Leading Mission Book Review

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Book Review

Leading Missions
An Asian Perspective
Dr. Ginnei Thang Ngaihte

Submitted to
Rev. A. Anni Singh

In Partial fulfilment of the Requirement


For the course M.Div. Research

By
L.Gabriel
18.10.2023

AG Tamilnadu Bible College

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An Asian Perspective
Leading Mission

Introduction

About The Author : Dr. Ginnei Thang Ngaihte earned his Doctorate degree in Global
Ministries from Fuller Theological Seminary (School of World Missions), USA; BD and
BRE from Union Biblical Seminary, India and BA from St. Anthony's College, Shillong,
India.

Dr. ThangNgaihte, an ordained minister served as Evangelist-at-large, Director of


Ministries and Missions in India since 1974.Thang, with his wife ChingNgaihte, worked
with Indian Evangelical Mission in India from1987-88; then with OMF International
since1989 serving as Regional Director, OMF International, Bangkok for several years.
He served as a member of Field Council, Chairman of Regional Council, adviser of
Associated Churches of Thailand in Bangkok and is a working member of the
Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand.

Dr.Thang Ngaihte joined Asian Theological Seminary, Manila, as Associate Professor in


2000; served as Department Head of Inter-cultural and Urban Studies (Missions) and
Director of International Students for several years. As Director of Missions practicum,
he trained students for cross-cultural missions in several countries in Asia. Dr. Ngaihte
serves as adjunct faculty at North East Centre for Training and Research (NECTAR-
India, Shillong) and gives lectures in various Bible seminaries and colleges in India,
Philippines, Thailand and Singapore. He speaks at general conferences and important
mission meetings like Triennial missions conferences and the 100th Year Gospel
Centenary celebrations. Dr. Ngaihte and his Wife Ching currently serve at Chiang Mai
Theological Seminary, Thailand and he is Interim Dean of Asian Cross-cultural Training
Institute, Singapore. Their children: Khup is serving at PayapUniversity, Chiang Mai and
Nem, with her husband Oliver, lives in California, USA.

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About The Book : Leading Missions an Asian Perspective book has 260 pages and
divided into 10 chapters. This book was published by Outreach Publications - Indian
Evangelical Mission (IEM) Bangalore, Karnataka. First edition 2014 and 2000 copies.
This book was reviewed by Dr. Patrick Fung, General Director, OMF International. Dr.
Henry Mathew Breidenthal, Founding President, Bangkok Bible College and Seminary
and Chiang Mai Theological Seminary, Thailand. And Daniel CH Wong, National
Director, OMF International, Sigapore Ltd.

Book Summary : This book deals with some essential Scripture based leadership roles,
functions to engage in missions, roles of the church and the various roles of individual
believers in missions, Also this book give clear address how to prepare missionaries, how
to do mission ministries more effectively, how to take care of missionarie, how to select
and plan target mission fields, how to develop strategic partnerships with others. And to
realize the mission in a cross – cultural context does not easily succeed. Missionary must
be fully prepared and equipped with the whole armor of God and fight under the
leadership of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:10) Missionary have to fight against spiritual
authorities and powers of dark world.

This book teach how to do cross-cultural missions by experience due to the lack of
relevant books and tools written in Asian contexts.

Chapter 1 : The Mission Of God To The World

Chapter one deals with what is mission, the author give a special attention to the motif of
the holistic nature of the mission of the God. Author relate s it to the Asian Missions
today. Holistic mission of God is to preserve multiply and control creation. But we
continue to fail to fulfil the purpose of God. In creation this is responsible behaviour
resulted in environmental disasters second is the mission to transform human society for
the kingdom of God you are the faithful Christian presence to impact and transform
society. One of our failures as Christians may not be over theological interpretations but
also our practical living it out as the people of the kingdom.

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The gospel to all Nations does the preaching of the gospel good news of great Joy is our
top priority and ultimate purpose of our mission to the world. Got the Father is the
originator of the mission who initiated the mission even before the foundations of the
world God by sending his only son Jesus Christ into the world. Who is the only saviour of
mankind, without him salvation is not possible act 4:12

The holy spirit the power of the mission. Man devise various tools instruments strategies
and practice but nothing will be effective unless the power of the Holy spirit works
through them in many ways God has shown his power through in significant things even
through human foolishness.

The church the body of the Christ is interested with the task of the great commission to
perform with effect efficient and competent leadership qualities acts 12: 2-6.
Calling as community the church is commission as a community calling is in the old
testament calling to the Nations calling of the 12 apostles in the new testament We see the
lord Jesus call his disciples individually but also representatives of the 12 Tribes of the
nation of Israel.

The only important question is where God wants a believer to be a witness for him the
fundamental truth is Christians must have the mind and attitude of Christ who himself
was the missionary sent by god Philippines to and who served sacrificially.

Chapter – 2: Missions In An Asian Perspective Got Strategy In Asian


Mission

Chapter two deals with the God Plan. God has planned to reach the lost in the world but
not without the environmental of this people in fact God devices wonderful strategies for
World missions in his eternal plan to save human beings in every nation and country
people have their own culture religious belief and socio political setups that may not be
favourable to easily spread the gospel.

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Strategic vicinity for missions there is profound truths and got strategic plan for the world
missions with special reference to his people.

But for Asian Christians we are having great opportunities to reach people in the area
shown about because acceptance is generally high quick cultural adjustment is achievable
world views and basic religious believes are homogeneous.

There are two types of missions :-

First Centripetal missions : True worship of gods people draws others towards them
through their lively worship and lovely fellowship which were popular themes in the old
testament. Matt 5:30 to 16 this is powerful evangelism and extreme important for the
churches and Christian community anywhere.

Second Centrifugal mission the believers witnesses to other Nations on trips known as
mission outrage it could be near or for it could be across geographical boundaries or
across cultural barriers it is an active involvement to reach the unreached for Christ.

Strategic Timeline:

The spirit of God moves through different people in different times, the first wave came
when the 12 apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ preach the gospel to the world. The second
wave came when the Western missionary switch the world with the gospel the most well-
known where William carry to India as the third wave comes we begin to see God rising
National missionaries from National churches to reach their own people groups and
neighbours, it is time for the believers to take the responsibility to reach people around
them.

Chapter 3 :This sending leadership task establishing basic foundations for


missions primary essential foundations in Asian mission.

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Chapter three deals with Prayer to the discussion of the primary task of ministries in
Asian missions. It is important to highlight some underlying basic principal of the
mission to be considered seriously practically ministries found in the philosophy and
concept that may not be easily transformed from culture to culture or one contacts to
another contact due to the white differences between two historical has not been easily
integrated as an Asian religion.

There are several cross cultural ministries whose attitude toward other religion need to be
changed for example people making Hinduism as one religion due to lack of knowledge
and information understanding target people this includes speaking their language
adapting to their cultures dressing like them eating their food and behaving as they do to
create relationship to integrate into the host cultures to reach them.

Ministry cannot be done without clear philosophy people had their own philosophy of
work according to their belief world views perceptions cultural backgrounds environment
and experience combined together with the available of resources.

Essential foundations in Asian mission

The mission statement will not work is it is simply return without intentional practice
commitment discipline and sacrifice. I have seen in several churches especially in cities
where the mission statements or interestingly displayed. Good mission statements help
the missionaries focus on the purpose and keep themselves disciplined with the parameter
of their ministries

Essential qualities for leadership in mission

The lord Jesus Christ started his early ministry by preparing the 12 apostles for World
missions. Calling and gives for leadership it is true to same mission is for everyone but
Leading missions in the church is a unique ministry, and commitment to Christ leadership
request personal values and sacrifice.

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Competence for leadership task competence in ministry is one of the main keys to success
I leader who is God's choice must have skill ability and spiritual giftedness one
Corinthians 12: 4 – 6.

Chapter – 4 : Mission Executive Leadership Task Executing Ministry


Ground Work In Context Asian Mission Ministry.

Chapter four deals with the ground work in context of Asian Mission Ministry. Asia is
huge continent having diverse multi-cultural ethnic groups of people with extremely
pluralistic religions there are some priorities that may be considered as a primer task
focusing on urban cities urban poor ministries campus ministries immigrants people
groups ministry of reconciliation.

Paradigm shift in ministry concept and change of attitude and behaviour or phenomenal
as the world is changing today people are changing strategies in ministries are changing
and leadership style of changing this is the time to think seriously about changes thinking
places.

Community of believers the unreached people cannot be reached inside our church but in
the society we need to fulfil the great commission through both centripetal and centrifugal
approaches Author sees serious about this as the front tyres are moving in the world
mission’s perspective.

Biblical theology of mission’s anthropology and culture religions doing theology in


context developing emerging leadership in context holistic ministry.

Chapter – 5 : Executive Leadership Task Enhancing Machinery


Development Identify Suitable Missionay Candidates.

Chapter five deals with Understanding the missionary call in the context of the third
Identifying suitable Missionary Candidates. World there is no greater priority than

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missions for the task of the church the missionary call is comes from the lord of the
harvest and needs a response from the one who is being called.

Scriptural principles for identifying suitable machineries


 God calls people directly like Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah, Paul and many others.
 Believers prayed and Identify the person.
 Third good leaders identify perspective missionaries.

How to be sure of god's call for missions

 First God speaks to us through his living word the Bible itself.
 Second God relieve reveals his will through answering of our prayers.
 Third God can speak through our experience
 Fourth our common senses important gods fixed through our mind if we keep it
clear and know the voice of god,
 Fifth God constantly lead us one step at a time we need to follow the divine
directions even though we do not see for ahead that requires faith in God.
 Sixth Human conviction and peace of mind is vital to know and make sure the
Will of God those whose heart is to serve god must have peace and confidence
when god of us and opportunity to serve.
 Seventh Christian guidance from a Christian friend pastor or counsellor is
important to make sure the call of God.

Some basic requirements and qualifications physical fitness a missionary must be


physically strong to move around and medically healthy and fit social life keeping
integrated in social life is one of the basic foundations of sustainability in a missionary
life.

Chapter - 6 : Executive Leadership Task Ministry Selection Principles And


Practices For Ministry Selection.

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Chapter six deals with practice for ministry selection. Mission ministry does not occur
whether true vision the vision of God leader need to say God gave me a vision God’s
vision is my vision.

Guidelines for missions field selection :

Jesus sent out his disciples with the following instructions do not go to among the gentle's
or enter any town of the summer returns go rather to the lost sheep of Israel as you go
preach this message the Kingdom of heaven is there Matt 10 :5-7 the guidance of the holy
spirit the mission feel selection must be made after through study and gathering
information about the people culture socio and political situation and several other factors
that demographic priority can be given to respect you groups of people knowing the lord
is working through open hearts before knocking the close those Selection of strategic
ministry locations cross culture ministry may not succeed just anywhere suitable locations
and environment will enhance the growth of the ministries.

Chapter 7 Executive Leaders Task Deploying Ministry Missionaries

Chapter seven deals with Deploying ministry missionaries. Preparation for landing on the
field the greatest uncertainty in the life of the missionaries is preparing for the unfamiliar
place to live also prepare spiritually to encounter the one whom you might not have
encounter before pray and be ready. Secondly prepare personal needs personal essential
of the missionary should be taken priority medicine and emergency needs. Thirdly get
ready for required legal documents important documents should be considered as a
priority as well.

Sustainable support should be established, No organisation are church should send


missionaries without commitments in prayers along with stable financial support it is not
possible to assume someone will pray support and care for our missionaries on the fields
it is important to ensure missionaries have enough support to leave and to do their
ministries.

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Second regular and good system of communication between the machineries and the
home side must be established especially to convey emergency and official things.

Children education plan Asian challenge parents need to fully commit to take care of the
children who solely depend on their decisions parents should investigate well in advance
if there is any school to wear the children can be go to study for before leaving for the
fields.

Missionary carrying is unique ministry that require special attention carrying without
understanding someone's problem may not be helpful it is basic to understand the person
for whom we care the following guidelines maybe helpful to care for missionaries,

Retirement plans, life without planning is planning for failure in some cultural retirement
framework is like an end of life many people do not planned for the next stage of their
lives in other words they plan to do something anymore.

Chapter - 8 : Leadership Test Partnership Connections Strategic


Partnership In Asian Missions.

Chapter eight deals with partnership in Asian Missions. To establish fellowship and
friendship which is relationship to pray to play rules in ministry by providing the needs
that is partnership to motivate and opportunity to serve each other.

Personal relationship between missionaries and supporters is crucial. Central pooling


funds to achieve is one of the main teams through our scripture we as Christians are
changed to manage divinely given provisions fruitful for his Glory missions supported by
the local Church, indigenous support and individual support.

Chapter – 9 : Leadership Task In Mission Fields Consolidating


Machinery's Life And Ministry Inter Cultural Relationship And Cultural
Issues.

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Chapter nine deals with a missionary life, cultural issues and relationships. They are
connected with believes, world views, philosophies and cultures together with friends and
changes in environment. The great commission cannot be accomplished by the trial and
error, leadership uniquely requires functioning according to the environment and its
context.

Common conflicts human beings are not perfect and our naturally unspiritual it is not
uncommon to have conflict in life it is surprising to learn problems and issues in the
mission teams are not from outside source but conflicts among the team members ways to
reconcile generally people from the west may prefer to come for directly to solve the
problems people trying to avoid direct confrontation if possible.

Chapter – 10 : Final Leadership Task: Installing Home-grown Leadership.

Chapter 10 deals with a installing home-grown leadership. Leader should have Christ like
character. He has to use his gifts and skill in the ministry. There may be hindrance for
home-grow. Leaders should develop themselves. Today they have to re-think their
concepts.

Conclusion

This book is very useful for the Asian mission and missionaries. It deals with many issues
and important things to do. The great commission will never end nor rest until it brings
the final and ultimate praise and glory to God. So every nation and every tribe and every
tongue may confess Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory fo God the Father.

Critic
 The binding of book can be better, it easily get tear.
 There are some spelling mistakes.
 Still there can be more practical approach.

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Commendation
 The font is very legible to read.
 Bible verses are quoted in full.
 Deals with holistic approach of the mission
 Book setting, formatting, drawing and pictures makes interesting.
 Bibliography and end notes are very useful.
 Learn more mission strategies in Asian context.

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they may go through third person for negotiation and reconciliation

Chapter 10 final leadership test installing home ground leadership mission accomplished
u

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