Mission on the Way: Issues in Mission Theology

Don't judge this book by its primary school cover which likely (and hopefully) targets missionary wannabees. However, it is deeply more holistic than that. Actually, I find many books don't connect it's content to reflect the cover. Beats me why. If your looking for a fun motivational read you have come to the wrong book. It is very academic (dry as a bone because academic writing has little allowance for wonderful emotional or poetic vocabulary). However, it is very thorough if you want to have a good survey of some historical evangelistic motivations, grasp some pluralistic issues, and engage in what mission both is and is not in context for today. It is rather condensed and thus full of information that needs unpacking in order to sink in the cavity folds of one's brain. It's a little like reading a commentary and leaves the reader begging for some light-hearted chit-chat every few pages. I found Engen's review of paradigm shifts within ministry formation to be particularly helpful for understanding what has shaped higher level mission education. He basically reveals in seeking "professionalism" there is a serious lack of ontology, praxis, monastic-like community, and connection to the church and world. I agree! They sharpen our minds and dull our spirit (not being Platonic as much as it sounds here). Suitability for ministry for many denominations is more about degree's over calling and character. This is fine for some nerdy students who have yet to have a life, but not so great for those who have had some wonderful experiences in journeying with God and then find themselves restricted to sit and read for years. Not exactly holistic fun! Seminary students 'sometimes think they knew better than the people in the pew what the church should be about' Engen 245. So true, how funny is that! Furthermore they often cannot relate let alone lead in a non-churched environment and so have little idea about the real mission. David Hubbard stated, "A seminary is only as good as its incoming students" Engin 249. I think this is partly true, however, people do change. I wish there was more informal discipleship. Granted, this review would likely receive a 'D+' in my college, yet it holds no applicable comparison to how I could be in any form of ministry within the world. Overall... this book is a brilliant resource. Enjoy.

A great overview of mission theology! I just wished it would last longer...