In Mandate to Difference, renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann sets forth a new vision of the Christian church in today's world. Based on speaking engagements surrounding his critical passion and conviction that the church in this moment must set itself in tension with the rest of the world, these essays call the church to courageously defy political polarization, consumerism, and militarism.

Through personal stories, proven experience, and a thorough analysis of the biblical text, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church illustrates both the biblical mandate for the multi-ethnic church and the seven core commitments required to bring it about. Mark DeYmaz, pastor of one of the most proven multi-ethnic churches in the country, writes from both his experience and his extensive study of how to plant, grow, and encourage more ethnically diverse churches. He argues that the "homogenous unit principle" will soon become irrelevant and that the most effective way to spread the gospel in an increasingly diverse world is through strong and vital multi-ethnic churches. Apart from ethnically and economically diverse relationships, we cannot understand others different from ourselves, develop trust for others who are different than us, and/or love others different than ourselves. Apart from understanding, trust, and love, we are less likely to get involved in the plight of others different than ourselves. Without involvement, nothing changes, and the disparaging consequences of systemic racism remain entrenched in our culture. Surely, it breaks the heart of God to see so many churches segregated ethnically or economically from one another, and that little has changed in the many years since it was first observed that eleven o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in the land.

In this thought-provoking and momentous book, the author poses the questions, what is the role of the church in our society and should there be any relationship between the state and the church for the development of the society and what could be the effect of such collaboration if there is any? In asking on what bases is the church getting involved with the society, he explores both the Biblical foundations and three major theories that have emerged about societies and social behaviour. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between religion and social change to the case of the church in Lagos, Nigeria as an agent of social and political change in society. Using a thematic structure, Richard Adekoya illustrates different roles the church can play in society, especially in a democratic milieu, for example humanity services, educational development, spiritual and moral development and social and ethical development. He examines the various contributions of the churches in Nigeria right from the missionaries era to the contemporary dispensation. The book basically proved that the church mandate is not limited to its evangelical obligations. Its involvement in many aspects of peoples lives in society, particularly the social and political aspects, is part of its cultural mandate. This is a challenging book, rich in example and wide-ranging in scope: key ideas that so often appear impossible for the church to practice - employment generation, political leadership, public enlightenment, tackling corruption in the polity here practically seem possible. Richard Adekoyas excellent work, tackles this set of issues in a very thorough way. By looking at the issues through the lens of the Bible, church history and sociological analysis he makes a powerful theological case for the involvement of the church in the societies in which it finds itself called to give a witness. Understandably and helpfully there is a particular emphasis on Nigeria, a nation which he knows well. By choosing Nigeria as a kind of case history the broader, general case is given a particular and penetrating illustration that strengthens his wider argument. Dr. Martin Robinson, Principal, ForMission College, Birmingham, UK

The Mandate of the Church in the Apocalypse of John fills a gap in the scholarly literature on the Apocalypse of John by offering a comprehensive discussion of what the Church is called upon to be and do. It delineates various tasks and functions of the Church, showing how they relate to one another and also how they are all unified under the mandate to provide faithful witness to Jesus. With its strong emphasis on the ethical concerns of the Apocalypse, this book challenges the view that John's Apocalypse is sub-Christian in its ethics.

You were transformed to transform your world! For too long, Christianity has been defined by a false concept of church. As a result, believers have built walls around their lives, keeping culture at a distance. As Christians have tried to keep culture out of the church, unfortunately, the church has kept itself out of the culture. This was never Jesus’ design for the your life! Before church was established as a place that people “came to,” Jesus instituted it as an army that brought transformation to society, starting with salvation and continuing with seven spheres of influence: Church, family, education, government, media, arts, and commerce. Six revolutionary voices in the modern church deliver Invading Babylon. This essential guide will equip you to: Understand your vital role in shaping society. Release God’s will in your sphere of influence. Become an unstoppable citizen in God’s Kingdom. It’s your time to arise and be a light in a dark world.

In this book, Richard D. Phillips cuts through the cultural confusion, highlights Gods mandate for men, and encourages readers to join him on a journey of repentance and renewal. Phillips begins in the Garden of Eden, drawing foundational teaching for men from the earliest chapters of Gods Word. This is teaching that reaches into all of life. Christian men today need to examine their hearts and embrace their God-given mandate. Only then will they be able to recognize their high calling, and by Gods grace, serve faithfully in whatever context God has placed them.

God means to fulfill the Great Commission through local churches. How did the apostles and the churches of the New Testament obey the Great Commission? By gathering Christians together in churches. The church is God’s plan for evangelism, discipleship, and the Great Commission. This connection between the Great Commission and the church dramatically impacts how both leaders and members should think about their work of making disciples. We do it together.

Learn how a "less is more" approach to church can equip believers for eternal influence. Church innovator Dave Browning unpacks the six elements of a new equation for church development. These concepts---minimality, intentionality, reality, multility, velocity, and scalability---provide a realistic plan for streamlining church while maximizing impact.

Social justice and mission are hot topics today: there's a wonderful resurgence of motivated Christians passionate about spreading the gospel and caring for the needs of others. But in our zeal to get sharing and serving, many are unclear on gospel and mission. Yes, we are called to spend ourselves for the sake of others, but what is the church's unique priority as it engages the world? DeYoung and Gilbert write to help Christians "articulate and live out their views on the mission of the church in ways that are theologically faithful, exegetically careful, and personally sustainable." Looking at the Bible's teaching on evangelism, social justice, and shalom, they explore the what, why, and how of the church's mission. From defining "mission", to examining key passages on social justice and their application, to setting our efforts in the context of God's rule, DeYoung and Gilbert bring a wise, studied perspective to the missional conversation. Readers in all spheres of ministry will grow in their understanding of the mission of the church and gain a renewed sense of urgency for Jesus' call to preach the Word and make disciples.

Why does the church engage in missions? Where in the Bible do we find support for this work? These questions have been asked and answered by many throughout the centuries, though rarely does the investigation span across the entire canon of Scripture. In this study Newkirk explores the breadth and depth of biblical teaching concerning God's mission for his people and the church's call to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. By beginning with creation and ending with new creation, this study reveals that rather than simply deriving from a few "missions verses," the church's call to missions is grounded in the full spectrum of biblical revelation.