Music In Missions Discipling Through Music

Music missionaries, ministers of music, concerned pastors, and others who must try and communicate the gospel across cultural lines will find this book an invaluable resource. T.W. Hunt's lifetime of involvement with music missions uniquely qualifies him to lead the reader through the following subjects: The Role of Music in Missions The Missionary Musician Communicative Method in Music Evangelism Principles of Training Traditional Methodology in Music Missions Indigenous Music Indigenousation

Indigenous peoples of Brazil have come to faith in Christ in large numbers in recent decades. As Christianity takes root in each culture, it may incorporate expressive forms of music and art, which can range from those identical to earlier cultural forms to those which are fully imported. But what happens when musicians and artists of a local indigenous community fuse elements from a variety of genres and create their own music? Are they just imitations of external forms? Or are they authentic creations from elements that have now become their own sounds, too? Christian musicians among the Xerente (pronounced Sheh- ́ren-teh) have created their own fusion genre(s) to express their faith, communicate the gospel, and edify their churches. Their music includes elements from their cultural tradition as well as from (secular) genres of the northeastern region of Brazil. Is it, then, authentically Xerente? As we discuss in this book, independent of tangible markers or its long history, the authenticity of an art form can be demonstrated through a number of connections with the community and signposted by its meaning and function among the people, as well as the competence and agency of the people in their artistic choices.

The case study method of teaching has revolutionized higher education, becoming the favored technique of presenters who want to help groups entertain options outside their normal repertory of programmed responses. In Christian Mission: A Case Study Approach, Alan Neely of Princeton Theological Seminary adapts this educational tool to the study of cross- cultural ministries and mission. First, Neely introduces the case study in Christian thought by analyzing what is meant by a ""context"" and what the problem of contextualization means. This introduction will help classroom instructor as well as the casual reader understand how to use ""cases"" and what issues are involved. Neely then tackles questions that arise in the encounter of Christianity with Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and primal religions. From the contemporary case of ""A Letter from Claire"" to the classic historical study ""Roberto de Nobili,"" Christian Mission clearly illustrates how far and deep questions of contextualization run.

Ultimately, what really does it mean to be creative? How can we see ourselves as participating in the creativity of God for mission? All people are creative. Sadly, however, for many, creativity is stifled and remains stunted due to several reasons—social, economic, political, cultural, and even spiritual. This study explores how ICMs—indigenous cosmopolitan musicians—negotiate their creativity amid the liminal spaces they occupy as they share in the creativity of God for mission through their music. But what exactly does it mean to share in the creativity of God for mission? Contrary to popular notion, ICMs evidence that creativity is not merely innovation; it is not a psychological metric for measuring human potential; it is certainly not the “icing on the cake” reserved for a few so-called creatives or artists. Rather, “theological creativity” is participation in the creatio Dei; it is theologically prior to mission. As a missiological framework, creatio Dei is understood here in terms of creative being, creative construction (design), and creative performance. Hopefully, this book can help clarify and expand our understanding of what it means to be truly creative and, thereby, with the help of the Creator, put into practice principles of theological creativity as we share in the creativity of God in the world, with others.

Dr. Liesch highlights the various models of Christian worship. This one-of-a-kind book for many kinds of readers in all kinds of churches presents the various biblical models and offers a wealth of suggestions. He takes up some of the major concerns such as the role of music, uses of symbolism, the appropriateness of dance, modes of celebration, expressions of reverence, and many others. *Lightning Print On Demand Title

What is the role of music in the twenty-first century church--and what should it be? Johansson examines this and other crucial questions concerning church music and offers "redirection" for the function of music ministry in the life of the modern church.

Strengthening Music Ministry in the Evangelical Church Drawing upon a wealth of experience and years of fieldwork, author Calvin Johansson sets forth detailed suggestions and practical ideas for growing the ministry of music in the local church. He offers readers a unique perspective on music’s role, disassociated from text, in Christian formation and worship. Written in two parts, the first (Practics) is concerned with the hands-on operation of a church music program. The second (Rationale) presents biblical fundamentals helpful in making musical choices.