Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity St. David; PhD, University of Pretoria) serves as the Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies and Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity at Columbia International University. His other books include Mission as Hospitality (2021), Christian Mission: A Concise Global History (2019), and Mission in the Early Church (2014). He served for fourteen years in intercultural ministry in North Africa, France, and the United States. Smither is married to Shawn, and they have three children.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Vulnerable: Displaced for God's Mission

Chapter 2: Gifted: Natural Abilities for God's Mission

Chapter 3: Favored: God-Given Favor Before Authorities

Chapter 4: Empowered: Experiencing and Demonstrating the Power of God in Mission

Chapter 5: Emboldened: Witness, Prayer and Suffering

Appendix: Daniel: Background and Context

Acknowledgements

Bibliography

Mission in the Marketplace

What can the prophet Daniel teach us about serving in God's mission? Daniel was not a priest or official religious leader?he was a forcibly displaced Israelite, who became a public administrator in the Babylonian and Persian empires. While he may serve as an example of an admirable work ethic?often finding favor and recognition with political leaders?he is also a prime example of a bold and godly individual, willing to be a witness in his sphere of influence. Though his boldness resulted in suffering, he consistently experienced and demonstrated God's power in his witness. This same boldness is needed today.

While many books and Bible studies explore the work ethic and character of Daniel, Ed Smither takes those discussions to a new level, illustrating why each of Daniel's qualities and skills is a necessary component of mission today.

Mission in the Way of Daniel probes mission theology and practice in the Old Testament, exploring the well-known story of Daniel through the lenses of mission history and mission practice. Providing relevant application for contemporary issues like diaspora, power encounters, and divine favor in mission, the themes in Mission in the Way of Daniel advance the ongoing conversation about how to do mission.

For mission practitioners, tentmakers, and all Christians, this book shows us how God can use us where we are in life and work.