From Cognitive Teaching to Connected Learning

Given the landscape of global Christianity and the variety of approaches to theological and missiological training today, how do we equip the global church for the mission of God? Should mission organizations or sending churches conduct their own in-house training? What is the role of Bible colleges and seminaries in equipping for mission today? What about informal approaches to theological and ministry training?

Equipping for Global Mission offers insights from seasoned scholars and practitioners. Beginning with theological convictions and practical reflections, our authors make a case for what equipping for mission could look like in the present global church. Case studies from India, China, North America, and Britain further challenge the reader to reflect on this critical issue.

The full scope of educating for mission is far too broad of a task for any single organization. This is why the contributors serve the church so well?by enlarging a much-needed conversation. This book is a clarion call to all who care about missions and the global church. Join world leaders in reshaping missions education today by using the practical and strategic wisdom in these pages.

Linda P. Saunders (PhD, Columbia International University) is an Adjunct Professor of Intercultural Communication and Cultural Anthropology at Liberty University. Previously, she spent nineteen years in cross-cultural ministry in Venezuela. She co-edited Reading Hebrews Missiologically.

Gregory Mathias (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Associate professor of Global Missions, and Director of the Global Mission Center at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Previously, he served in cross-cultural ministry in the Middle East.

Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity and Dean of the School of Missions and Intercultural Ministry at Columbia International University. His recent works include Mission as Hospitality: Imitating the Hospitable God in Mission and Christian Mission: A Concise Global History.

Introduction

Gregory Mathias

Part I: Reflections for Educating for Mission

Chapter 1: Renewing Contemporary Mission Education by Applying Ancient Principles

Evelyn Hibbert

Chapter 2: Rescuing the Mind from the Academics

Paul Cornelius

Chapter 3: Missionary Education and Great Commission Participation

Kenneth Nehrbass, David Dunaetz, and Joyce Jow

Chapter 4: Future Missionary Training

Craig Ott and Minwood Heo

Part II: Proposals for Educating for Mission

Chapter 5: Allowing a Theology of Mission to Shape Theological Education in the Majority World

Will Brooks

Chapter 6: The Local Church as Missions Academy

Phil Wagler

Chapter 7: Competency-Based Missiological Education: Its Time Has Come!

Larry Caldwell

Chapter 8: Digital Transformation for the Next Generation: Learning by Doing

Andrew Feng and Nick Wu

Chapter 9: Our Mission Education Methods from Cognitive Teaching to Connected Learning

Sarah K. Lunsford

Chapter 10: Finding Theological Reciprocity: Mission Education from the Global South

Jessica Udall

Part III: Case Studies from the Global Church

Chapter 11: Incorporating Apologetics into Contemporary Missions Education in North America

Matt Cook and Matthew Sokoloski

Chapter 12: Cultivating African American Missionaries: A Discipleship Model for Churches

Mimsie Robinson

Chapter 13: Mission Training On the Move: A Case Study of All Nations Christian College

Richard Evans

Chapter 14: Collaboration: Accelerating Formal and Non-formal Pastor Training

Joseph W. Handley Jr.

Chapter 15: The Intersection of Two Missiological Voices: A Contemporary Education Model for Chinese Missionaries

Daniel Low

Chapter 16: Leadership Development of Indian Missionaries in Today's Context

John Amalraj Karunakaran

Contributors

Index