John M. Bailey Pursuing the Mission of God in Church Planting is an initial foray by the Church Planting Group of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention into a discussion concerning God's mission, the term missional, and the understanding of a missional church. At the time the authors were selected for this book, none of them realized the depth to which they would go in this pursuit. The authors conclude that their various uses of the term missional does not lessen the value of the book's purpose to address North America's need for more churches to fully embrace God's mission for all peoples. It is to this end that this book is devoted. It is the intent of the authors to inspire and motivate their readers to continue their quest in the pursuit of God's mission through their churches. Each chapter stands on its own; yet, all chapters seek to describe and exemplify obeying God's mission mandate for local churches. In this regard, missional is not the focus of the book. Instead, the focus is on God's glory, as we seek to honor Him with our obedience to further His kingdom among all peoples.

Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Gary A. Parrett, S Steve Kang How do ethnic and cultural diversity affect spiritual formation? The authors of A Many Colored Kingdom explore Christian formation and teaching in the church, with a particular focus on intercultural and interethnic relationships. Well-qualified to speak on issues of diversity, the authors describe relevant aspects of their own personal journeys; key issues emerging from their studies and teaching germane to race, culture, and ethnicity; and teaching implications that bring right practice to bear on church ministry. A final chapter contains a conversation among the authors responding to one another's insights and concerns. This book will be required reading for those engaged in as well as those preparing for a life of teaching and ministry in our increasingly multicultural world.

Harvie M. Conn, Manuel Ortiz, Susan S. Baker

Dean Flemming Winner of a 2006 Christianity Today Book Award!

Eddie Gibbs It is estimated that 80 percent of churches are either stalled or in decline. In ChurchMorph, internationally known church observer Eddie Gibbs goes beyond an analysis of causes to show how many churches and faith communities are actually breaking the downward trend. He expertly maps current converging church movements—emerging and missional churches, mainline renewal groups, megachurches, urban mission, new monasticism, alternative worship, and expanding networks—and offers a positive assessment of the reshaping of today's church. The core of the book identifies trends and movements that provide signs of the kingdom and reveals how different faith communities are working out what it means to be "church" in a changing world. This stimulating and encouraging book will appeal to pastors, church leaders, and students interested in ministry, the emerging church, Christianity and culture, and mission. EXCERPT The morphing of the church relates to the church transitioning to a new identity as a missional presence in the West. There is a growing realization among leaders committed to mission that the challenge will not be adequately met by adding new programs to ensure the local church, or a denomination's, institutional survival. Such leaders are talking about an unfettered re-imagining of the church, resulting in a comprehensive change in its self-understanding and its reconfiguration. Frequently the term "deconstruction" is used by radical voices within the emergent church. But this technical term is often misunderstood, being perceived as too threatening and confrontational. It is heard to imply demolition and destruction, which is not what is intended. Deconstruction refers to a particular method of literary criticism that seeks to get behind the text to reveal the embedded assumptions. Among Emerging Church leaders, "deconstruction" signifies, not destruction, but a breakthrough. It means to undo or take apart in order to arrive at a deeper understanding, allowing for a creative re-reading. However, in order to avoid the negative implications of the term, and its highly technical explanation, I prefer to speak of the re-imagining of the church, and of the transformation process as the morphing of the church. Wikipedia defines morphing as a special effect in motion pictures and animations that changes (or morphs) one image into another through a seamless transition. The term has a much more ancient usage however. It is derived from the Greek word morphe, which appears in the New Testament in a significant context.

O. S. Hawkins

J. Daniel Hays "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language . . ." (Revelation 7:9). The visions in the book of Revelation give a glimpse of the people of God at the consummation of history—a multiethnic congregation gathered together in worship around God's throne. Its racial diversity is expressed in a fourfold formula that first appears in Genesis 10. The theme of race runs throughout Scripture, constantly pointing to the global and multiethnic dimensions inherent in the overarching plan of God. In response to the neglect of this theme in much evangelical biblical scholarship, J. Daniel Hays offers a thorough exegetical study. As well as focusing on texts which have a general bearing on race, Hays demonstrates that black Africans from Cush (Ethiopia) play an important role in both Old and New Testament history. This careful, nuanced analysis provides a clear theological foundation for life in contemporary multiracial cultures and challenges churches to pursue racial unity in Christ.

Paul G. Heibert Missionaries must understand the people they serve in their historical and cultural settings. They must understand themselves similarly. Otherwise, the author warns, missionaries may proclaim a meaningless and irrelevant message. One source of help in this essential quest is the field of study called anthropology. The author, an expert in this field, taps its insights for missionaries in a way that few others do.

Mr. George R. Hunsberger This excellent collection of essays, written by a diverse group of Christian leaders working on the frontier of mission in North America, lays the groundwork for the newly emerging missionary encounter of the gospel with North American culture.

Philip Jenkins What does the future hold for European Christianity? Is the Christian church doomed to collapse under the weight of globalization, Western secularism, and a flood of Muslim immigrants? Is Europe, in short, on the brink of becoming "Eurabia"?
Though many pundits are loudly predicting just such a scenario, Philip Jenkins reveals the flaws in these arguments in God's Continent and offers a much more measured assessment of Europe's religious future. While frankly acknowledging current tensions, Jenkins shows, for instance, that the overheated rhetoric about a Muslim-dominated Europe is based on politically convenient myths: that Europe is being imperiled by floods of Muslim immigrants, exploding Muslim birth-rates, and the demise of European Christianity. He points out that by no means are Muslims the only new immigrants in Europe. Christians from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe are also pouring into the Western countries, and bringing with them a vibrant and enthusiastic faith that is helping to transform the face of European Christianity. Jenkins agrees that both Christianity and Islam face real difficulties in surviving within Europe's secular culture. But instead of fading away, both have adapted, and are adapting. Yes, the churches are in decline, but there are also clear indications that Christian loyalty and devotion survive, even as institutions crumble. Jenkins sees encouraging signs of continuing Christian devotion in Europe, especially in pilgrimages that attract millions—more in fact than in bygone "ages of faith."
The third book in an acclaimed trilogy that includes The Next Christendom and The New Faces of Christianity, God's Continent offers a realistic and historically grounded appraisal of the future of Christianity in a rapidly changing Europe.

Charles H. Kraft This book serves as a thorough, basic introduction to the study of anthropology that has been designed specifically for those who plan careers in mission or cross-cultural ministry. Kraft treats various theories of culture and society; kinship and family structure, cross-cultural communication and assesses various anthropological schools.

Patty Lane The global village has arrived. Recent census figures show that our communities are more culturally and ethnically diverse than ever before. Many of us find it challenging to build relationships with people from backgrounds unlike our own. How do we befriend an international student or a new coworker from a different country? What do we do when we share our church building with a congregation from another cultural group? Why are our words and actions often misinterpreted?

Crosscultural specialist Patty Lane answers these questions. She shows us how to develop hands-on relational skills that help build crosscultural friendships, providing practical resources for navigating multicultural environments with sensitivity and savvy. Filled with vivid stories of real-life situations, this guide explains frequently misunderstood aspects of culture, debunks stereotypes and suggests ways to resolve crosscultural conflicts. Above all, Lane demonstrates God's heart for building bridges across cultures and shows how Christians can reach out to people of every nation, culture and ethnicity.

Whether you are actively ministering to people of different cultural backgrounds, traveling to other countries or just want to make friends across cultural lines, this engaging handbook is a perfect introduction to the journey.

Sarah A. Lanier Foreign to Familiar is a splendidly written, well researched work on cultures. Anyone traveling abroad should not leave home without this valuable resource! Sarah's love and sensitivity for people of all nations will touch your heart. This book creates within us a greater appreciation for our extended families around the world and an increased desire to better understand them.

Tony Maalouf (Foreword by Eugene H. Merrill) A compelling call for Christians to rethink the role of Arabs—also descendents of Abraham and recipients of his blessing. (20040901)

Roland Muller Roland Muller's latest book includes large parts of the out-of-print books Honor & Shame and Tools for Muslim Evangelism, plus much more. Muller begins by looking at what it takes to be accepted as a 'messenger' with something of value to say. He then moves on to look at the gospel message that we share, and ends up examining the community of believers that we want to gather. The book includes a frank look at shame-based cultures, and also the importance of building a sense of community into a new group of believers. Over 300 study questions.

Jorge Ramos Nuestra "casa", más que un lugar físico, es un conjunto de recuredos que nos permite comprender mejor quienes éramos, quienes somos, y puede ayudarnos a comprender quienes seremos. Ese sentido de pertenencia es el que nos define. Algunos dejan su "casa", su hogar, muy pronto en sus vidas; para ellos es muy difícil encontrar su centro emocional. Están, a veces, condenados a una vida sin equilibrio. Pero también es una existencia con mucha libertad. Sin frontera alguna, estos eternos viajeros no dejan de buscar aventuras y experiencias límite esperando encontrar algún día, como Ulises, un lugar que puedan llamar su "casa".

Así empieza el viaje de la extraordinaria autobiografía de Jorge Ramos, un periodista que encarna este espíritu aventurero a la perfección, y que espera, algún día, encontrar un lugar en el cuál se sienta como en casa.

Por primera vez, Jorge Ramos, el más prestigioso presentador de noticias en español comparte su vida personal con sus lectores, televidentes y radioescuchas. Hable de lost amores de su vida, de su pasión por el periodismo de sus viajes y entrevistas y de su propio concepto de realización espiritual. Es, al mismo tiempo, una invitación a aprovechar al máximo cada instante de nuestra vida.

En este libro conocemos al hombre de la televisión al que millones de latinos e hispanoparlantes le han dado toda su confianza durante años. Así descubrimos que Ramos es alguien que comprende que para vivir plenamente, hay que tomar riesgos, y que sin riesgos no hay recompensa.

Ramos cuenta de sus conflictos, de niño, con los sacerdotes benedictinos, de sus luchas como estudianted en Los Ángeles a principios de los ochentas, de su primera incursión en el periodismo norteamericano y de las advertencias de las grandes cadenas de televisión en inglés de que jamás llegaría a un puesto importante si no perdía su acento.

Se equivocaron. De esta manera Ramos nos abre las puertas al mundo de los medios de comunicación en español, un mundo que muchos críticos veían como innecesario e irrelevante y que ahora se ha convertido en uno de los sectores más poderosos de la cultura estadounidense.

Con las historias de las muchas guerras que has cubierto, los lugares que has visitado y los poderosos y temidos líderes mundiales que ha entrevistado, Ramos cautiva a sus lectores contándoles la trayectoria y los altibajos de un periodista que llegó a un país que quisiera llamar su casa, pero que no puede. Descubrimos también, a un hombre cuya atracción por las emociones fuertes lo han puesto en peligro de muerte y cuyo sentido del humor lo ha salvado de las situaciones más incómodas.

Padre, reportero, esposo e hijo, en su nuevo libro Atravesando Fronteras, Ramos nos muestra como cada uno de nosotros puede ser testigo de la historia, y que viajar sin cesar puede ser preferible a quedarse en un mismo lugar para siempre.

John D. Robb

Ed Stetzer, David Putman Across North America, many pastors are excited to see churches growing as they achieve their mission to connect the message of the gospel with the community at large. Still others are equally frustrated, following the exact same model for outreach but with lesser results. Indeed, just because a "missional breakthrough" occurs in one place doesn’t mean it will happen the same way elsewhere.

One size does not fit all, but there are cultural codes that must be broken for all churches to grow and remain effective in their specific mission context. Breaking the Missional Code provides expert insight on church culture and church vision casting, plus case studies of successful missional churches impacting their communities.

"We have to recognize there are cultural barriers (in addition to spiritual ones) that blind people from understanding the gospel," the authors write. "Our task is to find the right way to break through those cultural barriers without removing the spiritual and theological ones."

Carl Townsend, Bob Waymire City reachers, pastors, parachurch leaders, and key laymen will find Discovering Your City to be a powerful and valuable tool for aiding in understanding the distinctives and dynamics of the city, its societies, and the Church. Educational institutions will find it valuable and relevant.

The fundamental purpose of this book is to provide guidance and help in discovering your city to the extent you have the accurate, up-to-date picture necessary for effecting Biblical-based transformation of both the city and the Church in the city. It is also to help see every segment of society in the city penetrated with the love, care, joy, and power of Jesus Christ through the presence of culturally relevant gatherings of believers, and culturally relevant ministries.

It highlights the vital and strategic role of information in mobilizing the Body of Christ for reaching the whole city with the whole Gospel. It provides guidance and tools needed for identifying what types and kinds of data should be gathered and then takes you, step by step, through the gathering, analysis, and communication/application processes.

This book is not the cure-all or the once-for-all answer in the area of city research and information. Hopefully however, you will find this book will play a key role in moving from where you are now to a fully operational citywide strategy and community transformation initiative.

An extensive appendix (approx. 150 pages) of reference materials provides: expanded data descriptions, sample maps, tables and graphs, survey forms, detailed analysis process steps, growth rate calculations, spiritual mapping survey lists, and other valuable material.

R.N., Ph.D. Margarita C. Trevino

Michael J. Weiss Michael Weiss expands on the geodemographics of The Clustering of America with this fascinating look at the sixty-two new lifestyle clusters that define Americans and their parallels in other countries. Today, the concept of clustering has spread throughout the world, revealing a global village made up of Long Distance Commuters in Japan and Chattering Classes in England who have more in common with Americans of the same cluster than they do with fellow countrymen. In The Clustered World, Weiss unveils how businesses and bureaucrats utilize clustering systems to influence our opinions and choices about bowling alleys in Florida, vending machines in Japan, and so forth.