Bonner Querschnitte 18/2019 Ausgabe 582 (eng)

Volume 12 of WEA’s World of Theology Series published

(Bonn, 08.06.2019) The Department of Theological Concerns of World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has published the twelfth volume of its World of Theology Series. 

The Authors attempt to study seven of today’s global movements to see why some are growing while others are either stagnant or declining. “As we plan for the future it is important that we understand the dynamics of growth so as to be able to carry out the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ”, the authors state on the cover. Or, as one of the authors, Bill Wagner, puts it: “This book describes the methods used by different groups. By studying others it is hoped that better strategies for the future can be developed. The outcome is in better strategy planning on the Mega level.”

Dr. Ray Tallman writes: “Churches, mission organizations, and Christian Institutions can all benefit by careful reflection on this book. ... Reviewing successful strategies among diverse faith based communities provides a window for assessing our own methodologies that seem to have been de-energized.”

We offer here the full statement of Dr. Tallmann and two longer statements by the two authors.

Statements by Dr. Ray Tallmann and by the two authors

“Leadership is both an art and a science! Thus the mind of an engineer and the heart of a visionary provide a unique leadership model of qualifications which enhance movements of consequences in the marketplace of faith. Churches, mission organizations, and Christian Institutions can all benefit by careful reflection on this book. Both of these leadership traits are found in my friend and colleague Dr. Wagner, whose decades of ministry provide rich experience to draw from his most recent writing brings us a significant contribution for training a new generation of leaders who can process strategy possibilities for global ministry impact. Reviewing successful strategies among diverse faith based communities provides a window for assessing our own methodologies that seem to have been de-energized. Strategy stagnates unless it is revisited and refocused and revitalized. New times call for new leaders who can learn from others who have paved the way to success! Learn from the competition in the arena of ministry.”

Dr. Ray Tallman, Direktor des Olivet Institute for Islamic Studies

“Today it is very apparent that some faith based organizations are growing while others are declining. In the past Dr. Donald McGavran, the founder of the Church Growth Movement, declared that most Christian leaders were operating in a fog that was brought about by a lack of studying the causes and reasons for decline and growth. Today Christian leaders again seem to be in fog in that they only study their own organizations and make comparisons on the past and the present situation of their own organization. There seems to be a new fog that leaves many in a place where they are not willing to look and see what other philosophical and religious movements are doing. Many are growing such as the Mormons and the Homosexuals while others are experiencing decline such as the Southern Baptists. It is imperative that evangelical leaders today take a good look at the reasons for the decline and growth of many other movements.

This book describes the methods used by different groups. By studying others it is hoped that better strategies for the future can be developed. The outcome is in better strategy planning on the Mega level. This book shows clearly that those organization that are willing to think big and who see the whole world as a mission field are making a greater impression on society. It is time for Evangelical leaders to  strategize on a higher level if they hope to win the world to Jesus Christ.”

Dr. Bill Wagner

“Most Evangelical Leaders have their town, region or country in view when they are developing strategies. Their focus is reaching individuals, seeking to help them find a relationship with Jesus Christ. Seldom do we find any leader looking to develop strategies that change the fabric of society. Some do not see a biblical mandate for this. Others do not see the need. However, when we study some of the key movements that are shaping our world, our culture and society, we realize that a mega strategy is driving these movements. Why have we as Evangelicals not been able to develop such a mega strategy that impacts and transforms each of the 10 pillars of a culture. More often than not we are reacting to societal change rather than directing the social change. This book shows us why we need to have mega strategies, how others are doing it and how we can begin to develop a strategy that not only leads to transformed people, but a transformed society.”

Dr. Mark Wagner

About the authors

William Wagner (Th.D., University of South Africa, D.Miss., Fuller Theological Seminary) is the founding Director of the Olivet Institute for Global Strategic Studies and a professor of Missions at Olivet University. He served for thirty-one years as a missionary to Europe and the Middle East. He was elected to be the Second Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention for a year. He has written five books and helped found two Theological seminaries in Europe and one International University.

Mark Wagner (Ph.D. and M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Seminary, B.A. Baylor University) works with the International Mission Board in Europe. He is Director of the Ph.D. Program for Olivet University and serves on many Christian Boards in both Europe and the USA. He is both a Church planter and an author. He presently lives in Germany with his family.

Bibliographical information:

• William Wagner, Mark Wagner. Can Evangelicals Truly Change the World? World of Theology Series 12. VKW (Culture and Science Publ.): Bonn, 2019. 106 pp. 12,00 €. ISBN 978-3-86269-167-8.

Downloads and Links:

• Front cover (jpg)
• Back cover (jpg)
• Book Download (pdf)
• The book at VKW (Culture and Science Publ.): https://vkwonline.com/products/can-evangelicals-truly-change-the-world