Longing for Community Church - by David Greenlee (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Understanding the strength and unity of the ummah-- the worldwide Muslim community--and its role in an individual's identity is essential in comprehending the struggles that Muslims undergo as they turn to faith in Jesus Christ. It has been a place of security, acceptance, protection, and identity; turning away from it entails great sacrifice. Where, then, will Muslims who choose to follow Jesus find their longing for community fulfilled: ummah, church, or somewhere in between?

Review Quotes

An excellent presentation of how to achieve a proper balance between sociological and spiritual realities within the challenge of outreach to Muslims. The concept of "Ummah" (community) is explored and suggestions made on how to integrate believers into a new grouping that preserves biblical integrity while not denounc-ing Muslim culture and life. A valuable resource for practitioners on the front lines.

-Phil Parshall, SIM, Missionary at Large

In the present day, sharing the Gospel to Muslims (or to anyone else) is different than the "mission compound" methodologies. I highly recommend this book to be read by readers who are striving to share Christ to anyone, especially to Muslims. It is also a thoughtful reading for general Christ followers (Christians) who are interested in understanding the issues in a mission field context. This book will encourage all of us to pray for those who are involved every day in helping people to understand the Injil.

-K. Rajendran, World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission; Global Roundtable

The chapters of this book introduce us to a new way of "bridging" the gap that many make us believe exists between civilizations. We will discover through these pages some explanations to the difficulties a Muslim faces in accepting a "new identity" and how sometimes in spite of our human efforts in "discipling" the new converts, God surprises us in dealing with the Muslim person through keeping their cultural Muslim identity while at the same time being faithful to Jesus in the inner "ego." I found the book very thought provoking in the very issues that many missionaries are facing in the field. Our cultural ways as Latinos or Westerners are sometimes obtrusive of how God sometimes deals in His way with them. We need to be open to the manifold wisdom of God manifested in the East. To miracles, dreams, visions, and allowing the Holy Spirit to apply the revelation of the Scriptures in different homiletical categories that we have learned in Systematic Theology.

-Pablo Carrillo, Founder, PM Internacional

About the Author

David Greenlee was raised of missionary parents in South America. He has served with OM since 1977, currently in the role of Director of International Ministry Services. Married with three adult children, he holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, USA. David's publications include One Cross, One Way, Many Journeys: Thinking Again about Conversion and the edited From the Straight Path to the Narrow Way: Journeys of Faith.