Book Review
EMQ » January–March 2019 » Volume 55 Issue 1
Voices from the Field: Conversations with Our Global Family
Edited by T. J. MacLeslie, Vol. 2 in the Field Notes series
Peregrini Press, 2018
Llantwit Major, Wales
150 pages
ISBN: 978-0993326592
USD $11.99
Where should future missionaries seek advice for best practices in cross-cultural ministry? They often consult current and former missionaries to discover valuable lessons learned “on the field.” Highly motivated individuals may even consult the writings of ethnographers and missiologists to understand more about culture, people groups, and mission strategies. Cross-cultural ministers may, however, overlook the experts with the most experience in a particular culture, the nationals themselves. T. J. MacLeslie addresses this gap by providing insights from nationals about the ways that foreign mission workers can build relationships and minister most effectively in cross-cultural contexts.
The book consists of 29 interviews with Christian nationals in different regions of the world. Each lightly-edited interview provides some personal background information, a description of work experiences with foreign missionaries, and recommendations for effective cross-cultural ministry within the particular context. Readers learn directly from indigenous Christian leaders in Mongolia, Mexico, Mali, Morocco, India, Spain, Togo, Portugal, Ghana, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, China, and more broadly in Southeast Asia, North Africa, and the “Arab World.”
All of the nationals offer insights for ministry that are helpful in their specific cultural context, as well as other insights that are valuable in any cross-cultural setting. Some of the region-specific advice focuses on particular cultural customs, levels of openness, and indigenous worship practices. One culture may commonly include ancestor worship along with the belief in a variety of deities while another may be largely atheistic and antagonistic toward any religious beliefs. Islamic cultures tend to emphasize distinctions between gender roles and require extra sensitivity about modest behavior and clothing. Some cultures readily welcome foreigners while others like Bulgaria require a much longer time and greater “patience to develop friendship and personal contacts” (140).
The readers learn from inside experts of the particular cultures how important it is for foreign workers to practice humility, learn the heart language of the people, listen to locals, and understand the local culture on a deep level. Their testimonies show how the conversion process and Christian worship may differ from one culture to another. While missiologists and missionaries may identify similar insights, this book gives voice directly to nationals, creating a global conversation.
Voices from the Field would prove valuable to everyone who seeks to do any type of cross-cultural ministry: long-term, mid-term, and short-term, local and global. By following the advice within these pages, the readers will be able to avoid many of the common pitfalls associated with missionary endeavors. They will also learn some of the best ways to build meaningful relationships across cultural divides. While even high school students will find the book’s contents accessible, all readers—including college and seminary students—will appreciate the depth of the insights as they prepare for cross-cultural ministry.
Reviewed by Dennis J. Horton, associate professor of religion and director of ministry guidance, Baylor University, Waco, Texas.
For Further Reading
Georges, Jayson and Mark D. Baker. Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures: Biblical Foundations and Practical Essentials. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2016.
MacLeslie, T. J., ed. Forged on the Field: Letters from Global Mission Leaders. Vol. 1 in the Field Notes series. Llantwit Major, Wales: Peregrini Press, 2015.
McCullough, Andy. Global Humility: Attitudes for Mission. Welwyn Garden City, England: Malcolm Down Publishing, 2018.
