Whole-Life Mission for the Whole Church

Traditionally, evangelicals have been very good at reading the Bible, but really poor at “reading” society. This book sets out to address this problem with reference to the sacred-secular divide, especially with regard to theological education.

Mark J. Cartledge, PhD
London School of Theology, UK

This book gives a timely reality check on the sacred-secular divide in the Christian church as well as theological institutions which prepare Christians for the Great Commission in the world.

Clement Mook-Soo Chia, PhD
Principal, Singapore Bible College

Overcoming the sacred–secular divide in theological colleges involves a close look at the culture of the seminary. This book stresses the importance of whole of life discipleship, and how this should extend to all believers as they are salt and light wherever they live and work.

James Dalziel, PhD
Australian College of Theology, Sydney, Australia

Here is a book that seeks to dismantle an invisible, insidious wall, one that has restricted Christians from joyously whooping into the wide open spaces of life and service in the kingdom. The global aspects of this wall as presented here will both caution readers against indifference and motivate them into action.

Havilah Dharamraj, PhD
South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangolore, India

This is an impressive and important work. Like the church, theological education in service of the church needs to be “always reforming.” This book is truly a fine resource in this ongoing task.

Simo Frestadius, PhD
Dean of Research, Regents Theological College, West Malvern, UK

In dissecting the problem of the sacred-secular divide, the various authors helpfully identify a pathway towards addressing it through a reimagining of theological education of pastors and teachers.

Ian Hussey, PhD
Malyon Theological College, Brisbane, Australia

This book links two crucial aspects in the life of the church – the effective training of ministers and the need to encourage all God’s people to live out their faith in everyday life. Add in an international dimension which brings the conversation into a worldwide arena, and what emerges is a brilliant, engaging and practical book that will inspire and challenge theological educators.

Rt Revd Emma Ineson, PhD
Bishop of Penrith

This book identifies and addresses the urgent need for fundamental change in theological colleges and seminaries, to empower and enable the church to fulfil its call to the mission of God. This book lays a firm foundation biblically and historically, and includes practical ideas representing a global conversation.

Kara Martin
Lecturer, Alphacrucis College, Sydney, Australia

Our dynamically changing world desperately needs fruitful disciples in every sphere. This book is a must-read if you want to see change, and especially if you are in theological education and you want to play your part.

Dr. Lindsay McMillan
Managing Director, Reventure Limited

Asking good questions is one thing, but the strength of this book is that it also offers clear, compelling answers, based on solid theological foundations and drawn from a diverse range of global practitioners. The result is a practical manifesto for re-envisioning theological education to serve God’s mission in the world.

Patrick Mitchel, PhD
Irish Bible Institute, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

This book is packed with fresh ideas, trenchant challenges and global insights which can help raise up Christian leaders able to form missionary disciples.

The Rt Revd Philip North
Bishop of Burnley, UK

This is a must-read book for those committed to theological education that prepares for a whole life perspective on God’s mission in God’s world.

Elizabeth Sendek
Fundación Universitaria Seminario Bíblico de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia

1. The Many Hands to Thank
2. Foreword
3. Introduction
4. Section 1: Naming the Issue
1. Naming the Issue in Our Churches and Institutions Mark Greene
2. Naming the Issue from Scripture Antony Billington
3. Naming the Issue Using the Key Historical Texts Edwin E. M. Tay
4. Naming the Issue Using the Key Contemporary Texts Antony Billington
5. Naming the Issue in Contemporary Contexts
1. Part 1: Latin America Dinorah B. Méndez
2. Part 2: Africa Bernard Boyo
3. Part 3: Asia Theresa Roco-Lua
4. Part 4: The Indian Sub-Continent Ivor Poobalan
5. Part 5: Eastern Europe Marcel V. Măcelaru
6. Part 6: North America Greg Forster
6. Naming the Issue in Our Seminaries Ian Shaw
5. Section 2: Addressing the Issue through Theological Education
1. Overcoming the SSD through Institutional Change
1. Part 1: An Introduction Ian Shaw
2. Part 2: Overcoming the SSD at South American Theological Seminary Antonio Carlos Barro, President
3. Part 3: Overcoming the SSD at Colombo Theological Seminary Ivor Poobalan, Principal
4. Part 4: Overcoming the SSD at Daystar University Bernard Boyo, Dean
2. Overcoming the SSD through Curriculum Change Ian Shaw
3. Overcoming the SSD through Programme Design Ian Shaw
4. Overcoming the SSD through Individual Courses (Modules) Ian Shaw
5. Overcoming the SSD through Lectures Ian Shaw
6. Overcoming the SSD through Assessments Antony Billington
6. Section 3: Effecting Change
1. Effecting Change of Culture Mark Greene
2. Effecting Change Ian Shaw
3. Helping the Sacred-Secular Divided Student Ian Shaw
7. Appendix: Project Participants
8. Bibliography
9. About the Editors
10. Author and Subject Index
11. Scripture Index