Book Review: The future of the global Church

Eddie Olliffe reviews the new book by former Operation World editor Patrick Johnstone, examining at the history and considering the future of global missions.

I'm delighted to review this rather striking and solid A4-size Hardback. Well produced, it's quite simply magnificent; a Magnus Opus. It's visually stunning and highly significant for the whole Christian community; a broad sweep of Christian endeavour through the centuries culminating in a 'pause point' of where the worldwide church finds itself today. In some ways its underlying thesis harks back to an earlier era and gives the impression – perhaps correctly – that the Church in the West has largely lost its mission imperative. Consequently much of the book is devoted to the unfinished task of world mission.

Patrick Johnstone has done the Christian world a very particular service both with this new title and also previously as the main compiler and editor behind six previous editions of the indispensable prayer guide, Operation World, now in its 7th edition (2010) under Jason Mandryk. OW has been translated from English into 16 languages and has sold over 3m copies worldwide.

Johnstone's latest book attempts to make sense of our world, its history and religions through the lens of evangelical Christianity. There is an element of futurology here. Its stated aim is 'to better prepare Christians for ministry in the 21st century'.

You will learn much. The scope of the book is immense but its structure is cleverly thought through, making it straightforward and compelling. Every page is packed full of maps, charts and statistics – all food for meditation, prayer and discussion. This is a colourful, colour-coded visual interpretation of masses of otherwise impenetrable data distilled into clear chapter and subject headings making the book a delight to browse. Throughout, shaded boxes contain 'Food for Thought' items and a 'Burning Question for Today'.

As Christians, we can so often trot out 'facts' which are no longer true or worse still are 'half-truths'. We become lazy because it takes effort to update our knowledge. This book means we no longer have any excuse to not understand the complexities, needs and opportunities of the planet which we call home and its people whom God created and loves. All praying individuals should purchase a copy and keep it alongside their Bible and newspaper. In my view, this is a 'must read'for all Christians but especially for those with any kind of responsibility in Church leadership.

The Future of the Global Church is written by Patrick Johnstone and published by Authentic Media.

Eddie Olliffe is a respected commentator and publishing industry veteran. He blogs regularly here