The Facilitator Era

Some time ago, Ralph Winter brilliantly identified three eras of modern missions: Era 1: William Carey focused on the coastlands; Era 2: Hudson Taylor focused on the inlands; Era 3: Donald McGavran and Cameron Townsend focused on unreached peoples. With all the fast and furious changes swirling around us today in twenty-first century missions, have we entered a Fourth Era? If so, who are the people primarily involved? How are they selected? How are they trained? How long do they serve? Has the Third Era ministry focus--reaching the unreached--changed? If so, to what? Are there any successful case studies out there? Have McGavran and Townsend passed the baton to a new leader(s)? If so, to whom? This book seeks to answer these and related questions. Contributors include: Dr. Ben Beckner Dr. Monroe Brewer Dr. Don Finley Mike Griffis Dr. Gary Hipp, MD Jerry Hogshead Kaikou Maisu Judy Manna Kenn Oke Dr. A. Sue Russell Dr. Robert Strauss Peter Swann Bryan Thomas Diane Thomas Dr. Mike Wilson Dr. Sherwood G. Lingenfelter ""The Facilitator Era marks a quantum leap forward in strategic thinking and practice of mission. With an eye to planting and multiplying churches among every people, Steffen combines a readable narrative with case studies from around the globe. He examines the promise and pitfalls of current developments pointing the way forward with uncommon wisdom. If you don't want to be left behind as the church moves into the next era of global mission, read The Facilitator Era."" --Craig Ott Associate Professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ""Once again Dr. Tom Steffen has provided a 'leading edge' study of missions strategies and practices. I remember my conversation with Tom a few years ago about this very subject. How has the role of the missionary changed from one who 'passes the baton' to one whom never really picks it up? The Facilitator Era answers the question. Steffen's teaching fable connects powerfully with today's learner. I like his chalkboard illustrations. Students will love this book. Missions thinkers and practitioners will celebrate the scope and depth of Steffen's sources. The global tour of recent, relevant case studies is unprecedented. This is truly a groundbreaking work in missions theory and praxis. The students in my 'Facilitating Church Planting Movements' class will be the beneficiaries! So, after reading The Facilitator Era, why would I still teach pioneer church planting movements? Read the book! --Mike Barnett Associate Dean, College of Intercultural Studies Columbia International University Tom Steffen and his family served with New Tribes Mission for twenty years, fifteen of which were in the Philippines, planting churches among the Ifugao and consulting for the agency. He is Professor of Intercultural Studies and directs the Doctor of Missiology program in the Cook School of Intercultural Studies at Biola University in La Mirada, California. He is the author of Encountering Missionary Life and Work (with Lois McKinney Douglas), Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions (with Steve Rundle), Passing the Baton: Church Planting That Empowers, and Reconnecting God's Story to Ministry: Crosscultural Storytelling at Home and Abroad.