Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

by Ralph Winter

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement presents a multi-faceted collection of readings exploring the biblical, historical, cultural and strategic dimensions of world evangelization.

Writings from more than 150 mission scholars and practitioners portray the history and anticipate the potential of the global Christian movement. Every one of the 170 articles and sidebars offers practical wisdom enabling Christians to labor together in bold, Biblical hope to finish the task of seeing that Christ is named and followed among all the peoples of the earth.

This Kindle book is the Reader only. Students of the “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” class also need the Study Guide. That book is not available on Kindle. Students of the program have not been asked to purchase this Kindle version. This Kindle Reader does not have page numbers or any reference to the Study Guide.

This is meant for general buyers of just the Reader – the best mission reference available anywhere, used in colleges, churches and study groups all over the world. The Study Guide will be combined with the Reader into a single Kindle file, also to be released later in the year.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Theology, Reference, Religion

Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2013

Reviews

[Chris Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while taking the corresponding class. My wife and I are working toward being missionaries in Ireland. There were many great articles and we learned a lot about having a Kingdom centered, global approach to missionary work and Christianity. If I had any critique about the book, it would be that it is highly concentrated on Muslim and 10/40 window countries. While I understand the need in those places, my wife and I feel called to Europe, who also have a great need. I wish the book had a broader approach to missions and touched on the need and the approach of reaching the unsaved and sometimes unreached in Europe and even America. However, we were still able to find nuggets of wisdom that we could apply to our own calling.

[Jake Griess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book!

[Chris Townson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive collection of missions articles that truly give the reader a new paradigm on the biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives of world missions. I read this as part of the Perspectives class and I cannot stress how important this information is for every follower of Jesus to understand. Missions cannot be just another thing we do from time to time. It must come from a deep place of obedience to our Lord as we join him on his mission to redeem sinful man to himself for eternity.

[Kathleen Moy]

Fascinating to read this book now. I first flipped through it in 2009 and now see it very differently 16 years later. Not even really sure where to begin in reviewing it- some of the articles I found challenging, enlightening, and I was eager to share with others, while others I didn’t find as useful or, at worst, aggravating. Looking forward to the new edition coming out and seeing what’s updated.

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource to accompany an even better class. I would recommend anyone to take Perspectives and broaden their horizon of the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

At times I did question the actual organization of the textbook, but a minor detail in comparison to the grand scope of enriching articles that were included.

[Hunter Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If every Christian were to read this book and take the corresponding course, the global outlook of Christianity would radically change. One cannot consider the Biblical and historical evidence paired with practical, strategic, and well-organized solutions and remain still or unmoved. The Lord's name will be known among the nations, and He will use believers to spread it.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a great great book which puts a lot of information, and perspectives, and stories, and calling in one place. If you have the time, but definitely use as a reference and bite off a bit at a time to supplement whatever else you are reading on missions.

[David Joannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better curriculum than Perspectives! This book changed my life. I first read it in 1996 when I was an intern at Teen Mania Ministries. I have referred to it over and over throughout the years, quoting it in many of the books I've authored.

[Brad Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perspectives class and book covers a lot of material on the vital subject of missions. I had some fundamental issues with a good portion of the material and instruction and hope the updated version fixes these issues.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read most of the articles in this reader while taking the "Perspectives" class at a local church. The articles were challenging yet inspiring. I recommend the class.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be read in conjunction with taking the Perspectives class and using the study guide. This is an anthology of articles and chapters from books that tie into each week's lesson.

[Julie Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent resource for anyone interested in missions and the history of missions

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good insights

[DawnEllen Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Articles are life-changing. Study guide is golden. Each time I go through these two books I find something new.

[Megan Revis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this along with the Perspectives class and highly recommend both!!

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read in Mission

This is a comprehensive treatment of missions. It explains what the mission is, it delineates best practices and gives you many areas you need to think about to have a successful ministry.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the reader for the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement and it is full of very good, interesting articles by numerous people. I wholeheartedly recommend this class to everyone.

[Esther Hallel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lengthy but invaluable missiology resource, definitely worth the time

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original edition which was a 700+ page tome which is a collections of \ articles which examine Christianity and missions through the lens of Biblical theology, history, culture, and strategic analysis. The combination of this book and the class that used it as a textbook changed not only my views on Christian missions, but changed the way I engage life. For example, the section on culture helped me understand how I valued my culture above others and that was a form of bigotry. I was challenged to learn more about other cultures and find value in the differences from my own. I learned that communication is rooted in ones world view, and to bridge that gap one needed to understand the context of the people you are communicating with and actively bridge that gap. I learned to appreciate how organizational structures are more (or less) appropriate for different tasks... that one size doesn't fit all. Finally, I learned that God was concerned for the whole world, the whole man, and that the history of missions doesn't have a good track record doing either of these things. I learned how thru history there have been awful things, and great things, done in the name of missions which gave me an appreciation for the need to critically examine projects I might be involved with... and of course, that just sitting back wasn't an option.

[Charles U. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much good content and different and important information and views on what is going on, went on and can happen in Christian missions. Helps us to understand God's purpose to make His name great among all people groups to be worshipped rightly as Savior and King. A must read and study for anyone involved in the World Christian Movement to be disciple makers for God's Kingdom.

[Joe Valenti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great resource for understanding the history and task of global missions. The book is authored by experts in the specific areas of missions work and is edited by Ralph Winter, one of the foremost champions of world missions. A great read and resource.

[Matt Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, one of the best books on mission I've ever read! I loved the various themes and discussions within this tome and the case studies were fascinating! Highly recommended to any serious student of mission.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent readings that really made me think! I definitely highlighted a lot and will be re-reading articles in the future. If you take the Perspectives Class, I personally thought most of the readings were more helpful than the instructors, but that's just my opinion.

[Stuart Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and excellent course!!!!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not finish all of the articles contained in this amazing collection. However, this book is highly recommended to any missionary who can get their hands on it!

[jacob van sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read key readings.

[Jeffrey McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken into many different stories, this book is an amazing survey of God's Kingdom. Very eye-opening

[Mikal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful collection of readings on the topic of the World Mission Movement.

[Sarah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took the Perspectives course twice, once when I was single and again with Craig after we got married- I can’t recommend it highly enough. Go to Perspectives.org, find a class near you!