The Missiology Behind the Story

In the twenty-first century the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has faced many challenges - conflict, changes of governments, terrorism, trauma - yet new opportunities have opened up for local churches to demonstrate the love of God and bless their communities. This book provides a fresh look at the theology driving Christian mission and at emerging ministry models by addressing ten aspects of missio Dei in the Middle Eastern context. Subjects such as church planting, discipleship, media, and peace building are introduced with their historical background, and contemporary stories and case studies of transformative work in the MENA region. As the book examines these topics we see how mission in the Middle East is no longer "from the West to the rest" but is now characterized as "from everywhere to everywhere." All Christians will find in these contributions important biblical principles for their own context to follow Jesus Christ and bear witness to him. Readers are also reminded that hardship does not have to be an obstacle to the church living out the mission of God as salt and light, and there is much the global church can learn from the activities of Christians in MENA countries. While each chapter in this book focuses on a particular aspect of mission, churches must be holistic in transforming lives and to this end, societies, and this book is a gift from the MENA church to the rest of the body of Christ.