Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments
Part One: Introducing Narratives
1. "It Changed my Life": Short-Term Mission and Christian Narratives of Travel
2. "Are You for Them or Against Them"? Defining Short-Term Mission
Part Two: The History of a Narrative
3. "That's No Missionary!": Redefining Mission and the Missionary Establishment
4. "Youth Try the Impossible!": Youth Movements and Short Term Mission
5. "It Will Change Your Life": Short-Term Mission and Central Wheaton Church
Part Three: Traveling Narratives
6. "Remember, These Are Real Missions": Embodying a Missionary Narrative at Central Wheaton Church
7. "Pour Out Your Soul": Living the Narrative of Short-Term Mission
8. "Of Course You Always Grow Close to God on a Mission Trip": (Re)narrating a Short-Term Mission Trip
Part Four: The Future of a Narrative
9. "Just Bring Greetings": Creating a New Narrative for Short-Term Mission
10. "And What Does the Lord Require of You?": Suggestions and an Encouraging Postscript
Notes on Transcription
References
Index

About the Author

Brian M. Howell (Ph.D., Washington University) is associate professor of anthropology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. His books include Christianity in the Local Context and Introducing Cultural Anthropology.

Reviews

"Howell causes us to reconsider our own cultural narrative as part of the learning process as we engage in STM cross-culturally."
*Daniel Murphree, Presbyterion: Covenant Seminary Review, 39/2*

Well-researched, engaging, and insightful, Short-Term Mission is an essential resource for STM leaders and participants alike. Filled with thought-provoking case studies and narratives, the conclusions of Howell's research have the potential to significantly redirect the conversation surrounding STM. As such, this text is ideal for church leaders and members, scholars and students, and others interested in the development, impact and future of STM."
*Sarita D. Gallagher, Evangelical Missions Quarterly, October 2013*

"Howell's book would be an excellent catalyst for conversation in a college class or among members of a missions committee."
*Daniel McGraw, The Christian Chronicle, July 2013*

"Full of surprises in practical wisdom, provoking insights and giving voice to the majority world, Brian Howell's book challenges evangelicals to a new self-awareness of cross-cultural sensitivity and compassionate involvement in short-term missions."
*Robert L. Gallagher, Outreach Magazine, "Resources of the Year" issue, March/April 2013*