Journal of the Evangelical Missiological Society

In a world that continues to move and change, our understanding of missiological landscapes constantly needs to be revisited in order to ensure our participation in God’s mission remains relevant and responsive to contemporary issues and challenges. This Spring issue of JEMS visits several of these new frontiers in missiology. Our opening article considers the role of comparative theology as a way to engage religious others. Arguing for a “truth pursued” approach, Alexander Lee argues that this new comparative theological approach will help us move forward in Christian witness and contextualization. Our next article reflections on the role of missionaries in times of geopolitical conflicts. Jeanne Wu considers the biblical principles behind whether missionaries should stay or go when conflict erupts. Laura-Lee Alford, like Wu, recognizes that missions today is completed in a world of conflict. With trauma an ever-present possibility for missionaries, Alford considers how a robust theology of the resurrection will help missionaries be prepared for and navigate through trauma on the field. Turning toward church planting practices, S.T. Antonio reflects on several successful church plants in the Middle East and argues that successful church planting, especially in places of conflict and resistance, requires, not the latest or greatest method, but rather an enactment of improvisation that allows for flexibility in responding to each unique setting. Rounding out this edition is a consideration of missionary recruitment of future generations. Looking specifically at the U.S. context, Marcus Dean lays out the challenges and opportunities for mission organizations in light of the changing demographics and characteristics of Gen Z and beyond.

This edition also features book reviews on two recently released works.