“Toward A Post-colonial Narrative Methodology for Christian Mission,” forward to From the Inside Out: Reimagining Mission, Recreating the World
By Ryan Kuja
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In this forward to a Ryan Kuja’s first book, Dr. Dwight Friesen explores a post-colonial narrative methodology for Christian mission. Dubbing his methodology: “Narrative Integration.”
This narrative integration invites a kind of redemptive dance of three core stories: the follower of Christ’s personal story, within the story of the place in which they are located, and with God’s gospel story. As these three stories dance together they form a coherent narrative of redemption as the plot of the universe (God’s story), is discovered and joined by the characters (personal story) within the setting (story of local context) which is truly Good News.
Ryan Kuja’s, “From the Inside Out” is a very important book for the future of mission. It is teeming with stories, research, life experience, and the heart of a practitioner who could be jaded but isn’t. Rather than being jaded Ryan exposes readers to his journey to open himself up to encounter the Living Christ through the other. And this book dares us to venture into such a journey.
Dwight regularly leads workshops, retreats, and speaks on “Narrative Integration.”
From the Inside Out, published by Cascade Books 2018.
What others are saying about From the Inside Out
“In From the Inside Out, Ryan Kuja helps us to right-size our egoic ventures of fixing the world to seeing its people through wildly curious, deeply wise, and always loving eyes. No matter your current worldview, From the Inside Out is sure to expand its boundaries of beauty and reconciliation. This transformational book will be required reading for all Make Way Partners staff and mission volunteers.”
Kimberly Smith Highland
author of Passport Through Darkness and founder of Make Way Partners
“A timely contribution to the conversation about mission, which masterfully weaves together stories from the author’s own experience, biblical reflection and theological insight. Even as he challenges widespread misconceptions of cross-cultural mission, Kuja’s intention is to awaken a fresh and liberating engagement with God’s redeeming work in the world.”
Emmanuel Katongole
Associate Professor of Theology and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame and author of The Sacrifice of Africa
“A bold and courageous examination of unconscious motivations for mission, whereby we discover the way of interior freedom that allows for more effective service in our world. A timely clarion call for the integration of contemplation and action.”
Phileena Heuertz
author of Pilgrimage of a Soul: Contemplative Spirituality for the Active Life and co-founder of Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism
“In this compelling book, Kuja challenges the exploitative roots of McMission and calls us to something deeper. He never gives up on mission but invites us into a posture that will be more sustainable, more holistic and ultimately more transformative. Read it with an open mind and heart and you will be challenged.”
Craig Greenfield
author of Subversive Jesus and founder of Alongsiders International
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