Book Description

The movement of people from their homelands is increasing exponentially. Such waves of both immigration and migration triggered by various factors have created new opportunities for the church and its mission. This volume explores such global diasporas from both ecclesiological and missiological perspectives. Its various case studies invite reconsideration of the missionary and evangelistic task of the church in response to contemporary global dynamics. The image of the dandelion on the front cover symbolizes diverse people groups dispersed around the globe, even as the Christian imagination views such dispersal as being carried by the winds of the Holy Spirit. For decades now, ethnic diasporas have played a critical role in spreading Christianity to new regions, while reshaping the faith in traditional centers of belief. It is extremely valuable, then, to have such an impressive and wide-ranging collection of essays on this epochal phenomenon. The book impresses by its truly global diversity of expertise, and the uniformly high quality of contributions. Indispensable. Dr. Philip Jenkins, Distinguished Professor of History, Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University This book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of a complex global phenomenon. Written by leading thinkers in the burgeoning field of 'diaspora missiology', these essays offer collectively an informed and interdisciplinary view of the world through the lens of the global diasporas. The editors have achieved in this book a balance and breadth that suits the subject at hand and situates the reader for further study of this vital aspect of human flourishing in the twenty-first century. Dr. Michael Oh, Chief Executive Officer, The Lausanne Movement In an era of unprecedented global migratory flows, the extraordinary potential of migrant movement for missionary action has emerged as a fascinating and fruitful area of research and theological reflection. In Global Diasporas & Mission readers are presented with bold missiological assessments of the phenomenon by an impressive global cast of scholars whose approaches encompass the theological, biblical, and historical. This rich compendium of analyses and insights covers tremendous ground and showcases the multidisciplinary nature of the growing discourse on migration and mission. Dr. Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor, Brooks Chair of World Christianity, Candler School of Theology, Emory University Chandler H. Im (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is Director of Ethnic America Network and Director of Ethnic Ministries at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois, USA), and Adjunct Professor of Mission at Faith Evangelical Seminary (Tacoma, Washington, USA). Amos Yong is professor of Theology and Mission, and director of the Center for Missiological Research at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.