Call to Mission and Perceptions of Proselytism
A Reader for a Global Conversation
Edited by John Baxter-Brown
Preface by Dr. Larry Miller
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
Proselytism remains one of the most divisive issues in global Christianity, jeopardizing many ecumenical initiatives and projects. Almost all traditions accuse others of proselytism, but none readily confess to it, as one tradition's mission and evangelism is another's proselytism. This work brings together, for the first time, significant formal statements from Christian bodies and churches alongside articles from leading commentators in this hotly contested issue. It gives clergy, academics, and students a vital resource in understanding the perspectives of different traditions, and therefore the opportunity to study and understand viewpoints and opinions from competing perspectives.
The volume originates in a process of work commissioned by the World Pentecostal Fellowship, the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance, and the Roman Catholic Church, under the auspices of the Global Christian Forum. We discovered that there are no easy answers that resolve the tensions and debates about proselytism, but through listening and understanding different voices, new opportunities for establishing constructive relationships can and do emerge.
John Baxter-Brown is a peripatetic lecturer and teacher, as well as a consultant and carpenter. Previously he has led mission organisations in the UK, and worked for several global Christian organisations including the World Council of Churches and the World Evangelical Alliance. His primary vocation is that of an evangelist, but he is a committed ecumenist and theologian. His research and writing interests include children and young people in mission, and the theology and practice of evangelism. He has taught in numerous colleges and universities in the UK and elsewhere.
“These essays bravely address the controversial subject of proselytism, and do so from the widest spectrum of global perspectives and Christian traditions. This is no small accomplishment. The Global Christian Forum is delighted to have initiated this global conversation, and even more excited to see these papers in print. They are sure to be a valuable resource for the church worldwide as we work to engage faithfully in mission, while also honoring the diversity of the Christian family.”
—Casely B. Essamuah, Secretary of Global Christian Forum, May 2020
“With his book, John Baxter-Brawn takes the reader on an instructive and fascinating journey through a unique collection of studies and documents on mission, evangelism, and proselytism, reviewing different Christian traditions as well as the achievements of many ecumenical dialogues. The book renders an invaluable service to global Christianity by expanding horizons, helping to break stereotypes, promoting mutual understanding, and inviting all believers to witness with one voice to Jesus, the only Savior of all people.”
—Andrzej Choromanski, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
“The Global Christian Forum, a joint endeavor by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance, and the Pentecostal World Fellowship, authorized a global discussion process dealing with one of the most pressing ecumenical issues, sloppily called ‘sheep stealing.’ Within this fruitful process, we all entrusted John Baxter-Brown to gather relevant documents around the topic. . . . All churches worldwide owe him a big thank you!”
—Thomas Schirrmacher, Associate Secretary General for Theological Concerns of the World Evangelical Alliance
“This diverse collection of important works on the themes of mission and proselytism should become a standard textbook in seminary and postgraduate courses around the globe. No other volume exists that displays the richness of ecclesial traditions and global contexts represented here. This book shows the complexities, challenges, and joys that all Christians must consider as we examine the character and practice of our witness to Christ.”
—Rosalee Velloso Ewell, Director of Church Relations, United Bible Societies
“We have here an excellent reader that gathers important statements on mission and proselytism from the different church bodies and then carries the discussion forward by including a number of highly relevant articles by competent authors that bring the issues at stake to the grassroots.”
—Jean-Daniel Plüss, Chair of the European Pentecostal/Charismatic Research Association
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