Lee, Jihoon

English

APU Digital Archives (Azusa Pacific University)

Great Commission Research Journal Volume 5 Issue 1 Article 17 7-1-2013 The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch Jihoon Lee Biola University, imagehoon@gmail.com Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalarchives.apu.edu/gcrj  Part of the Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Lee, J. (2013). The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch. Great Commission Research Journal, 5(1), 142-145. Retrieved from https://digitalarchives.apu.edu/gcrj/vol5/iss1/17 This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by APU Digital Archives. It has been accepted for inclusion in Great Commission Research Journal by an authorized editor of APU Digital Archives. For more information, please contact sharrell@apu.edu. obvious that Christians are more comfortable being in their own community andsecluding themselves from others (121); thus, I plan to continue to lead my churchinto radical discipleship (150) by incorporating this information in my sermonsand lay training (133).In conclusion, UnChristian is a must read for pastors, staff, and other leadersin a church. It will change their attitude and approach to evangelism for it givesinsight into how Christians might better engage outsiders. While it is true that allwho hear the gospel of Jesus will not accept it, Christians should not be the reasonfor their rejection. Christianity is a process of growth, a journey so to speak. Christians did notget in their current state overnight. By observing the data and testimonies, allChristians are able to see the past, visualize the reality of the present, and predictthe future based on their responses to the information provided. I am confidentthat as I incorporate this information into my church context we will become amore loving church. Like Rick Warren, my dream for our congregation is “thatthirty years from now, the church will be known more by what it is for than what itis against” (245). Frost, Michael, and Alan Hirsch. The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission forthe 21st-Century Church. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003, 236 pp., $21.99.Reviewed by Jihoon Lee. Lee is a young adult group pastor of Korean Central PresbyterianChurch in Sydney, Australia. He has a B.A. from Hanyang University, Seoul; an M.Div. fromChongshin Seminary, Yongin, Korea; and an M.A. from Southwestern Baptist Seminary inTexas. He is presently working on a D.Min. from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.E-mail: imagehoon@gmail.comMichael Frost is the Vice Principal of Morling College located in Sydney,Australia; the Director of the Tinsley Institute; and the founder of the ForgeMission Training Network. He wrote Freedom to Explore and Exiles, amongothers. Alan Hirsch is a strategist of mission, a missionary, a poet, and a visionary.He has written The Forgotten Ways and ReJesus (with Michael Frost). The Shaping of Things to Come suggests a biblical church that is incarnationalin its ecclesiology, messianic in its spirituality, and apostolic in its leadership. Theseare key elements so that the contemporary church can overcome the traditions ofChristendom. The authors assert that a reader cannot easily accept this shiftbecause it is radical. However, their ideas in this book are radical in order tochange and improve the concept of the church. Therefore, this book is good for142BOOK REVIEWSGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1421Lee: The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21sPublished by APU Digital Archives, 2013both a seminary student and a pastor because it suggests a biblical model for thechurch. In the first part, the authors begin with a story of “Black Rock” and “BurningMan” (3). These two stories point out that a secular meeting can seem morespiritual and religious than church. However, although the authors use thisexample to challenge the church’s radical power, some concerns arise. Severalcommunities in postmodern society have come and gone. Postmodernists oftenemphasize the value of individuals and their cultures. It is surprising that they haveexperienced catharsis and spirituality. Even though they seem to have most thingsthat a church needs, such as spiritual experiences, their meetings cannot beconstrued as “church.” Sometimes, churches follow the spirit of the secularcommunity because of its phenomenon. If  the church engages culture in thismanner, does it represent the heart of God or the spirit of secular community?In the first part of this book, Frost and Hirsch suggest the church mustovercome Christendom (8). This idea has been introduced by many scholars, butthe authors argue that the majority of Western churches adhere to the traditions ofChristendom. However, they do not consider that many churches in the worldutilize physical buildings and a tradition-laden system.After the authors criticize problems of the contemporary church, they suggestthe missional church as an alternative (17). In this, they display the future model ofchurch planting (22). This is the theme of this book. The authors provide threecharacteristics to support the theme. The first aspect of the missional church is ashift from an “attractional” to an “incarnational” church (30). Several scholarshave adapted the term incarnational to fit the concept of missions. Another part ofthe missional church is Messianic spirituality as opposed to one that is “dualistic”(30). Piety in daily life is challenging for even the mature Christian. The authorsopine that Messianic spirituality requires acting out spirituality in one’s daily life.It plays a significant role in evangelism because non-Christians who live nearChristians can see God through the Christian. All three characteristics are weakerpoints in most contemporary churches. As the authors point out, most churcheshave a building from which they hardly move. Consequently, they focus on Sundaymeetings, and as a result, many have lost the power of daily piety. Many do notserve in the church but instead take a passive approach to ministry.Regarding an incarnational church, the authors demonstrate the process of“going to them,” “living together with them,” and “disciplining them” (33).Although they are important procedures, there is something more significant, and that is how one opens his heart so that he can accept Christ as Savior andLord. 143great commission research journalGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1432Great Commission Research Journal, Vol. 5, Iss. 1 [2013], Art. 17https://digitalarchives.apu.edu/gcrj/vol5/iss1/17The authors introduce two examples of the church going to the people: thepub (9) and chocolate shop church (60). Many visionaries have attempted to plantchurches on Manhattan Island in New York City. However, most fail because offinancial problems. While a business model of a missionary (or church planter) canbe a good model, a gap remains between incarnational churches and churchplanting. If  only churches that have sufficient money can complete the mission ofthe incarnational church, it seems that this model does not accurately depict amissional church. Messianic spirituality is a good idea concerning the restoration of daily pietyof a Christian. In this part of the book, however, the explanation seems theoreticalbecause the application about Messianic spirituality is weak. Some churches donot recognize that they live a life of Messianic spirituality. For instance, somechurch members gather together for LTG (Life Transform Group) at lunchtime attheir work place or school. During the group, each one shares the Word that theyread in the morning; then, they exhort and help each other live through theirapplication of the Word. Although this example might not exactly meet thestandard for Messianic spirituality, it works because the groups are gathered in theliving places of each person. Also, it is good that anyone can invite his friends intothe group. The group can be an incarnational church at the same time.The authors quote Marshall McCluhan’s phrase, “The medium is the message”(149). This phrase has a significant role in the identity of Christians in the church.Over the years, many Christians have become passive. They are always waiting fortheir leader or minister to do something for them. However, if  they hear thephrase, “The medium is the message,” they understand it as, “You or your life is themessage.” Therefore, Christians cannot stay passive because they are the messageand the Gospel. They are also partners with God (159). These two statements arebrief  but serve as a concise conclusion to this part. If  a church has passivemembers, these statements help motivate them in discipleship and service in theministry, because they should also be the message of God. Frost and Hirsch suggest five roles of biblical leadership (166). According tothem, APEPT comes from Ephesians (167). The five kinds of leadership seem to benecessary; however, the authors have to clarify whether the five roles of leadershipare simply functional or absolute standards of Scripture. The APEPT model is interesting. The matrix that presents specific functionsseems like a psychological test such as the MBTI and Enneagram (174). Apertinent question is the following: Can the church use psychological tests toarrange members for effective ministries? If  yes, some questions remain: What test144BOOK REVIEWSGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1443Lee: The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21sPublished by APU Digital Archives, 2013will the church use? How does the church trust the results? However, it helps one tounderstand each role’s function more precisely. In chapter 10, the authors state that the missional church should be organic,reproducible, and self-sustaining (175). The term “organic” is an interesting wordfor the church. If  the church is organic, when one team plants a church, the wholechurch should rejoice with them. When another team fails, the church shouldcomfort and exhort them because it is not only their mission, but also the missionof the whole church. Similarly, one small group might fail to reproduce anothersmall group. Then, it is not the failure of one group, but the whole church’sbecause the church is one body that serves Christ, the head. The authors suggest several keys for paradigm shifts in churches (192). Of thekeys, “encouraging holy dissatisfaction” is not an easy one. Many leaders thinkthey fail when they face opposition. Also, the authors quote Howard Snyder’smention of “nontraditional or nonordained leadership” to organize the revolution(204). These two relate to the flexibility of leadership. If  leadership does not haveflexibility, the church is set in the Christendom tradition. To summarize, Frost and Hirsch effectively present why and how churchesshould pursue the missional church model. Their strongest points in this bookinvolve the three aspects of the missional church. Some parts look theoretical, butthey give readers many implications. This book is a required book for a pastor whois preparing for church planting and also for a current leader of a church.Furthermore, if  one church is too large to do something the authors say in thisbook, it needs to consider other options. Churches move and work dynamically.Many churches plant other churches in unchurched areas. The principles in thisbook can help churches plant other churches in a biblical way. McIntosh, Gary and Alan McMahan. Being the Church in a Multi-Ethnic Community: Why ItMatters and How It Works. Indianapolis: Wesleyan Publishing House, 2012. 219 pages.$16.99.Reviewed by Jeffrey Medina. Medina has an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist TheologicalSeminary. He is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program on Church Vitalization with a Minor inIslamic Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.How can the Church be what Jesus Christ has called it to be in the ever-changing communities of North America? This is the question that GaryMcIntosh and Alan McMahan set out to answer. These two authors have a wealth145great commission research journalGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1454Great Commission Research Journal, Vol. 5, Iss. 1 [2013], Art. 17https://digitalarchives.apu.edu/gcrj/vol5/iss1/17

The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch

Asbury Theological Seminary

Great Commission Research Journal Volume 5 Issue 1 Article 17 7-1-2013 The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch Jihoon Lee Biola University, imagehoon@gmail.com Follow this and additional works at: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj  Part of the Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Lee, J. (2013). The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch. Great Commission Research Journal, 5(1), 142-145. Retrieved from https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol5/iss1/17 This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by ePLACE: preserving, learning, and creative exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Great Commission Research Journal by an authorized editor of ePLACE: preserving, learning, and creative exchange. obvious that Christians are more comfortable being in their own community andsecluding themselves from others (121); thus, I plan to continue to lead my churchinto radical discipleship (150) by incorporating this information in my sermonsand lay training (133).In conclusion, UnChristian is a must read for pastors, staff, and other leadersin a church. It will change their attitude and approach to evangelism for it givesinsight into how Christians might better engage outsiders. While it is true that allwho hear the gospel of Jesus will not accept it, Christians should not be the reasonfor their rejection. Christianity is a process of growth, a journey so to speak. Christians did notget in their current state overnight. By observing the data and testimonies, allChristians are able to see the past, visualize the reality of the present, and predictthe future based on their responses to the information provided. I am confidentthat as I incorporate this information into my church context we will become amore loving church. Like Rick Warren, my dream for our congregation is “thatthirty years from now, the church will be known more by what it is for than what itis against” (245). Frost, Michael, and Alan Hirsch. The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission forthe 21st-Century Church. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003, 236 pp., $21.99.Reviewed by Jihoon Lee. Lee is a young adult group pastor of Korean Central PresbyterianChurch in Sydney, Australia. He has a B.A. from Hanyang University, Seoul; an M.Div. fromChongshin Seminary, Yongin, Korea; and an M.A. from Southwestern Baptist Seminary inTexas. He is presently working on a D.Min. from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.E-mail: imagehoon@gmail.comMichael Frost is the Vice Principal of Morling College located in Sydney,Australia; the Director of the Tinsley Institute; and the founder of the ForgeMission Training Network. He wrote Freedom to Explore and Exiles, amongothers. Alan Hirsch is a strategist of mission, a missionary, a poet, and a visionary.He has written The Forgotten Ways and ReJesus (with Michael Frost). The Shaping of Things to Come suggests a biblical church that is incarnationalin its ecclesiology, messianic in its spirituality, and apostolic in its leadership. Theseare key elements so that the contemporary church can overcome the traditions ofChristendom. The authors assert that a reader cannot easily accept this shiftbecause it is radical. However, their ideas in this book are radical in order tochange and improve the concept of the church. Therefore, this book is good for142BOOK REVIEWSGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1421Lee: The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21sPublished by ePLACE: preserving, learning, and creative exchange, 2013both a seminary student and a pastor because it suggests a biblical model for thechurch. In the first part, the authors begin with a story of “Black Rock” and “BurningMan” (3). These two stories point out that a secular meeting can seem morespiritual and religious than church. However, although the authors use thisexample to challenge the church’s radical power, some concerns arise. Severalcommunities in postmodern society have come and gone. Postmodernists oftenemphasize the value of individuals and their cultures. It is surprising that they haveexperienced catharsis and spirituality. Even though they seem to have most thingsthat a church needs, such as spiritual experiences, their meetings cannot beconstrued as “church.” Sometimes, churches follow the spirit of the secularcommunity because of its phenomenon. If  the church engages culture in thismanner, does it represent the heart of God or the spirit of secular community?In the first part of this book, Frost and Hirsch suggest the church mustovercome Christendom (8). This idea has been introduced by many scholars, butthe authors argue that the majority of Western churches adhere to the traditions ofChristendom. However, they do not consider that many churches in the worldutilize physical buildings and a tradition-laden system.After the authors criticize problems of the contemporary church, they suggestthe missional church as an alternative (17). In this, they display the future model ofchurch planting (22). This is the theme of this book. The authors provide threecharacteristics to support the theme. The first aspect of the missional church is ashift from an “attractional” to an “incarnational” church (30). Several scholarshave adapted the term incarnational to fit the concept of missions. Another part ofthe missional church is Messianic spirituality as opposed to one that is “dualistic”(30). Piety in daily life is challenging for even the mature Christian. The authorsopine that Messianic spirituality requires acting out spirituality in one’s daily life.It plays a significant role in evangelism because non-Christians who live nearChristians can see God through the Christian. All three characteristics are weakerpoints in most contemporary churches. As the authors point out, most churcheshave a building from which they hardly move. Consequently, they focus on Sundaymeetings, and as a result, many have lost the power of daily piety. Many do notserve in the church but instead take a passive approach to ministry.Regarding an incarnational church, the authors demonstrate the process of“going to them,” “living together with them,” and “disciplining them” (33).Although they are important procedures, there is something more significant, and that is how one opens his heart so that he can accept Christ as Savior andLord. 143great commission research journalGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1432Great Commission Research Journal, Vol. 5, Iss. 1 [2013], Art. 17https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol5/iss1/17The authors introduce two examples of the church going to the people: thepub (9) and chocolate shop church (60). Many visionaries have attempted to plantchurches on Manhattan Island in New York City. However, most fail because offinancial problems. While a business model of a missionary (or church planter) canbe a good model, a gap remains between incarnational churches and churchplanting. If  only churches that have sufficient money can complete the mission ofthe incarnational church, it seems that this model does not accurately depict amissional church. Messianic spirituality is a good idea concerning the restoration of daily pietyof a Christian. In this part of the book, however, the explanation seems theoreticalbecause the application about Messianic spirituality is weak. Some churches donot recognize that they live a life of Messianic spirituality. For instance, somechurch members gather together for LTG (Life Transform Group) at lunchtime attheir work place or school. During the group, each one shares the Word that theyread in the morning; then, they exhort and help each other live through theirapplication of the Word. Although this example might not exactly meet thestandard for Messianic spirituality, it works because the groups are gathered in theliving places of each person. Also, it is good that anyone can invite his friends intothe group. The group can be an incarnational church at the same time.The authors quote Marshall McCluhan’s phrase, “The medium is the message”(149). This phrase has a significant role in the identity of Christians in the church.Over the years, many Christians have become passive. They are always waiting fortheir leader or minister to do something for them. However, if  they hear thephrase, “The medium is the message,” they understand it as, “You or your life is themessage.” Therefore, Christians cannot stay passive because they are the messageand the Gospel. They are also partners with God (159). These two statements arebrief  but serve as a concise conclusion to this part. If  a church has passivemembers, these statements help motivate them in discipleship and service in theministry, because they should also be the message of God. Frost and Hirsch suggest five roles of biblical leadership (166). According tothem, APEPT comes from Ephesians (167). The five kinds of leadership seem to benecessary; however, the authors have to clarify whether the five roles of leadershipare simply functional or absolute standards of Scripture. The APEPT model is interesting. The matrix that presents specific functionsseems like a psychological test such as the MBTI and Enneagram (174). Apertinent question is the following: Can the church use psychological tests toarrange members for effective ministries? If  yes, some questions remain: What test144BOOK REVIEWSGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1443Lee: The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21sPublished by ePLACE: preserving, learning, and creative exchange, 2013will the church use? How does the church trust the results? However, it helps one tounderstand each role’s function more precisely. In chapter 10, the authors state that the missional church should be organic,reproducible, and self-sustaining (175). The term “organic” is an interesting wordfor the church. If  the church is organic, when one team plants a church, the wholechurch should rejoice with them. When another team fails, the church shouldcomfort and exhort them because it is not only their mission, but also the missionof the whole church. Similarly, one small group might fail to reproduce anothersmall group. Then, it is not the failure of one group, but the whole church’sbecause the church is one body that serves Christ, the head. The authors suggest several keys for paradigm shifts in churches (192). Of thekeys, “encouraging holy dissatisfaction” is not an easy one. Many leaders thinkthey fail when they face opposition. Also, the authors quote Howard Snyder’smention of “nontraditional or nonordained leadership” to organize the revolution(204). These two relate to the flexibility of leadership. If  leadership does not haveflexibility, the church is set in the Christendom tradition. To summarize, Frost and Hirsch effectively present why and how churchesshould pursue the missional church model. Their strongest points in this bookinvolve the three aspects of the missional church. Some parts look theoretical, butthey give readers many implications. This book is a required book for a pastor whois preparing for church planting and also for a current leader of a church.Furthermore, if  one church is too large to do something the authors say in thisbook, it needs to consider other options. Churches move and work dynamically.Many churches plant other churches in unchurched areas. The principles in thisbook can help churches plant other churches in a biblical way. McIntosh, Gary and Alan McMahan. Being the Church in a Multi-Ethnic Community: Why ItMatters and How It Works. Indianapolis: Wesleyan Publishing House, 2012. 219 pages.$16.99.Reviewed by Jeffrey Medina. Medina has an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist TheologicalSeminary. He is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program on Church Vitalization with a Minor inIslamic Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.How can the Church be what Jesus Christ has called it to be in the ever-changing communities of North America? This is the question that GaryMcIntosh and Alan McMahan set out to answer. These two authors have a wealth145great commission research journalGCR 5n1 text:GCR 5-1 Summer2013  8/5/13  7:01 PM  Page 1454Great Commission Research Journal, Vol. 5, Iss. 1 [2013], Art. 17https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol5/iss1/17

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1247&context=gcrj

The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

APU Digital Archives (Azusa Pacific University)

Asbury Theological Seminary