Western Christians in Global Mission: What's the Role of the North American Church? - Softcover

Paul Borthwick is senior consultant for Development Associates International and teaches missions at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. His books include A Mind for Missions, How to Be a World-Class Christian and Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your View of the World.

"Written in popular style, this book deserves a wide reading in the North American context. Majority World readers should also find it instructive. Relevant roles still remain for North Americans, but new attitudes and strategies will be required. Western Christians in Global Mission offers intentional strategies to the humble so that a new era of missions can be discovered and learned together with genuine partners from the Majority World." (Tom Steffan, Missiology, 42(1))

"Borthwick's insights and recommendations, the product of decades of extensive world travel, research, teaching and strong relationships with leaders in the Global Church, make this book a valuable resource for anyone involved in long or short term cross-cultural missions, and for those who are calling them out and preparing them to go." (Hayward Armstrong, Renewing Minds)

"This book provides practical ideas on how the Western church can best continue in global mission―without being paternalistic or creating dependency―by using its human and material resources with strategic wisdom marked by a posture of humility, purposeful reciprocity and partnership equality." (Robert L. Gallagher, Outreach Magazine, 11th Annual Resources of the Year: Global Outreach "Also Recommended," March/April 2014)

"Borthwick introduces Western readers (especially Americans!) to what they need to know to engage the diversity of global Christian faith. Offering both critique and encouragement, he reminds us of how Americans perceive themselves and how they are perceived by sisters and brothers around the world. It's a solid dose of humility to offset our pride at being so-called world leaders." (Scott Moreau, "The 2014 Christianity Today Book Awards," Christianity Today, January/February 2014)

"Professors and students of missions will find this a supportive companion to other readings. He remains frank, yet humble, and positive from start to finish. The wider this book circulates in schools, churches and mission agencies, the better for the advancement of the good news in this country." (Paul W. Shea, Evangelical Missions Quarterly, October 2013)

"Paul Borthwick has done it again! The prolific writer, motivator, educator and mentor this time acts as a well-informed, reliable and creative global missions tour guide. He takes us on a journey which compels us to rethinking as well as reengagement. I am glad that after a global missionary pilgrimage he takes us back to his home base, for I have a deep conviction that the U.S. is still God's most forward nation. Borthwick's biblical passion, personal touch and global experience make him a competent interpreter and builder of bridges between what God is doing in America and the rest of the world. Read, reorient and act!" (Peter Kuzmic, distinguished professor of world missions and European studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and founding president of Evandeoski Teoloski Fakultet, Osijek, Croatia)

"Today's huge changes in the world and the church are bewildering to navigate. How can we be part of what God has called all believers to be and do--his witnesses in a hurting and needy world? Paul Borthwick's analysis of the global church comes from his friendships with many in the Majority World. Writing as a reflective practitioner, Paul helps Western Christians face critical issues of attitude, heart and strategy with grace, courage, crosscultural sensitivity and a learner's heart. This book presents a strong, clear invitation to missional living. It will help you align yourself and your church with what God is doing in his world today." (Jeanette Yep, pastor of regional and global outreach, Grace Chapel, Lexington, Massachusetts)

"For decades Paul Borthwick has persevered in his call to travel the world and teach the way the best teaching is done: to small groups of leaders who have become his friends. This has given him an excellent opportunity to sense the pulse of the life of Christians in the Majority World. Now he has used this knowledge, and augmented it with wide reading, to address his own people in what may be the most important book he has written." (Ajith Fernando, teaching director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka)

"Why do I think this is one of the best and most helpful books on the global realities of world mission that I have read? It can't be only because so many of the people from all over the world whom Paul Borthwick quotes or tells stories about are known to me--though they are, and they are wise and trusted sources. It can't be only because the book embodies a comprehensive, biblical and integrated understanding of what mission includes (the chapter on the 'Nine Greats' is worth the price of the book). It won my applause because it has such a pleasing balance of, on the one hand, rich, up-to-date, well-documented and user-friendly information, and on the other hand perceptive honesty and realism about the strengths and the failings of the churches in North America and in the Majority World. The author also models in his personal journey the humility and servanthood that he urges on all of us. And finally, it is a book that is not merely inspirational, but constantly practical and brimming with ideas and responses that should stimulate churches, agencies and individuals." (Christopher J. H. Wright, international director of Langham Partnership and author of The Mission of God and The Mission of God's People)

"Western Christians in Global Mission combines up-to-date analysis of what God is doing worldwide with passionate commitment to obeying and fulfilling the Great Commission. Here is a textbook for students, a guidebook for missions leaders, a study book for small groups and a challenge book for every Christian." (Leith Anderson, president, National Association of Evangelicals, Washington, DC)