Asian Missions Advance, 86

Asian Missions Advance Newsletter

Winter 2025 / 86th

1. Embracing Pauline Mission Strategies for Effective Gospel Proclamation in Urban Contexts

[Addison Ndzi Talla]

The command to preach the Gospel involves engaging diverse peoples everywhere (cf. Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Foremost among the individuals mentioned in the Bible whose impact stood out and serves as an example for many today is Apostle Paul. A careful study of his life and mission shows that he was largely involved in urban missions. This article considers strategies for executing the task of the Great Commission in urban areas with a focus on Paul’s missionary efforts…

2. Cognitive Dissonance in the Christian Church Today: When Lives and Failed Relationships Betray the Lack of Faith

[James D. Langteau and Kenneth D. Gossett]

The purpose of this journal article is to report on the significant findings from a study exposing prevalent cognitive dissonance in Christian churches, and the negative impact it has on restored relationships within the Church and outside the Church in the community at large. The authors of this article also offer concrete suggestions to counter the apathy and superficiality…

3. Missional Curriculum for Theological Education

[Sakunee Kriangchaipon]

The Cape Town Commitment highlights the mission of theological education, emphasizing that it exists to serve the church in fulfilling God’s mission (missio Dei). In this context, theological education refers to institutions that equip individuals within Christian contexts and academic settings to participate in God’s mission in the world. As the mission of the church is part of God’s broader work to the world; the mission of theological education does not exist as a separate, independent endeavor…

4. Pneumatiphobia and Pentecostalism among the Yoruba Christians in Nigeria

[Benjamin Isola Akano]

When the Western missionaries established the Christian faith in Nigeria’s southwest in the nineteenth century, it was not easy to engage the heavily spiritualised cosmologies of the Yoruba people. Eventually, Pentecostalism brought a breakthrough to the complex spiritual realities they encountered. However, its expression is not without some unbiblical baggage of some parts of the African worldview as they respond to these existential realities…

5. Effects of Interfaith Dialogue on Christian Missions

[Akin Alawode]

The cultural and religious diversity of the world has no doubt made Christians devise various means to fulfil the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations. Likewise, peaceful coexistence that enhances the quality of life has become a most demanding human need, especially in the last two decades. The intricacy of diverse faiths, beliefs, traditions and languages, coupled with religious fundamentalism and fanaticism, has led to religious communalism, arson, looting, killings, rape, and damage of properties in various nations. Since there can be no peace among the people without peace among religions, there can be no peace among religions without dialogue…

6. The Extension of the Gospel in Thailand and the New Wave of Latino Workers in the Mission

[Noemi Troncoso de Vallejos]

The extension of the gospel in Thailand has been a challenging yet significant process over the decades. While the country has experienced a slight opening to Christianity, the Christian faith remains a minority, representing about 1% of the population. In this context, a new wave of Latin American missionary workers has begun to arrive in Thailand with the intention of expanding the message of the gospel…

7. BOOK REVIEW: From Womb to Tomb

[Chris Carr]

Tira’s book addresses and now fills a previous intergenerationally-focused lacuna in the field of diaspora missiology he has helped lead through his connections with the Lausanne Movement and his many written books and journal articles:…