Hope

""One of the great gifts of travel is seeing the world from a broader perspective than one's own limited context and community. This book does that for the church. With all the noise on the 'decline of the church' this book written by practitioners and scholars--who love and serve the church--is a refreshing, helpful perspective. Beneath the hot air of discouragement is a current of new life and hope. Whether you live in New Zealand or New York, this book will stimulate fresh ideas and bear witness to what the Spirit is doing in our churches."" --MaryKate Morse, Professor of Leadership and Spiritual Formation, George Fox University ""This is a timely and courageous book that engages with the context of Aotearoa New Zealand on behalf of questions that face the global church. With theological depth and pastoral insight, it offers a compelling vision of the church as a community of hope, healing, and transformation. I commend it to all who desire to see the church flourish in faithfulness to Christ and in service to the world."" --Roshan Allpress, National Principal, Laidlaw College ""In a time when hope feels scarce, this book offers a grounded and inspiring vision of healing, flourishing, and missional purpose. Rooted in God's redemptive work, it calls the church to embrace and share hope--personally, communally, and beyond its walls. This book will inspire you to look beyond the current struggles and embrace the transformative hope that God provides."" --Steve Maina, Bishop, Nelson Anglican Diocese, New Zealand ""For those discouraged by the church's many failures, this book offers fresh hope. The contributors not only point to signs of renewal already emerging; they show how we too can nurture flourishing and health within Christian communities. This is a bold and timely call to believe again in the church as a Spirit-filled body that offers healing, transformation, and hope."" --Reuben Munn, Senior Pastor, Shore Community Church, Auckland, New Zealand ""Hope is in rather short supply these days! But hope is to be found in abundance in this excellent book! These perceptive, compelling, and challenging essays speak of hope for individuals, for the church, for healing in the church community, and for the church's mission. While squarely recognizing our brokenness and our need for healing, this book also lifts our gaze to see again the hope we have in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Read this book--and be prepared to be inspired and to experience new hope!"" --Paul Trebilco, Professor of New Testament Studies, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand