An Owner's Manual: How to Missionary in a Post-Christian Culture

This book presents valuable insights, especially in the sections on community, hospitality, and worship. However, it also has its drawbacks. Author Michael Frost seems to make mountains out of mole hills in many of his concerns. His political rants lean strongly to the left and lack balance. The section about contemporary worship being too sexual is almost unhinged. Additionally, his use of words is distinctly Australian rather than American, so readers should be prepared to have a dictionary handy.

Overall, this book has crystalized my issue with the Missional movement. It is overly critical of the church as it currently stands. But on the other hand, we should thank God that they are a voice crying out in the wilderness, calling for the church to do better work for our Lord and King. While the book has its flaws, it also offers important perspectives that can help us反思 and improve our missionary efforts in a post-Christian culture.

This book is truly remarkable!

It had a profound impact on me after my return from overseas, as I became acutely aware of the significant influence of American culture within what we commonly refer to as Christianity.

Michael Frost titled this book "Exiles," drawing an analogy from "Watership Down." In the story, a hollow where a group of bunnies is facing destruction, and a disparate team of bunnies flees the hollow and the rest of the rabbits in search of a new place to live.

He believes that the same holds true for many young Christians living in this post-Christian or post-modern society.

I highly recommend the first half of the book. By that point, you can fully grasp the thesis, and the remainder is more of his elaboration and discussion.

Overall, it offers valuable insights and perspectives that are well worth exploring.

Michael Frost is a highly accomplished figure in the field of missional ecclesiology in the post-modern West. He wears multiple hats as an author, practitioner, speaker, and professor. With eight books to his name, either written or edited, he has made a significant contribution to the subject.

He is the founding Director of the Centre for Evangelism and Global Mission at Morling Theological College in Sydney and the missional architect of smalboatbigsea, an innovative church in Australia. Additionally, he played a crucial role in establishing Action Against Poverty, a local aid agency.

In his work "Exiles," Frost argues that in the Post-Christian West, if God's people are to remain faithful to God, they must live as self-imposed Exiles, engaging in what he calls dangerous disciplines.

Building on the work of Walter Brueggemann, Frost introduces four such disciplines. Firstly, dangerous memories involve recalling Jesus' radical agenda for the world. Secondly, dangerous promises require living out the way of Christ in contrast to the dominant culture of empire, through practices like authenticity, service, and hospitality. Thirdly, dangerous critique means resisting assimilation and offering prophetic critique to the powers that be. Finally, singing dangerous songs involves expressing the unexpected newness of life rather than just singing love songs to Jesus.

I appreciate Frost's emphasis on following Jesus and living as Exiles or Resident Aliens, as Hauerwas and Willimon put it. The idea of cultivating contrast societies instead of assimilating into the culture is a vital message for us.

Frost also mentions Peck's four stages of community: pseudo-community, chaos, emptiness, and true community. However, he goes beyond this and calls us to engage in communitas, the challenge of following Christ and serving His Kingdom.

The practical rhythm of life developed by his community, smalboatbigsea, summarized in the acrostic BELLS, is also值得赞赏. It includes blessing others, eating together, listening to God, learning about Jesus, and seeing our daily life as an expression of our sent-ness by God.

While there is much more that could be said about this book, I particularly appreciate Frost's discussion on exiles in various aspects of life, such as at the table and at work, as well as his treatment of issues like corporations, caring for creation, and helping the oppressed.

Overall, Frost's work offers valuable insights and challenges for those seeking to live faithfully in the post-modern West.

This is a hardcore read.

I wholeheartedly agree with almost everything this guy has to say.

Although this book is not a light and easy-going read, it has truly inspired me.

It has pushed me to progress from simply critiquing the host empire to taking actual steps to bring about change in the aspects that are not right.

It has made me realize that just complaining about the problems is not enough; one has to actively engage in efforts to make a difference.

This book has served as a catalyst for me to shift my mindset and take action.

It has opened my eyes to the possibilities of effecting positive change and has given me the motivation to pursue those opportunities.

I am now more determined than ever to contribute to the betterment of the situation and make a meaningful impact.

Overall, this book has had a profound influence on me and has set me on a new path of activism and change.

The content is quite good, indeed.

It is filled with a plethora of fresh and innovative ideas that truly stand out.

These ideas bring a new perspective and add a touch of uniqueness to the overall piece.

They have the potential to inspire and engage the readers, making them think outside the box.

The creativity and originality demonstrated here are truly commendable.

It is evident that a great deal of thought and effort has gone into formulating these ideas.

Overall, this is a remarkable piece that showcases the author's ability to come up with fresh and exciting concepts.

It leaves the readers eager to see what else the author has in store.

A very good book - inspiring in many aspects. Michael Frost offers a sharp critique of the areas where the modern church, especially in its evangelical form, cooperates with the dominant culture. This book serves as a call, if not a literal call to arms, then at least a call to revolution and authentic Christian living. Admittedly, it is always easier said than done. Applying this to the Church of England parish ministry in Sheffield may seem quite different from his own situation in Australia, but perhaps that's just me making excuses. There is a great deal to learn and reflect upon in this book.

Just one minor complaint - at times, the referencing could be better. It would have been a wonderful addition to my Christmas sermon if I could claim that carols were banned in apartheid South Africa due to their connotations of freedom. However, I have found no evidence to support this, and unfortunately, Frost does not cite his source. Christian urban myth-making is one of the nuisances in the modern church.

Overall, despite this small flaw, the book is well worth reading and engaging with. It challenges us to think deeply about the role of the church in society and how we can live out our faith more authentically.

While I believe that a significant number (albeit not all) of the issues raised in this book are indeed worthy of in-depth discussion, I must admit that I was not particularly fond of the manner in which the author chose to present them. Throughout a large portion of this book, I had the distinct impression that I was being shouted at. This was not a pleasant sensation at all. It made it difficult for me to fully engage with the content and understand the author's intended message. I found myself constantly distracted by the author's overly forceful tone. It seems that the author could have achieved a more effective communication by presenting the issues in a more measured and rational way. This would have allowed the readers to form their own opinions based on the facts and arguments presented, rather than feeling pressured by the author's intense delivery.

Excellent reading is of great significance as it can assist in shaping your worldview more accurately, especially for those who are in a state of exile within the current culture. This particular text serves as a textbook for my class in Biblical Theology on Contextualisation. It offers profound insights and valuable perspectives that are essential for understanding the complex relationship between theology and the context in which we live.

For missional leaders, this book is highly recommended reading. It provides practical guidance and inspiration for those who are called to engage with the world and make a positive impact. In particular, it is especially relevant for anyone living in Europe, where the cultural and social context presents unique challenges and opportunities.

By reading this text, you will gain a deeper understanding of the biblical message and how it can be applied in different cultural settings. You will also be equipped with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of mission and ministry. So, don't miss out on this excellent resource - pick up a copy today and start your journey towards a more accurate and relevant worldview.

This is a truly excellent read!

It offers fascinating insights into the rich and diverse Middle Eastern culture, which is both captivating and enlightening. Additionally, the author provides a detailed explanation of some of the more debatable issues surrounding first century Christianity.

However, it must be noted that some of the arguments, particularly in the last chapter, are rather weak and do not meet the high standard set throughout the rest of the book.

Furthermore, there are certain parts that seem to deviate from the main focus and branch off into other topics that lack clear relevance.

Nevertheless, despite these minor flaws, this book remains a very good reference and is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the Middle East and early Christianity.

It provides a wealth of information and perspectives that are sure to stimulate thought and discussion.