The Outrageous Idea of the Missional Professor, International Edition

Book excerpt: The outrageous idea of this book is that God wants to use professors as professors to reach others, transform the academy, and meet the needs of the world. God is on a mission to redeem and restore this fallen world, and as members of one of the most influential institutions in society, Christian professors in the university play an import- ant role in that mission. Becoming a missional professor will require a clear vision of God's heart for the lost as well as humankind's purpose and calling under the banner of Christ, an understanding of the significance of the university as a cultural shaping in- stitution and mission field, and a desire for Christian wholeness in a fragmented world. This idea is outrageous because many Christian professors struggle to live missionally and need a clear vision of such a life as well as role models to lead the way. Many pro- fessors already living missional lives need encouragement to "excel still more" (1 Thess 4:10). We all need God's grace and mercy as we try to faithfully follow Christ within the university. Paul M. Gould (PhD. Purdue University) teaches philosophy and apologetics at Oklahoma Baptist University and is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute. D. Keith Campbell (PhD. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Global Partnerships Vice President at Global Scholars. Li Ma (PhD. Cornell University) is Senior Research Fellow at the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College. Omar Montero (PhD. Candidate, University of Buenos Aires) is Associate Professor and Researcher for Undergraduates and Postgraduates in the Architectural and Design Department at the University of Buenos Aires. Granville W. Pillar (PhD. University of Newcastle) is Associate Professor of Philology at Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian Institute, Ukraine. Osam Edim Temple (PhD. University of Ibadan) is former Professor of Philosophy at the American University of Nigeria and Special Advisor to the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Bee-Lan C. Wang (PhD. University of Chicago) taught at the Science University of Malaysia, Northern Illinois University, and Wheaton College (Illinois).