Revitalizing Missions on the Cusp of Change

This book argues that the field of missiology must adapt Complex Systems Science
metaphors, models, and methods in order to remain relevant and valid in the study of twenty-first century realities. To highlight the benefits of the adaptation to a Complex Systems Science-framed approach, a case study of multicultural, multilingual, and multicongregational churches of the Chinese diaspora in North America is used to compare the normative, traditional model of Christian revitalization developed by A.F.C. Wallace with a proposed Complex Systems Science-framed Cusp of Change model. The comparative study reveals the more robust, integrative, and comprehensive nature of the Cusp of Change model to represent the realities of Christian revitalization in the twenty-first century context of systemic, continuous, and complex change. The comparative study also finds that the Cusp of Change model is more compatible with the biblical and missiological definitions, observations, and praxis of Christian revitalization as revealed by the contemporary consultations of the Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements held from 2011 - 2013.