Missions and Money : Affluence As a Western Missionary Problem (American Society of Missiology Series)

This insightful, deeply probing book on the problematic relation of mission and money zeroes in on difficulties that occur when the evangelizer is relatively affluent and living among the poor. Drawing on his Mennonite heritage and the gospel’s profound ambivalence towards money, Bonk demands we confront fundamental questions: do contemporary Western missionaries - despite their sincerity - subvert the gospel and hinder its inculturation, because of their relative wealth? Does the wealth of the missioner eventually lead indigenous converts to feel hostility - either consciously or unconsciously - towards the missioner? “Missions and Money” is an extraordinary book that requires all Christians involved in mission to third-world countries to be true to their biblical roots - to live simply. Jonathan Bonk was professor of mission studies at Winnipeg Bible College and Theological Seminary at the time of the writing of this book.

Jonathan J. Bonk is director of the Overseas Ministries Study Center, the editor of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research, and editor of the monumental internet-based Dictionary of African Christian Biography.