Books about the “missional conversation” have become a bit of a cottage industry in ministry publishing circles, represented by Christian leaders arm-wrestling over who gets to define the magic word “missional.” This contribution is by two copastors of Life on the Vine Christian Community in suburban Chicago. It uses 10 “signposts” to chart the “journey every Christian must take” to understand God’s mission of redemption in the world, and thus to show how followers of Christ and every church can participate in breaking down boundaries around the postmodern and post-Christian people of our day.
The authors recognize the advances made by Emergent and Neo-Reformed (read The Gospel Coalition) groups over the last 15 years but propose a way beyond what’s lacking in their respective theologies of mission. Fitch and Holsclaw label the way forward as “evangelical Anabaptist” or “radical evangelical.” No step-by-step process is promised, but rather a contextual shaping of the imagination for church leaders. (Jossey-Bass)
About the Author
Robert N. Hosack is Executive Editor for Baker Publishing Group, and he is a member of Church of the Servant CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich.
