Flourish

CONTENTS:

Terms Explained xi

1. It Doesn’t Work 1
God’s Vision

2. Where Is Life? 9

3. Shrunken Gospel and Sleeping Giant 13

4. If We Are True Believers, Then Why Are We Killing Each Other? 21
All God’s People

5. Football with Blinkers 31

6. We Can’t Change the World 37

7. Five Loaves and Two Fish 44

8. My Money Is in the World 51

9. The Same Calling 57
Our God

10. And Imagine If … 67

Appendix 1: Principles 73
Appendix 2: Life in All Its Fullness ‘Ecosystem’ 75
Acknowledgements 77

Inspiring stories of faith, hope and transformation from across the world. These stories are like windows that bring readers to different worlds: each of them has a specific context and characters, each of them with their own struggles and hopes. Although these stories are very different in many aspects, they have two things in common: the recognition of God’s divine touch, in very concrete and unique ways, and the engagement of local churches in the transformation of their reality. Readers will be captivated by Richard’s thoughtful reflections
around theology, discipleship and social action, in warm and compelling ways.
Maria Andrade, Theology and Network Engagement Global Lead, Tearfund (Ecuador)

This book inspired me to continue to work to bring transformation in my own context. I hope it will be a great blessing and give life and motivation to thousands across the world. VL (India)

Really helpful. It’s a great read, making the theology understandable and with stories that really highlight what God is doing through his church around the world. I was already joining the dots in my mind about what churches here in the minority world could learn.
Diane Holt, Thrive Ireland Director (UK)

This is a book that invites us to rethink about our life purposes and the mission of God’s church.
Dr Raymond Kwong, Tearfund Country Director East and South-East Asia (China)

This book an important and revelatory focus on the potential for fuller lives for all in church and community – when those who know Jesus, also show Jesus and share Jesus! This is a book well worth reading, sharing and studying.
Rev David Brown, Church of Ireland Minister (UK)

It’s a great book! Your writing style is very attractive and readable, and I love all the stories throughout.
Rev Ian Hughes (England)

I recommend that Christians read this easily readable book and discuss it in groups to discover how their communities can flourish. With its theological perspectives, the book would also be suitable for use in theological institutions.
Rev Dr Sas Conradie, Tearfund Theology and Network Engagement Manager, Africa (South Africa / UK)

Communicates a stirring passion towards practical and meaningful engagements in communities. Such passion can have a lasting impact when initiatives are done in the light of God’s vision of restoration, with all of God’s people, and out of trust in God’s transformative power.
Pastor Sur Del Rosario, ICI Ministries Foundation Department Head (Philippines)

The book is an excellent and informative guide complete with inspiring stories for those of us who appreciate life in God’s field. It is timely and a must-read, which I recommend to anyone whose raison d’être is to bring hope to those for whom hope is in short supply.
Dr Barnabé Anuruni Msabah, Tearfund East and Central Africa CCT Coordinator and Research Associate, University of Stellenbosch and author of The Wayfarer (DRC/ Kenya)

You’ll not find a more welcoming and stimulating invitation to church and community transformation!
Professor Monty Lynn, Abilene Christian University and co-author of Development in Mission (USA)

I am really impressed by the level of connection with real life. Every story and example encourages us to live out faith in a very practical way.
Romnal Colas, Tearfund Latin America and the Caribbean Church and Community Transformation Lead (Haiti)