A historical account of how leading evangelicals in the late nineteenth century fused a passion for evangelism with social service, cultural engagement and political activism.

Building on an understanding of the local congregation as the primary location of mission, 'As a fire by burning ...' seeks to explore the relationship between the day-to-day life of local churches and contemporary thinking about mission. Drawing on the first-hand experience of those engaged in mission in a wide variety of different contexts in contemporary Britain, the component parts of church life are explored. What is the relationship between worship and mission? If mission is more than just evangelism, and disciple making is a life-long task, how can this be sustained over the long term? Much has been made of collaborative partnerships in delivering mission objectives, but what are their theological and practical implications for non-Christian civic and voluntary bodies? A number of these rarely addressed themes are explored, revealing critical issues that are rarely addressed, but that can have significant implications if neglected or misunderstood. Rather than relying on a 'one size fits all', off-the-shelf approach to mission, 'As a fire by burning ...' encourages a level of engagement with context, Scripture, prayer and theology that will help to empower a local congregation to discern and shape its own missional life.

Endorsements: "Preaching at its best is 'truth on fire.' The real quality of this book is that it has been created from the author's own experience of the local pastorate and is concerned with practical insights and realities. I warmly recommend it." --David Coffey, Moderator of the Free Churches and General Secretary of the Baptist Union "For some, the phrase 'finding the plot' suggests a stroll through a graveyard, which is much like their view of preaching. But Roger Standing uses the phrase to describe narrative preaching, an approach that helps preachers accomplish their essential task: to raise the dead." --Marshall Shelley, Vice President, Christianity Today International and editor of Leadership "This book, from a seasoned practitioner and an able thinker, will provide the signposts required by many either for transforming their preaching style in mid-career, or for setting off on the right foot." --Nigel G. Wright, Principal of Spurgeon's College, London "Roger Standing breezily shares his enthusiasm for narrative preaching. He combines theory about narrative and its cultural relevance with practical advice and preaching examples. A helpful stimulus to any preacher to branch out into narrative preaching." --Michael Quicke, Charles Koller Professor of Preaching and Communications Author Biography: Roger Standing is the Deputy Principal of Spurgeon's College in London, England, where he teaches Mission, Evangelism and Pioneer Ministry. His other publications include Preaching for the Unchurched in an Entertainment Culture and Re-Emerging Church: strategies for reaching a returning generation.