English Teaching as Christian Mission: An Applied Theology

by Donald Snow, Donald B. Snow

Overview

Recent decades have seen an ever-increasing number of Western Christians going abroad as English teachers. Many of these teachers are going to countries that are not very receptive to other forms of Western Christian mission. Some Western Christians view English teaching primarily as a means to gain access to "closed" countries for the purpose of evangelistic outreach. Other Western Christians see it mainly as a form of social service. Snow’s well-thought-out details of how to bear witness, engage in ministry, serve the poor, contribute to peace, and build bridges of understanding between churches clearly show the special role of Christian mission that Christian English teachers can have.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780836191585
Publisher:	MennoMedia
Publication date:	04/27/2001
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

Don Snow has degrees from the College of Wooster (B.A., history), Michigan State University (M.A., Teaching English as a second language), and Indiana University (Ph.D., East Asian Languages and Cultures). He has taught English at a number of institutions in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and U.S., and has served with a number of organizations that send English teachers abroad, including the YMCA, Educational Services International (formerly Educational Services Exchange with China), and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia. Don is currently a mission co-worker of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and seconded by them to the Overseas Coordination office of the Amity Foundation, a Chinese nongovernmental development organization established by Chinese Christians.

What People are Saying About This

Myrrl Byler

Myrrl Byler, China Educational Exchange
Recent decades have seen an ever-increasing number of Western Christians going abroad as English teachers. Many of these teachers are going to countries that are not very receptive to other forms of Western Christian mission. Some Western Christians view English teaching primarily as a means to gain access to "closed" countries for the purpose of evangelistic outreach. Other Western Christians see it mainly as a form of social service.

Snow's well-thought-out details of how to bear witness, engage in ministry, serve the poor, contribute to peace, and build bridges of understanding between churches clearly show the special role of Christian mission that Christian English teachers can have.

"At the heart of Snow's message is the call to peacemaking. Stressing integrity in both motivation and teaching, Snow calls Christian English teachers to be agents of reconciliation, giving witness to the gospel of peace."

Alan Seaman

Alan Seaman, Intercultural Studies and Coordinator of TESOL, Wheaton College
English Teaching as Christian Mission breaks new ground. It has already impacted my thinking as a Christian professional in a significant way.

Endorsement

"At the heart of Snow’s message is the call to peacemaking. Stressing integrity in both motivation and teaching, Snow calls Christian English teachers to be agents of reconciliation, giving witness to the gospel of peace." —Myrrl Byler, China Educational Exchange

Marian McClure

Marian McClure, Worldwide Ministries Division, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Don Snow's excellent book helps enhance the Christian witness of mission workers and builds bridges to indigenous churches.