Monumental figure in the twentieth-century worldwide church. Internationally esteemed British pastor and missionary theologian. Ecumenical statesman and prolific writer. Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) was all of these and more. This reader fills a long-standing need for a comprehensive introduction to Newbigin and his legacy. Opening with a short biography of Newbigin and a discussion of his major theological and missiological themes, the volume sets selected readings in context with brief introductions and offers suggestions for further reading from Newbigin's corpus. Praise for Lesslie Newbigin and his writings: "Newbigin has made a bold and major step forward in the debate on Christianity, pluralism, and Western self-understanding." -- Lamin Sanneh in "The Christian Century""When my students finally realize what Newbigin is saying, they panic. When they realize that even the most faithful circles they know have been seduced by sectarianism, solipsism, Gnosticism, and nihilism, they worry that apostasy is unavoidable. . . . Yet, despite the surrounding darkness, Newbigin never loses hope, because he stays focused on the light that has come." -- Telford Work in "Pro Ecclesia""Newbigin is most impressive, indeed awesome, when defending the universality of the Christian gospel and exposing the muddleheadedness and loss of nerve that have turned many Western churches into domestic chaplaincies rather than launching pads for cross-cultural mission at home and abroad." -- Vinoth Ramachandra in "Themelios""Seeing both liberal and fundamentalist Christians imprisoned in the epistemological presuppositions of the Enlightenment, Lesslie Newbigin offers them liberation bypointing to the fiduciary character of all human knowledge. The best form of apologetics, he contends, is the preaching of the particular yet universal gospel." -- Geoffrey Wainwright on Newbigin's "Proper Confidence"

"Charles Spurgeon once said, "You're either a missionary or an imposter." To be a Christ-follower means joining Jesus on his mission to redeem humanity. But missional living is easier said than done in a culture drifting toward post-Christian secularism. More than ever, we need a dose of Jesus' missionary ethos to fill our minds with gospel passion ... Each chapter of this book highlights missionary heroes--historical and modern-day Christians--who challenge us to join God's redemptive mission ... You'll find that God uses ordinary, run-of-the-mill folks to extend his glory into the earthly setting. Author David Joannes draws upon history, psychology, life experience, and powerful storytelling to reshape your perception of God's unique plan for your life. He says, "If you really want to thrive on mission, you must allow God to redefine your definition of the normal Christian life."--Publisher

The authors provide expert insight on church culture and church vision casting, along with case studies of successful modern missional churches.

"In 2007, Kevin Palau and a few dozen pastors approached Portland's mayor and posed the question: How can we serve you with no strings attached? Officials identified five initial areas of need--hunger, homelessness, healthcare, the environment, and public schools-- and so began a partnership, CityServe, between the city and a band of churches seeking to live out the gospel message. Since then, the CityServe model has spread like wildfire, inspiring communities across the country to take up the cause in their own cities"--Provided by publisher.

“Need a faith lift? If you're inspired by true stories of God showing up in the lives of real men and women, you won't want to miss His Faithfulness Reaches to the Skies by Forrest Zander. Engine failure at 7,000 feet over South American jungle with no place to land? Cancer? Friends mistaken for drug smugglers and jailed in a foreign country? In these situations and many more, God demonstrates His love for His children. A great read for yourself—a perfect gift for a friend.”Bernie May, Former President of JAARS, Former President of Wycliffe, Founder of The Seed Company“If you want an inspiring account of how God can use a man who has his heart set upon serving Christ, no matter the cost, you must read His Faithfulness Reaches to the Skies. As a missionary pilot in several South American countries, Forrest Zander replays the joys, sorrows, and unique challenges of aviation in the Amazon jungle. His stories warm the heart and build conviction. Read with caution—for God may use it to challenge you to invest your life in the unmet need of this lost world.”J. Paul Nyquist, Ph.D., President, Moody Bible Institute“…you are meeting the real Forrey in this book, fun loving, yet serious about his life with Jesus and with an infectious love for God, His Word and the people God brings into his life, wherever they are! This fast moving book will both reassure and challenge you in your walk with God.”Martin Huyett, Executive Director, Aramaic Bible Translation“His Faithfulness Reaches to the Skies is a significant read. You will laugh at times and weep at times. Throughout, you will see God's faithfulness to the Zanders as well as their faithfulness to God's call upon their lives. It will also send you to your knees asking God to work in your own heart.”Rev. Burt Kettinger, Sound Servant Ministries“A great example of a servant totally committed to the Lord. It will make you cry and laugh and you will find it hard to put the book down.”Bill Dillon, Founder & President Inner City Impact, Founder & President People Raising“In His Faithfulness Reaches to the Skies, Forrey Zander puts readers in the co-pilot's seat for one of the most harrowing—and important—jobs in all of missions: that of the aviators who transport people, food and supplies into and out of the most remote and dangerous places on earth. His thrilling stories will inspire readers to put their own gifts and interests to use in fulfilling the Great Commission.”Bob Creson, President/CEO, Wycliffe USA“A penetrating examination of a critical sphere of Christian mission by one of its most illustrious practitioners. This book will provide you with vision and practical tools for strengthening your own mission in the world.”Rev. Dr. Daniel D. Meyer “Forrest Zander writes as he has lived—passionately for Jesus Christ. What a book, what an adventure, what a life, what a Savior!!! His Faithfulness Reaches to the Skies is a captivating account of God's redemptive work in and through a man, a couple, a family and a mission agency sold out to the Lord and His kingdom purposes.… How reassuring to read of God's sovereignty and compassion in all areas of life, even in the tragic loss of a child and spouse. The goodness of God continues to be evident by bringing Wanda into Forrest's life to enable them to serve the Lord together. It's a great read.”Pastor Paul Jorden, Bethel Community Church“I have read many books in my time—more than I care to remember—but none quite like this. Here is a book that tells a story, a story with honesty and grace, about the life well lived. A life lived for Christ as a missionary pilot. If you love missions, you will love this book. And in it you will find the secret of that life well lived: give it all to Jesus.”Josh Moody, Senior Pastor, College Church in Wheaton

What to do when they say they’re Christian but don’t know Jesus Whether it’s the Christmas and Easter Christians or the faithful church attenders whose hearts are cold toward the Lord, we’ve all encountered cultural Christians. They’d check the Christian box on a survey, they’re fine with church, but the truth is, they’re far from God. So how do we bring Jesus to this overlooked mission field? The Unsaved Christian equips you to confront cultural Christianity with honesty, compassion, and grace, whether you’re doing it from the pulpit or the pews. This practical guide will: show you how to recognize cultural Christianity teach you how to overcome the barriers that get in the way give you easy-to-understand advice about VBS, holiday services, reaching “good people,” and more! If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to minister to someone who identifies as Christian but still needs Jesus, this book is for you.