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Subversive Mission: Serving as Outsiders in a World of Need
For many, missions is the story of heroes, martyrs, and the advance of the gospel. For others, it's the story of colonialism and missionary disasters. So how do we respond to God's call to love our neighbors as a new era emerges?
Subversive mission is submission—to God and local leaders. Subversive mission offers a new way forward for outsiders called to crosscultural ministry by serving as humble alongsiders. Join Craig Greenfield on this inspiring journey in Asia and beyond as he rediscovers the fivefold missional gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, and demonstrates how each of these must look radically different in a crosscultural context. Along the way, you'll discover your own missional type through the Missional Type Inventory and come face to face with the five most common pitfalls that Westerners face in crosscultural settings.
By the end of this story, you'll be inspired by a radically different way of working for change in the world. Come alongside. And join God in what he is already doing.
Subversive mission is submission—to God and local leaders. Subversive mission offers a new way forward for outsiders called to crosscultural ministry by serving as humble alongsiders. Join Craig Greenfield on this inspiring journey in Asia and beyond as he rediscovers the fivefold missional gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher, and demonstrates how each of these must look radically different in a crosscultural context. Along the way, you'll discover your own missional type through the Missional Type Inventory and come face to face with the five most common pitfalls that Westerners face in crosscultural settings.
By the end of this story, you'll be inspired by a radically different way of working for change in the world. Come alongside. And join God in what he is already doing.
- GenresFaith
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
9 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Craig Greenfield
9 books20 followersCraig is the founder and director of Alongsiders International (www.alongsiders.org) - a fast-growing movement mobilizing and equipping thousands of young Christians in 23 countries to walk alongside those who walk alone - orphans and vulnerable children in their own communities.
During more than 20 years living and ministering in slums and inner cities in Asia and North America, Craig has established a number of initiatives to care for vulnerable kids and orphans, as well as formed Christian communities for those marginalized by society.
For 8 years, Craig served as the International Coordinator of Servants, a ministry within the slums of Asia. His postgraduate research in International Development led to the publication of his first book, The Urban Halo: a story of hope for orphans of the poor. Craig's second book, Subversive Jesus, was published by Zondervan in 2016.
Craig's third book, Subversive Mission, will offer a fresh new framework for mission in a post-colonial and post-covid world. The book launches November 1st, 2022.
During more than 20 years living and ministering in slums and inner cities in Asia and North America, Craig has established a number of initiatives to care for vulnerable kids and orphans, as well as formed Christian communities for those marginalized by society.
For 8 years, Craig served as the International Coordinator of Servants, a ministry within the slums of Asia. His postgraduate research in International Development led to the publication of his first book, The Urban Halo: a story of hope for orphans of the poor. Craig's second book, Subversive Jesus, was published by Zondervan in 2016.
Craig's third book, Subversive Mission, will offer a fresh new framework for mission in a post-colonial and post-covid world. The book launches November 1st, 2022.
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November 1, 2022
When I first moved overseas as a fresh graduate from university, a friend of mine told me, “Foreigners are like elephants. Even if their intentions are good, they often end up hurting someone in the process.” I wrote those words in my journal twelve years ago and continue to ponder their implications.
I have fond memories growing up in a Mennonite Church, knotting comforters for refugees, putting together school kits each year, and filling up relief buckets. We wanted to be known as Christians who “do good deeds.” Christians also frequently engage in short term or longer-term service overseas. It is often encouraged and applauded when one decides to move overseas for a time. How can we do so without causing more harm than good? Who can we learn from and what can guide us as we desire to make some sort of positive impact on this broken world?
In his book Subversive Missions: Serving as Outsiders in a World of Need, Craig Greenfield offers invaluable lessons for those interested in serving cross-culturally. Craig has spent over two decades radically trying to follow Jesus and help impoverished children around the world. This quest has taken him from New Zealand to the slums of Cambodia and to the notorious Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Subversive Mission challenges the reader to learn along with Craig as he reflects on his experiences and what God has taught him throughout the past twenty years.
Craig invites the reader to consider approaching any cross-cultural “service” or “mission” as a humble Alongsider. It is all too easy to try to swoop in and be a “white savior” with all the answers, power, and money. But Craig is quick to remind the reader that the ends never justify the means. We must come as learners, and submit ourselves to local leadership and to God.
This book invites us to consider five different “missional types,” which are drawn from Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Craig examines each of these roles, but radically renames them as the Catalyst, Ally, Seeker, Midwife, and Guide. His book also includes timely discussions about the five main dangers facing Westerners serving overseas: power, complicity, secularism, money, and individualism.
This book weaves in the story of Shalom Valley—how the Alongsiders movement has birthed a retreat and training center to be used by thousands of children from the inner-city slums. In the center of Shalom Valley there is a large bomb crater—from the years of America carpet-bombing Cambodia. Instead of covering the crater, Craig decided to preserve it—and now it serves as the location for many conversations about Jesus’ radical way of peace and non-violence.
After a decade myself of living overseas, I found Craig’s book refreshing and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for anyone currently serving or planning to serve cross-culturally, whether in your own city or around the world.
Perhaps if more of us read this book, we will be less destructive elephants. Perhaps, we can learn to tread more carefully. Perhaps, we can dare to become an “alongsider” instead of a “savior.”
Certainly, the process will not be easy, but it will be worth it.
I have fond memories growing up in a Mennonite Church, knotting comforters for refugees, putting together school kits each year, and filling up relief buckets. We wanted to be known as Christians who “do good deeds.” Christians also frequently engage in short term or longer-term service overseas. It is often encouraged and applauded when one decides to move overseas for a time. How can we do so without causing more harm than good? Who can we learn from and what can guide us as we desire to make some sort of positive impact on this broken world?
In his book Subversive Missions: Serving as Outsiders in a World of Need, Craig Greenfield offers invaluable lessons for those interested in serving cross-culturally. Craig has spent over two decades radically trying to follow Jesus and help impoverished children around the world. This quest has taken him from New Zealand to the slums of Cambodia and to the notorious Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Subversive Mission challenges the reader to learn along with Craig as he reflects on his experiences and what God has taught him throughout the past twenty years.
Craig invites the reader to consider approaching any cross-cultural “service” or “mission” as a humble Alongsider. It is all too easy to try to swoop in and be a “white savior” with all the answers, power, and money. But Craig is quick to remind the reader that the ends never justify the means. We must come as learners, and submit ourselves to local leadership and to God.
This book invites us to consider five different “missional types,” which are drawn from Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Craig examines each of these roles, but radically renames them as the Catalyst, Ally, Seeker, Midwife, and Guide. His book also includes timely discussions about the five main dangers facing Westerners serving overseas: power, complicity, secularism, money, and individualism.
This book weaves in the story of Shalom Valley—how the Alongsiders movement has birthed a retreat and training center to be used by thousands of children from the inner-city slums. In the center of Shalom Valley there is a large bomb crater—from the years of America carpet-bombing Cambodia. Instead of covering the crater, Craig decided to preserve it—and now it serves as the location for many conversations about Jesus’ radical way of peace and non-violence.
After a decade myself of living overseas, I found Craig’s book refreshing and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for anyone currently serving or planning to serve cross-culturally, whether in your own city or around the world.
Perhaps if more of us read this book, we will be less destructive elephants. Perhaps, we can learn to tread more carefully. Perhaps, we can dare to become an “alongsider” instead of a “savior.”
Certainly, the process will not be easy, but it will be worth it.
November 1, 2022
This book is a must-read. Craig Greenfield shares a prophetic vision for cross-cultural ministry that honors and embodies the principles of biblical justice. The practical framework laid out in Subversive Mission reimagines what is possible when followers of Jesus, as outsiders, use their gifts in humble service of insiders. Rooted in Scripture, it challenges us to return to the upside-down Kingdom values believers have always been called to. Readers who open their hearts to the content will find themselves in a continual process of reflecting and repenting, seeking ways to use their power, privilege, and resources to amplify the voices of those who have historically been silenced.
September 30, 2022
Great book, really helpful and much needed missiological framework. As a former cross cultural missionary, I wish I had this book. Anyone that is considering overseas “outsider” type of work should pick this up for helpful lessons learned and a proper framing of the most ethical and meaningful way to serve alongside local leadership.
October 25, 2022
Craig Greenfield has written a thought-provoking and challenging new book, about his own family's experiences in the mission field, serving Jesus. He shares his own successes and failures in order to guide others toward a more effective and inclusive Christ-centered way of serving. This book helped me to understand more clearly why life is much more satisfying and joyful when our lives are focused on serving the needs of OTHERS, not just ourselves. The book also presents an excellent ‘framework’ for how to best approach mission work as an ‘outsider’ to the culture you are serving, especially when you are relatively new to mission work, as I am. If you are looking to invigorate and refresh your spiritual life and serve others better, this book (as well as Craig's book Subversive Jesus), will be invaluable to you.
November 21, 2022
Craig Greenfield writes a compelling and challenging book that goes beyond contextualisation of the gospel message to contextualising the work of the gospel messenger when they cross cultural and geographical boundaries. Grounded missiology for a new era of mission that flows out of personal experience and thoughtful biblical reflection, his book is a must for anyone engaging in cross cultural mission - whether serving, sending or training. The easy-to-read style integrates theory with his honest real-life story of finding this subversive approach as he has worked alongside the people of Cambodia and Canada bringing gospel transformation. He draws the reader into these beautiful redemptive stories in places of brokenness and pain, and inspires us to walk alongside others too.
November 5, 2022
Great Read
A very thought provoking book that helps readers to reevaluate and reflect on what missions is in today's world and how we can use our giftings wisely alongside local leaders to see God's work done.
A very thought provoking book that helps readers to reevaluate and reflect on what missions is in today's world and how we can use our giftings wisely alongside local leaders to see God's work done.
February 21, 2024
Dude. This.
October 28, 2025
Finishing Subversive Mission felt like coming home to a conversation I’d been having in fragments for years. Craig Greenfield doesn’t write from a safe distance — he digs into the messy, human parts of cross-cultural work, and his examples hit close to home for anyone who’s done community development, worked with cross-cultural teams, or served in Christian contexts.
One of the book’s clearest early insights is the twin danger of mammon-worship and sentimentalizing poverty. I’ve seen both in practice: people who assume more money is the moral fix for every problem, and people who treat poverty as some kind of picturesque virtue. Greenfield refuses both extremes. Money matters, yes — but cash without context often becomes a substitute for humility and listening. Conversely, romanticizing the poor lets systems of injustice off the hook and erases real suffering.
The anecdotes drive the point home. The story about donor-built block houses left empty because they couldn’t cope with local heat and use — while villagers build stilted homes that shade and cool — is a brutal, practical lesson. Good intentions and big budgets didn’t translate into good outcomes because designers ignored how people actually live. Another example — an American evangelist parachuting into Myanmar and claiming conversions while overlooking existing local work — felt painfully familiar. It’s not just that outsiders misinterpret; sometimes their loud, headline-friendly claims drown out quieter, better work already happening.
What I appreciated most was Greenfield’s treatment of redemptive analogies. He doesn’t aim to dismantle faith; he wants to subvert broken expressions of it. That’s a vital distinction. He models a posture I respect: hold to the convictions of Jesus while learning how to translate those truths with cultural sensitivity and humility. Translation isn’t dilution — it’s a discipline that demands listening, respect, and a willingness to be corrected by people who live inside the culture.
The book offers more questions than tidy answers, and I’m grateful for that. It pushed me to reconsider how I tell stories of “impact,” who gets to define success, and how to keep money in its place while centering local wisdom. I’m not sure exactly how all of this will reshape my day-to-day work yet, but Subversive Mission is one I’ll return to — a practical, faithful corrective for anyone committed to doing durable, respectful work across cultures.
One of the book’s clearest early insights is the twin danger of mammon-worship and sentimentalizing poverty. I’ve seen both in practice: people who assume more money is the moral fix for every problem, and people who treat poverty as some kind of picturesque virtue. Greenfield refuses both extremes. Money matters, yes — but cash without context often becomes a substitute for humility and listening. Conversely, romanticizing the poor lets systems of injustice off the hook and erases real suffering.
The anecdotes drive the point home. The story about donor-built block houses left empty because they couldn’t cope with local heat and use — while villagers build stilted homes that shade and cool — is a brutal, practical lesson. Good intentions and big budgets didn’t translate into good outcomes because designers ignored how people actually live. Another example — an American evangelist parachuting into Myanmar and claiming conversions while overlooking existing local work — felt painfully familiar. It’s not just that outsiders misinterpret; sometimes their loud, headline-friendly claims drown out quieter, better work already happening.
What I appreciated most was Greenfield’s treatment of redemptive analogies. He doesn’t aim to dismantle faith; he wants to subvert broken expressions of it. That’s a vital distinction. He models a posture I respect: hold to the convictions of Jesus while learning how to translate those truths with cultural sensitivity and humility. Translation isn’t dilution — it’s a discipline that demands listening, respect, and a willingness to be corrected by people who live inside the culture.
The book offers more questions than tidy answers, and I’m grateful for that. It pushed me to reconsider how I tell stories of “impact,” who gets to define success, and how to keep money in its place while centering local wisdom. I’m not sure exactly how all of this will reshape my day-to-day work yet, but Subversive Mission is one I’ll return to — a practical, faithful corrective for anyone committed to doing durable, respectful work across cultures.
December 23, 2023
this book reframes modern missions in a way that is holistic and recognizes the harm that many past missionaries have caused. it takes a deep dive into how our culture affects how we interact and live in different contexts, and addresses ways that American Christians should aspire to do better if they are wanting to live overseas. Craig reframes the Ephesians 5:11-13 passage into different terminology to understand that missionaries are not the star of the show. he creates these five categories that use the gifts in a way where you are coming alongside the local community instead of stepping in and fixing what you think is wrong (or planting a church the way we do church in America). he then addresses five dangers to be aware of when entering into a new community and cultural context. his emphasis is heavy on community and relying on Jesus, living in humility and submission. so so good and encouraging!! loved that he emphasized that there’s no need to try and move overseas if you can’t be involved in your local community to make changes.
May 25, 2023
Craig is inspiring as a person and his stories add to the content of the book. I love the way he uses the Ephesians 4 material and reframes it it towards how we should be postured in different contexts.
I think this is a good book - worth reading. I will use his framing of postures in teaching to come.
I think this is a good book - worth reading. I will use his framing of postures in teaching to come.
November 1, 2022
How to come alongside indigenous leaders as an outsider in a way that faithfully reflects Jesus? How does this dovetail with fivefold ministry described in ephesians 4?
Wonderful stories putting flesh onto the concepts.
Wonderful stories putting flesh onto the concepts.
February 3, 2023
Really good and will probably need a re-read.
I think the most exciting concept for me was the seeker rather than the evangelist.
I have felt a deep unease about mission work, and this book helps lay down a path that is hopefully more healthy for all involved.
I think the most exciting concept for me was the seeker rather than the evangelist.
I have felt a deep unease about mission work, and this book helps lay down a path that is hopefully more healthy for all involved.
April 10, 2023
Excellent book, filled with nuance, moving stories, and and inspiration in the direction of helping without hurting.
September 4, 2024
Explores how the fivefold ministry of Ephesians Chapter four fits expatriate workers in cross-cultural situations And does so by telling a story of their ministry in cambodia
October 29, 2022
How to Serve Cross-Culturally as an Outsider Without Acting Like a White Savior
Craig Greenfield has written a gem of a book filled with masterful storytelling and profound biblical insights gleaned from twenty years of living and serving among the urban poor in Asia.
Using an easy-to-remember theological framework, Greenfield convincingly argues that Paul's five missional types--apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher--need to be reimagined when serving cross-culturally as outsiders. "By rethinking these five roles from Ephesians with a cross-cultural perspective," Greenfield writes, "we retain the original meanings, which were meant for insiders, but in ways that don't leave us, as outsiders, hogging the limelight" (Subversive Mission, 9).
I highly recommend Subversive Mission for any Christians currently serving overseas and for those preparing to do so. Mission agencies and Christian development organizations would also greatly benefit from having their workers read this book, as it can help us avoid many of the dehumanizing, colonial practices of the past. Finally, if you've read When Helping Hurts and felt paralyzed from doing anything afterward (for fear of causing harm), you'll want to read Subversive Mission. Greenfield's insights and testimony will leave you inspired to go serve humbly as outsiders in a world of need.
Craig Greenfield has written a gem of a book filled with masterful storytelling and profound biblical insights gleaned from twenty years of living and serving among the urban poor in Asia.
Using an easy-to-remember theological framework, Greenfield convincingly argues that Paul's five missional types--apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher--need to be reimagined when serving cross-culturally as outsiders. "By rethinking these five roles from Ephesians with a cross-cultural perspective," Greenfield writes, "we retain the original meanings, which were meant for insiders, but in ways that don't leave us, as outsiders, hogging the limelight" (Subversive Mission, 9).
I highly recommend Subversive Mission for any Christians currently serving overseas and for those preparing to do so. Mission agencies and Christian development organizations would also greatly benefit from having their workers read this book, as it can help us avoid many of the dehumanizing, colonial practices of the past. Finally, if you've read When Helping Hurts and felt paralyzed from doing anything afterward (for fear of causing harm), you'll want to read Subversive Mission. Greenfield's insights and testimony will leave you inspired to go serve humbly as outsiders in a world of need.
November 7, 2022
One of the best & most relevant books on Christian mission that you’ll read. Craig describes an approach that empowers locals and takes us beyond the top-down white saviour crusades that are still way too common- so common that we’re often unconscious we’re doing it. Full of wonderful insights & provocative questions that’ll help you find your place in what God is doing today.
November 2, 2022
Craig beautifully communicates through heart-felt reflections and experience the tensions many of us experience in understanding how we can respond effectively to those around us. Many of the questions I've had the past few years have been wonderfully articulated to help navigate the path forward for each of us. As someone who has studied faith and development for the past decade, I have constantly felt the paralysis of knowing how to keep stepping forward, I have been greatly encouraged and deeply understood through Craig's wisdom in this book.
November 1, 2022
If you have an interest in cross cultural mission then I thoroughly recommend you read this book. It will challenge you and give you much food for thought. Jesus called us to serve others and gave us an example to follow. This book will help guide you in how to do that appropriately when working in cultures and countries that are not your own.
December 10, 2022
This book wrecked me. As someone who has been in ministry for over 20 years and recently moving into the mission area I was intrigued by the premise of this book.
Many times in reading page after page I found myself screaming “YES!” I wish more and more people would get this. I wonder what the world would look like if this was the way that things happened?
Too many times in ministries that I have seen we are outsiders coming with different perspectives than insiders. I look at pastoral transitions or really any ministry related job as we are all outsiders. Too often we don’t look to empower the people that have been in the situation or church or country or fill in the blank.
While reading this book my heart cried out for how much we get wrong. I think there is much to learn on the subject of serving as outsiders in a world of need and Craig has done a wonderful job of getting this conversation started.
Many times in reading page after page I found myself screaming “YES!” I wish more and more people would get this. I wonder what the world would look like if this was the way that things happened?
Too many times in ministries that I have seen we are outsiders coming with different perspectives than insiders. I look at pastoral transitions or really any ministry related job as we are all outsiders. Too often we don’t look to empower the people that have been in the situation or church or country or fill in the blank.
While reading this book my heart cried out for how much we get wrong. I think there is much to learn on the subject of serving as outsiders in a world of need and Craig has done a wonderful job of getting this conversation started.
November 23, 2022
Thought provoking
It indeed takes courage and humility to read these words and apply them, but they are so true and so needful.
It indeed takes courage and humility to read these words and apply them, but they are so true and so needful.
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