International Bulletin of Mission Research
Latest Publications

Despite recent efforts to improve relations between Christian and Muslims in Indonesia, some Muslim groups continue to harbor prejudice against Christians, calling them infidels, followers of the religion of the hated Dutch, and allies of the Zionists. In addition, some Christian groups are actively seeking conversions in some Muslim groups. To reduce this prejudice, Christians must (1) cultivate a lifestyle that is less exclusive and more inclusive; (2) foster grassroots dialogue and collaboration (particularly regarding issues of the environment, human rights, and economic development); and (3) develop greater sensitivity about how and what they share about their ministry plans.

This article analyzes the findings of women and gender issues presented in the recently published World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd edition (2019). In addition to a brief illustration and discussion, I address two complex issues regarding women inspired by WCE-3, namely, the interplay between church and society and the gender paradox in World Christianity.

This article considers the history and contemporary reality of Middle Eastern Christianity in light of new demographic information available from the World Christian Encyclopedia. For readers interested in church history and World Christianity, it identifies key lessons to be learned about Christians in and from the Middle East today. It focuses on understanding the region’s Christian diversity, the complexities of recent demographic decline, the relationship between Middle Eastern and global Christianity, and the interreligious realities of Christian life in the region.

The world has changed and shifted. Regional demographics on both large and small scales look drastically different and are constantly changing from just one lifetime ago, as the World Christian Encyclopedia, third edition, has shown us. Forced migration is an integral part of the shifting landscape. One might wonder what God is doing in the midst of this. This article focuses on forced migration and the response of the church to the global refugee crisis.

This article marks the thirty-eighth year of including statistical information on World Christianity and mission in the International Bulletin of Mission Research. This year it includes details on the growth of world religions, increasing religious diversity, and personal contact between Christians and people of other religions. The world is becoming more religious, and the world’s countries have become more religiously diverse, yet Christians have inadequate personal contact with members of other religions. Solidarity, including friendship, love, and hospitality, is posited as the way forward in addressing these trends.

This article, which tells the life story of Anna E. Hall, highlights the significant role that this African American missionary played in Liberia for the US Methodist Episcopal Church in the early twentieth century. The latter half of the nineteenth century saw increased migration of free African Americans as ministers . . . and missionaries overseas, especially to Africa. Standing as a paragon in missionary ventures, Anna E. Hall represents one of many who were responsible for the resurgence of Christianity in Africa and provides an exemplar for missionary service.

Using the World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd edition ( WCE-3) as the springboard, this article explores the uniqueness of the Chinese missions movement from China, not including the overseas Chinese diaspora or Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. First, we provide an overview, context, and backdrop of the Chinese missions movement. Second, we compare and contrast China’s missions sending with that of (1) the United States/United Kingdom and (2) Brazil. We then highlight the unique characteristics of the Chinese missions movement and conclude with a future outlook.