Multiplying Churches In Japanese Soil

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by: John Wm Mehn (Author)

Since the beginning of missionary efforts in Japan in the sixteenth century, the Japanese church has experienced periods of quiet flourishing and periods of intense persecution. Arguably, however, it has never managed to take root as a truly indigenous church-despite great effort toward that aim. In Multiplying Churches in Japanese Soil, John Mehn asks the question: Why? What factors have contributed to the Japanese remaining largely unreached? Mehn examines the current state of affairs and then, with some careful analysis and case study, delves into effective models and leadership for planting churches in Japan that not only grow, but are also equipped to reproduce and multiply. Within these pages, discover mission strategy, kingdom perspective, and hope for the church in Japanese soil.

Endorsements

I’ve known John for more than a decade and am thankful for his faithful gospel work in Japan. Now, I’m thrilled that many others can be encouraged and better equipped for church planting in Japan via his writing.
Ed StetzerBilly Graham Distinguished Chair of Church, Mission, and evangelism, Wheaton College
Japan is known as one of the most resistant nations to the advance of the gospel. And yet some Japanese churches are remarkably effective in planting new churches and reproducing fruitful ministries. What are these churches doing and what are the qualities of the leaders in these movements? John Mehn’s research discovers answers to these questions against the backdrop of the historic and current state of Christianity in Japan and by exploring various ministry models. Multiplying Churches in Japanese Soil is a welcome and important addition to our understanding of mission and church planting, offering insights that will be helpful and encouraging to Christian leaders everywhere.
Craig Ottprofessor of mission and intercultural studies Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
John Mehn offers us here a unique contribution. This book combines various approaches that are often kept separate because of their individual challenges. Mehn’s approach is contemporary while drawing on historical trends and examples. This work is practical while drawing on biblical, theological, and principled discussions. Lessons from a wide spectrum of traditions—including Orthodox and Holiness, for example—feed a distinctively evangelical fervor for church growth. The result is a passionate, encouraging, and faith-filled vision for how healthy churches can multiply in Japan like never before.
J. Nelson Jennings, PhDmission pastor and consultant, Onnuri Community Church, Seoul former missionary to Japan
Japan has long been an enigma to missiologists. Despite centuries of Christian presence in Japan, Christians remain a tiny minority in a highly modernized—but also highly traditional—society. In this informative work, veteran missionary church planter John Mehn provides a helpful overview of Christianity in Japan today and suggests some very practical ways in which Christians can meet current challenges and opportunities, resulting in a new era of church multiplication.
Harold Netlandprofessor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School former missionary to Japan
John Mehn has presented a comprehensive overview of important issues involved in church growth and multiplication in Japan. The final chapters are particularly helpful in showing some of the features that facilitate these processes today. Besides stimulating prayer for the Japanese people, I hope that this book will encourage many ministering among the Japanese to apply these practical insights in their local contexts.
David C. Lewis, PhDfellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute author of The Unseen Face of Japan
The gospel has been in Japan for centuries, yet the Japanese remain one of the world’s largest unreached people groups. John Mehn has written an honorable work that examines Japan’s past and present realities that our Sovereign Lord is working through to build his church. This book is an important contribution to missiological studies and filled with principles and practical guidance based on field research. With over thirty years of service in Japan, Mehn writes with both a scholar’s mind and servant’s heart, and offers hope for the multiplication of disciples, leaders, and churches among this great people.
J. D. Paynepastor of church multiplication, The Church at Brook Hills author of Apostolic church planting