Gaining form and momentum over the second half of the 20th century, the Church Growth movement has become an enormous shaping force on the Western church today. You may love it, you may hate it, but you can t deny its impact. But what exactly is Church Growth? In what ways has the movement actually brought growth to the church, and how effective has it been in doing so? What are its strengths and weaknesses? This timely book addresses such questions. After providing a richly informative history and overview, it explores---in a first-ever roundtable of their leading voices---five main perspectives, both pro and con, on the classic Church Growth movement: *Effective Evangelism View (Elmer Towns) *Gospel in Our Culture View (Craig Van Gelder) *Centrist View (Charles Van Engen) *Reformist View (Gailyn Van Rheenan) *Renewal View (Howard Snyder) As in other Counterpoints books, each view is first presented by its proponent, then critiqued by his co-contributors. The book concludes with reflections by three seasoned pastors who have grappled with the practical implications of Church Growth. The interactive and fair-minded nature of the Counterpoints format allows the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Exploring Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series."

Synopsis: How have those engaged in the mission of God been challenged to reinterpret Scripture through their experience? In what ways were the missionaries in the Bible challenged to reevaluate Scripture in their own time? Redford attempts to give shape to the nature of missional hermeneutics by examining Scripture, present-day cultural values, historical struggles, and the experience of those who are engaged in the mission of God. In order for missionaries to overcome the scientific polarization in Western hermeneutics, they must be able to perceive and learn from the overarching missional and spiritual hermeneutics found throughout Scripture so that they can balance missional, spiritual, historical-critical, and even unforeseen hermeneutical paths, providing increased confidence in biblical interpretation. Endorsements: "Since 1950, remarkable progress has been made in developing mission theology. Redford aids and abets this development by introducing missiological hermeneutics that will help Christians around the world engage the word of God with greater understanding and faithfulness." --Wilbert R. Shenk, Fuller Graduate School of Intercultural Studies "The Bible is a book about mission, but far too often biblical scholars have not studied it from that perspective. And missionaries have frequently based their actions on only a few favorite texts, ignoring important aspects of the biblical message. This groundbreaking work, which seeks to bridge the gap between biblical interpretation and missiology, will enrich and challenge all who are engaged in mission today." --Paul E Pierson, Fuller Theological Seminary Author Biography: Shawn B. Redford (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA) is a specialist in biblical theology of mission and missiological hermeneutics. He has taught in these fields at Fuller. He currently teaches at Africa International University, Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (AIU-NEGST), and also in remote areas while serving in Kenya with CMF International.

The expulsion of at least 15,000 indigenous Mexicans from their lands and homes in the highlands of Chiapas is a text book illustration of this "complex brew." They were expelled when they accepted the Bible and refused to pay homage to what they saw as "idols" made by human hands -- the traditional village saints. In so doing, they challenged village leaders who were allied with Mexico's ruling political party. Were they being persecuted for their religious beliefs or for political reasons or, thirdly, for social reasons, in that they no longer accepted their traditional subservient roles? Whatever the exact cause, their expulsion continued for almost forty years and their cries for justice went unheard in Mexico and the United States as well.

As terrible as it is, there is a shortcoming in focusing on persecution alone. A narrow view of events in Chiapas may obscure the most significant lesson to be learned: the power of faith to sustain and enrich troubled individuals and to give purpose and direction to entire societies in their struggles for autonomy and cohesion.