Mission Is the Shape of Water: Learning From the Past to Inform Our Role in the World Today
Mission Is the Shape of Water: Learning From the Past to Inform Our Role in the World Today
In an ever-changing world, how can we learn from the past to discern the shape of mission today?
In our contemporary culture, the mission of God can seem elusive and hard to define. We often focus on the present moment, losing sight of the epic story of God that has been unfolding through the ages. Michael Frost offers a compelling framework for understanding mission by drawing on the rich tapestry of Christian history and revealing how context shapes mission, just as a bottle shapes water.
Through captivating storytelling and perceptive analysis, this book sheds light on how the shape of mission has changed over time, enabling us to learn from past successes and failures, and inspiring and equipping readers to engage in the mission of God in new and transformative ways.
I thoroughly appreciate the way that Mike Frost has distilled some really valuable lessons and insights from 2000 years of church history. Working from the starting point of a mission-hearted God whose Spirit leads us mission-shaped church, Frost tackles some of the highs and lows of the church's history as it has engaged in mission in different ways at different times, and with different degrees of impact. For readers with open eyes, ears and hearts there are countless clues as to how the modes and shapes of mission in the past can not only inform our practice in the future but also inspire us liberate us to think beyond conventional, restrictive boxes. I particularly appreciated the call toward deeper engagement in place, community and issues of justice by those who are keen to express their faith, hope and love in ways that are both faithful and relevant. A great read, and I dare say it would make an excellent text for a home group or book club!
This review does it far more justice than I can:
http://www.ethos.org.au/online-resources/Blog/book-review-mission-is-the-shape-of-water?fbclid=IwAR1IYYALqs2x1a7D7ZxaZihQ4SkZo_GYeWJWKGcfvKRDAkNZtpQsGAq7is0_aem_AUiU8UrTfd7GWym16BnARqjzob9lMu_9JiH94UQiXuu9vxSqciAtLM2ngSLEJhA3f-M
Right at the cutting edge of missiology, Frost looks back at the history of mission in a way that fills us with hope for the future.
