadic failure-when markets, government, and civil society become dysfunctional at the same time. Using data on Catholic missionaries' development work, this study presents the various ways by which FBOs mitigate market and government failures in healthcare, education, and social services, and in the process build and strengthen civil society. This study has two main objectives. First, it aims to present an overview of missionaries' development work, evaluating the socioeconomic significance of their faith-based development work. In addition, various comparative advantages and disadvantages have been imputed to FBOs in the religion-development literature, and we assess to what extent missionaries actually exhibit these posited qualities in practice. Second, the groundwork is laid for future religion-development scholars by presenting a theoretical framework and a method for evaluating the role and contributions of FBOs in the larger community. This is an important investigation of contemporary worldwide Christianity and its relationship with development. As such, it will interest scholars of religious studies and missiology, as well as development economics, public service and the political economy.

"Why is God killing my child?" The Russian mother asked as she looked into my eyes. I didn't know what to say. Another mother asked, "Why does God allow innocent babies to suffer and die?" My heart broke as I listened to these mothers sobbing. "FAITH: The Abyss We All Face" is a true story of one man's journey to the literal "Ends of the Earth" where time after time, he heard these and similar questions. Dr. Bill Becknell has wrestled with the tragic cries of brokenness, pain and suffering in himself and others. They are everywhere, and they challenge our faith. There are no cliches or trite answers to these difficult questions. But despite extreme hardships, pain, brokenness, sacrifices, miracles and even near-death experiences along this road, he found an unexpected treasure... JOY! No matter how difficult the circumstances, the pain, and the brokenness, God has an unfailing Love that is beyond comprehension. Brokenness and sorrow are a part of living, and no one can change that. What we do about tragedy in our lives is an issue of faith. "FAITH" is written to encourage all believers not to be afraid to step out into the unknown "abyss of faith." Non-Believers may also find the stories apply to their lives, because "faith" is something everyone has. There is no greater JOY than following Jesus, even if He leads you to the "Ends of the Earth."

We are not meant to live safe, happy, successful Christian lives. Jesus calls us to something more. Don't settle for a life that will soon be forgotten. Mission is not just something for "them," somewhere over "there." Mission is for us, here and now. Don Everts invites you to get caught up in God's mission in this world. He shows what it means to be a missional Christian, to have eyes that see, hands that serve and feet that go. Bringing together personal evangelism, urban witness and global crosscultural mission, Everts shows how you can live your life on mission--whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you go. Get a glimpse of the vision. See what Jesus is doing. And go and do likewise.

Wealth, Health, and Hope in African Christian Religion offers a portrait of how contending narratives of modernity in both church and society play out in Africa today through the agency of African Christian religion. It explores the identity and features of African Christian religion and the cultural forces driving the momentum of Christian expansion in Africa, as well as how these factors are shaping a new African social imagination, especially in providing answers to the most challenging questions about poverty, wealth, health, human, and cosmic flourishing. It offers the academy a good road map for interpreting African Christian religious beliefs and practices today and into the future.

Missionary families were an integral component of the missionary enterprise, both as active agents on the global religious stage and as a force within the enterprise that shaped understandings and theories of mission itself. Taking the family as a legitimate unit of historical analysis in its own right for the first time, Missionary families traces changing familial policies and lived realities throughout the nineteenth century and powerfully argues for the importance of an historical understanding of the missionary enterprise informed by the complex interplay between the intimate, the personal and the professional. By looking at marriage, parenting and childhood, along with professionalism, vocation and domesticity, this first in-depth study of missionary families reveals their profound importance to the missionary enterprise, and concludes that mission history can no longer be written without attention to the personal, emotional and intimate aspects of missionary lives. -- .

Missions are an important topic in the history of modern Britain and of even wider importance in the modern history of Africa and many parts of Asia. Yet, despite the perennial subject matter, and the publication of a large number of studies of particular aspects of missions, there is no recent, balanced overview of the history of the missionary moment during the last three hundred years.

The British Missionary Enterprise since 1700 moves away from the partisan approach that characterizes so many writers in field and instead views missionaries primarily as institution builders rather than imperialists or heroes of social reform. This balanced survey examines both Britain as the home base of missions and the impact of the missions themselves, while also evaluating the independent initiatives by African and Asia Christians. Also addressed are the previously ignored issues of missionary rhetoric, the predominantly female nature of missions, and comparisons between British missions and those from other predominantly Protestant countries including the United States.

Jeffrey Cox brings a fresh and much needed overview to this large, fascinating and controversial subject.

Mother Teresa was one of the most written about and publicised women in modern times. Apart from Pope John Paul II, she was arguably the most advertised religious celebrity in the last quarter of the twentieth century. During her lifetime as well as posthumously, Mother Teresa continues to generate a huge level of interest and heated debate.

Gezim Alpion explores the significance of Mother Teresa to the mass media, to celebrity culture, to the Church and to various political groups. A section explores the ways different vested interests have sought to appropriate her after her death, and also examines Mother Teresa's own attitude to her childhood and to the Balkan conflicts in the 1980s and 1990s.

This book sheds a new and fascinating light upon this remarkable and influential woman, which will intrigue followers of Mother Teresa and those who study the vagaries of stardom and celebrity culture.