The Transformation of Missions in the Twenty-First Century

This is a ground breaking book on “accidental missionaries”, as Dr. Carrie Miles has aptly named a unique phenomenon of individuals who find themselves “doing good”, often in unfamiliar places, compelled by events and circumstances they usually never sought out. Informed by interviews with several of these types of individuals, she has unearthed a trove of insights and valuable information which will prove priceless to those who are considering venturing on such a journey, and for those who may already be on it. * Susan Njemanze, Counseling Psychology, Argosy University, Orange County; Honorary Doctor of Laws, Concordia University, Irvine California, USA * In this fascinating, comprehensive, and prophetic book, Dr. Miles warmly invites the reader to join her in facilitating a distinctly Jesus-oriented missionary practice. Rooted in her profound concern for Gospel-based gender equality in marriage, she brings impressive analytical credentials to the task: as an insightful historian, a skillful participant-observer, an adept interviewer, and as a social psychologist who probes the structures of economic relations (see her comparison with similar economic pains faced by NGOs and INGOs). The reader who finishes this book will gain an in-depth understanding of the radical transformation of international missions from a death-defying, lifetime commitment undertaken by the very few, to an experience available to virtually anyone who desires it. Dr. Miles presents a winsome challenge for that “anyone” to follow her leadership in the further transformation of missions in sharing “spiritual capital” via cross-cultural friendships. “deep listening,” and a willingness to learn from each other. * S. Scott Bartchy, Professor Emeritus of Christians Origins and History of Religion. Department of History. University of California, Los Angeles, USA *