Introduction to Global Missions

Missions is the work of the church to reach and teach the peoples of the world for Christ’s sake. The missionary call is a vital part of the life of every follower of Jesus Christ and, therefore, the church. But the effective discipleship of all nations requires a solid biblical, historical, and practical foundation. Therefore, the study of missiology demands the effective application of biblical studies, theology, and history.

This text brings the rich heritage of evangelical missiology founded on conservative theology to a twenty-first century audience passionate for the proclamation of the gospel. Introduction to Global Missions brings the authors’ decades of combined missionary and teaching experience to a survey text appropriate for college or seminary classroom.

The book is divided into four sections and thirteen chapters. The text begins with the biblical and theological foundations of Christian missions, including a biblical theology of missions. Before moving to the practical and strategic issues of twenty-first century missions, the authors consider the historical development of missions with a view toward providing a basis for contemporary strategies. A final foundational set of chapters addresses the impact of cultures on the communication of the gospel. The remainder of the text deals with key issues and opportunities in missions, including church planting, missions in the local church, and strategies for disciple-making.

Introduction to Global Missions provides a foundation for readers to consider their own missionary call, whether as a full-time field missionary or a church member on short-term projects. No matter their role, Great Commission Christians need a framework for doing missions well.

Zane Pratt is distinguished professor of Christian Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a church planter and pastor in New England and an Army Reserve chaplain before serving overseas in Central Asia for 20 years, including 10 years in a regional leadership role. He is a contributor to Theology and Practice of Mission, edited by Bruce Ashford (B&H Academic).

 

M. David Sills is associate dean of Christian Missions and the A. P. and Faye Stone Professor of Christian Missions and Cultural Anthropology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has planted and pastored churches in both the United States and Ecuador, and he is the founder and president of Reaching & Teaching International Ministries, a ministry to train pastors and leaders around the world. He is the author of The Missionary Call and Reaching and Teaching, as well as several books in Spanish.

 

Jeff K. Walters is assistant professor of Missions and Urban Ministry and director of the Dehoney Center for Urban Ministry Training at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also editor of The Southern Baptist Journal of Missions and Evangelism. He has served as a church-planting strategist with the International Mission Board in Western Europe.