Partnership Theology in Creative Access Regions

by Kenneth Shreve

Overview

Strategic partnerships are on the rise around the world as denominations, organizations, local churches and individuals seek ways to work together to accomplish the Great Commission. In this book Dr Kenneth Shreve presents research from a creative access region, identifying five theological issues that impact partnership in Christian missions as well as exploring how partners interact with those theological issues.

Partnerships in mission are grounded in relationships, relationships that flow from the Trinity and are manifested in the purpose of God, the body of Christ, the gifts of the Spirit, and the church. Through this book the body of Christ will be encouraged to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in the accomplishment of the Great Commission, and achieve far more in partnership than could be done in isolation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783681082
Publisher:	Langham Global Library
Publication date:	03/30/2017
Series:	Global Perspectives
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

Kenneth Shreve has served throughout the 10/40 Window since 1986. He holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies. He has been significantly involved in both regional and international partnerships for over 20 years. Kenneth continues to serve as a consultant to churches and missions organisations on partnership and ministry. He and his wife have two grown children, and they continue to live and serve within the 10/40 Window.

Table of Contents

Abstract

List of Charts and Tables

Abbreviations

1 Background Study

2 Literature Review

3 Research Design and Methodology

4 Partnership and the Trinity

5 Partnership and the Purpose of God

6 Partnership and the Body of Christ

7 Partnership and the Gifts of the Spirit

8 Partnership and the Church

9 Survey Results and Analysis

10 Conclusions and Recommendations

Appendix: CARN Survey

Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Kenneth Shreve's work is unique because it is original research on the theology of partnership in missions, undertaken in the context of a specific Creative Access Region (CAR). The data collection process includes a survey on attendees of the CAR Consultation and archival study of the biblical and theological material on partnership. The five theological issues explored as they inform partnership are: the Trinity, the Purpose of God (missio Dei), the Body of Christ, the Gifts of the Spirit, and the Church – both local and universal.

The readers of this book are informed that partnership is not just a trendy approach in Christian mission; it is biblically based, theologically sound, contextually feasible in CARs and practically advisable elsewhere.

It is the author’s desire to motivate Christian leaders to practice partnership with a kingdom-orientation and to mobilize practitioners to be good stewards by maximizing resources and opportunities in carrying out the Great Commission.

Dr Enoch Wan

Research Professor of Intercultural Studies

Director, Doctor of Intercultural Studies Program,

Western Seminary, Portland, USA

I highly recommend Kenneth Shreve's work. His study is vital to the nature of ministry in the current mission context for two reasons: First, ministry collaboration is a visible, tangible expression of Christ’s redemptive work restoring the God-nature quality of community in creation (cf. John 17:21–23). en, the truly global nature of the church (cf. Acts 1:8) and the dynamism of its non-Western elements make new structures such as ministry networks and partnerships essential. It is true that “secular” sectors such as business, science, and education value and utilize a collaborative approach for today’s most challenging issues. Yet, all truth is God’s truth. Effective community and their trusting relationships and their essential elements were severely damaged, if not destroyed, at the fall. A theological understanding is essential regarding the why and how of partnership’s role in releasing Christ’s redemptive work in the world today. Shreve's work is a must read for any serious church or mission leader.

Phill Butler

Senior Advisor, visionSynergy

Author of Well Connected: Releasing Power, Restoring Hope through Kingdom Partnerships

From the Publisher