Controversies in Mission

Historical Precedents and a Promising Proposal

Controversies in Mission reflects on how mission is done in light of the new layers of complexity that globalization brings. The contributors highlight how communication and travel make us more aware of controversies in mission. While controversies are not new, globalization gives us tools to become more aware of our surroundings and to interact with others in unprecedented ways.

Part one examines theological issues that arise in mission, including how we interact with others, mission priorities, and the role of ethics within missiological practice. The chapters engage with age-old topics that have been debated throughout history, such as power struggles, perspectives on cultural others, and contextualization. They suggest new ways of thinking about these topics and how to apply them in contemporary missions.

The second part shifts focus from the biblical and theological grounding of mission to the people involved in mission. The chapters in this section discuss tensions that arise between people, such as church splits within multi-generational Korean American churches and conflicts between missionaries. The contributors offer suggestions for resolving these conflicts, such as engaging in a conversation on servant leadership and adopting a model of cooperation and compassion.

This volume hits the pause button on the rapid-paced world of contemporary missions to consider how better to join in God's mission. It encourages readers to consider the complexity of mission in the twenty-first century and to have thoughtful reflection and dialogue to improve mission practices.

Rochelle Scheuermann (PhD Intercultural Studies, TEDS) is an ordained minister and former church planter and has been in higher education for over ten years. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Evangelism and Leadership and is the program director for three master's programs at Wheaton College. She has co-authored/co-edited three books and authored multiple articles, focusing on preaching and culture, disability and mission, and theology of mission.

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.