Overview

The greatest crisis is being separated from Christ. In the constant swirl of human suffering, the church has long wrestled with appropriate responses. As crises come and go, the need for the church's theological, missiological, and practical readiness remains, so that people not only survive but thrive in the context of a crisis. Practicing Hope brings together global scholars and practitioners who share and think broadly about the church's mission in a world rife with crises. Rather than harmonizing the voices of the contributors to provide general guidelines for generic crisis response, Practicing Hope allows the reader to hear multiple perspectives on complex issues such as sustainability, empowerment, human rights, biblical principles, and missio Dei (mission of God). These essays highlight that being separated from Christ is the focus that will keep the church from losing its raison d'être-its reason for being. This book provides a potent reminder that crises are not the end; sometimes they are the beginning of something better. In these chapters, you will fi nd stories of hope amid unimaginable darkness. Practicing Hope describes what it really means (not just in theory, but in practice) to be the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matt 5:14-15). We hope that you will be inspired, as Jesus said in the parable of the Good Samaritan, to ""go and do likewise.""

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9781645082934

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The voices in these excellent articles remind us that persecution (both in the New Testament era and throughout all history) is the context for the most poignant proclamation of the gospel and that praise resounds loudest when mixed with tears. Our blessed hope remains the return of Jesus Christ as suff ering must for us, as for Him, precede glory. All other hopes pale in comparison to that glorious day, and towards that day we must press and practice, singing through our pain, hoping in our hurt, demonstrating to the world that Jesus is both worthy and worth it. Dick Brogden co-founder of the Live Dead Movement, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Author Information

Jerry M. Ireland, PhD, serves as department chair for Ministry, Leadership, and Theology and Intercultural Studies at the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, PA. He also cohorts the Sorry Not Sorry Podcast. His publications include series editor for the forthcoming Baker Academic Global Christian Life Series; For the Love of God: Principles and Practice of Compassion in Missions (Wipf & Stock, 2017); and Evangelism and Social Concern in the Theology of Carl F. H. Henry (Pickwick, 2015). Michelle L. K. Raven, PhD, serves as the International Community Development Program Director at Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. Dr. Raven served in the United States Air Force for over twenty-two years, retiring as lieutenant colonel. She is passionate about community development, African-American church history and outreach, and inclusion.

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