Books published by William Carey Library Publishers

In non-Western contexts, Christianity has often been viewed as the religion of foreigners with a hidden political agenda. Sharing the gospel in non-imperialistic ways can be challenging, particularly in Asia. Every location to which God calls his messengers has its own rich history that should be shared with gospel workers and local people. Those desiring to serve interculturally must learn as much as possible about the past before joining that history. Are we learning from the past, or are we simply repeating the same mistakes in our own times and places?No culture in the world is a blank slate; rather, we can look for the initiating, inviting work of the missio Dei already emerging from within every surprising source. This book showcases the writings of sixteen reflective practitioners who offer insights based on their study and experience of history. These women and men come from a wide variety of cultural and theological backgrounds. Their stories include: An American who brought Protestant Buddhism to Sri Lanka A Norwegian Lutheran who started a Christian monastic community in Hong Kong A local scholar who led a faith movement in China that nearly overthrew the government A Thai villager who became an evangelist and a silent-film starHighlighting key people and places, Emerging Faith surveys several Christian movements found in the mission history of Asia. If you wish to challenge your thinking and respond to God's invitation to participate in the global context, look here for encouragement and guidance.

This¿comprehensive¿volume is one you will pull off your shelf again and again as you delve into missiological study.¿The editors could not have made a more thorough or straight-forward volume that will serve researchers across disciplines.¿Each chapter succinctly defines the method, summarizes its process, suggests resources for more advanced interaction, and provides an exemplar journal article with abstract. ¿

Everyone loves simple answers, but making disciples in Africa requires more than a formula. New workers, in particular, need to know about African Muslim culture to successfully introduce people to Christ. This book prepares the Christian worker to use good reflection questions and observation as tools to engage fruitfully with African Muslims. These simple practices empower workers to operate from a more informed perspective. Drawing on decades of engagement in Africa, Colin Bearup has compiled a thoughtful collection of questions, insights, and narratives to guide the reader into a deeper appreciation for the nuances of African Islamic worldviews. A winsome and practical book of hard-won wisdom, Clues to Africa, Islam, and the Gospel is destined to become a go-to resource for those working on the continent. The next generation of gospel workers in Africa no longer needs to suffer through years and sometimes decades of ineffectiveness. Stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before and incorporate these tactics and strategies to build toward a successful ministry.

This book is a breath of fresh air. There are millions of adherents to the Bahai Faith. Mr. Miller provides insight and primary sources giving the reader information about the history of the Baha'i Faith. Where the official and authorized Baha'i histories are sanitized and revised. Mr. Miller, who lived for years in Iran and fluent in Parsi, provides access to the westerner into events occurring during the early years of this world religion. The reader learns about the initial prophetic voices of the Bab and Baha'u'llah and the followers that founded the Bahai Faith after their deaths. The author explains the transformational shifts and unbelievable history of the Baha'is. Why did the early writings appear to be create a "society" or "philosophy" and later suddenly the community was touted as a "world religion"? Why are there are 7 Baha'i sects? Each exodus occurring when internal power struggles resulted in a few achieving greater control. Why do Baha'is work so hard to control their memberships contacts and reading material? Why do Baha'is shun those who leave, considering anyone not fully supportive of the Baha'i religion "spiritual poison?" After reading this book it should be clear to the reader. Due to the historical accuracy of the book's facts and the author's position as a Protestant Missionary to an Islamic country, not all readers will be satisfied. Some will be offended those most likely the adherents who don't want the truth to come to light. Some will be offended because the author was a Protestant Missionary. Nevertheless, any serious student of world religions will be grateful to have his contributions on record to the history of the Baha'is.

This book explains why some missionaries are rejecting the models and methodologies most widely accepted by North American evangelical missionaries working in France. The author demonstrates that the witness by Protestant missionaries in Western Europe is often ineffective because of their paradigms and ministry methods.

The church/missions community must move beyond superficial fellowship and simple networking to true partnerships, cooperative ventures, and the sharing of resources. This will result in synergy - a phenomenon where the output is greater than the sum of its parts. Twenty-two missions leaders from around the world speak candidly to these issues and call us to reflection, relationship and engagement without which the nations of this world will not be discipled for Christ.

Christians in China Tell Their StoryWise as Serpents Harmless as Doves recalls the incredible journey of the Chinese Church in the face of unimaginable adversity from 1949 through 1984. Following the communist victory in the civil war in 1949, the church in China found itself in a precarious position, pressured to sever ties with fellow Christians abroad and limit its activities within its own land. As obstacles mounted, the survival of a remnant seemed like the only hope for the Chinese Church. Through interviews and testimonies gathered by the Chinese Church Research Center, a remarkable phrase emerged: "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." The Chinese Christians adapted to the changing times, adjusting their approach to remain faithful to their beliefs. When persecution was rampant, they gathered secretly and in small numbers. When society relaxed, they boldly proclaimed their faith. This book captures the stories of these courageous believers, a testament to God's blessings in the midst of oppression and rapid change. From the formation of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) to the rise of the house church phenomenon, the narrative sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and unwavering spirit of Chinese Christians. Wise as Serpents Harmless as Doves is an enlightening and inspiring chronicle that honors the millions who played a part in one of the greatest movements for Christ in this century. Through their fragmented voices, the book resounds with a resolute call to glorify His name.

This hands-on workbook has been designed for two kinds of people: those who have a deep desire to serve God overseas and those who want to help them. It has not been designed to persuade people to become missionaries. Rather, it assumes an initial interest-an early indication or drive somewhere inside that God may have more for you than you previously thought. It is aimed at two primary readers: college/university students and young career persons, as well as committed older adults facing the challenge of an early retirement or career change.The information this workbook presents will also help churches, campus groups, schools, missionary training centers, and agencies to think and pray through short-term and long­term plans with those responding to God's call.

A primary concern amongst missiologists is presenting the gospel in a way that is culturally relevant without adulterating the essential truths of the message of Jesus. Appropriately contextualizing this message can establish an indigenous Christianity, as opposed to introducing syncretism. In this compendium of presentations and papers, the issue of syncretism is addressed through the lens of our covenant relationship with the Lord. Drawing from interdisciplinary research across continents, Tippett examines the syncretistic religious behaviors eminent at the time of his writing that threatened to fracture this covenant relationship- from eastern personality cults in India to scientology in Australia, from satanism in the United States to animism in Mexico. With over 20 years of research, Tippett provides timeless insights for a global church burdened with the Great Commission call in an increasingly pluralistic world.

The Gospel is more than information about the death and resurrection of our Lord. It is an invitation to enter, by way of personal faith, into a relationship with the person referenced by our propositions. Our task as believers is to mediate saving communion with a personal being upon whose will our very existence is contingent. It is precisely this personal aspect of our message, the Gospel-as-Person, that is in conflict with the late-modern notions of the Self and social discourse. Get Real: On Evangelism in the Late Modern World describes how the late-modern phenomena of existential anxiety, social alienation, and epistemic uncertainty have resulted in what some have called "the loss of Self." It also identifies ways in which that loss obstructs both the presentation of and the reception of the Gospel-as-Person. Finally, it shows how the Gospel-as-Person facilitates the recovery of the Self and social discourse, and how that message can be effectively presented in the late-modern context.

The Christian movement is entering a new postcolonial era with centers of the faith on all continents. American Christians have often felt uniquely qualified to lead this growing movement because of a long history of sending missionaries and funding mission projects. Yet something is hampering the relationship between Western and non-Western churches, preventing the dynamic synergism that Christians might expect. Roots and Remedies of the Dependency Syndrome in World Missions, Robert Reese identifies this hindrance as the Dependency Syndrome, a relic of colonial mission methods. With three decades of experience in Zimbabwe, Reese explains the roots of dependency and how this continues to cloud the vision of many well-meaning Western Christians. He documents the tragic results of relying too much on foreign ideas, institutions, personnel, and funding that sideline non-Western churches from fulfilling the Great Commission. Reese addresses remedies for dependency, examining healthy mission models tried and tested since the days of the apostle Paul. From issues that arise from globalization to best mission practices in the twenty-first century, Roots and Remedies aims to achieve what most Christians are seeking but find elusive: how all parts of the diverse Body of Christ around the world can cooperate productively to bring Christ where He is not now known without creating dependency.