From Bangkok to Bishkek, Budapest to Bogotá
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Where would you go to church if you found yourself far from home, in another country, perhaps one with a different language than you know? Many people have that question as they travel, or as the live and work around the world. The body of Christ has not been inactive in providing for their need. Around the world, international churches have been planted, serving the needs of diverse, mobile congregations, speaking multiple languages, but finding themselves in one place and of one accord for the gospel. From Bangkok to Bishkek, Budapest to Bogotá is the fascinating and inspiring history of the over 2,000 international, English language, international Protestant churches scattered in almost every non-English-speaking country around the world. Serving expatriates, travelers, students and others who live outside their homeland, these churches, while often unknown or recognized, provide a compelling story of ministry not only to expats but to English-speaking local citizens as well. This history, and these stories, will inspire you and energize you with the realization of the way in which God's work is carried out in so many different localities and situations. Pastors, missionaries, business travelers, and international students can all benefit from reading this book, while researchers looking into the work of the church around the world will find a wealth of historical information, much of it first hand.
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Ken MacHarg has organized the largest collection of International Church history in print. This reservoir of inspiration demonstrates that the International Church reaches all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Ken broadcasts the strategic position of International Churches reaching persons of every tribe, tongue and nation. The stories told within motivate us to be prudent, investing time, effort and personnel in the International Church around the globe. Ken’s compendium testifies that Jesus will build His Church! Have a read, experience where God is at work.
Rev Dr. Warren Reeve, Missional International Church Network Founder/Lead Pastor of the Martin Luther King English Speaking International Church in Paris
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Each of these differ in understanding as well as experience and while some may question the assumptions voiced, particularly in the third description, taken together they help to define and describe these churches in particular as they are different from congregations in the homeland.
There are many common characteristics among the more than 3,000 such congregations, however, one can easily say that each of those is distinctly different and difficult to compare to others. While many may classify themselves as multi-denominational, each congregation’s theological and ecclesiastical profile is shaped by the denominational background of those who formed it or those who have influenced it in more recent times. Therefore, although a church founded by Presbyterian missionaries or lay people may bear a resemblance to its roots, eventually, with the frequent turn-over of leadership and membership, it may change to reflect a more formal liturgical style or adapt to a more evangelical theology. Given that many churches call pastors from a variety of denominational backgrounds over the years, it is no wonder that some will eventually become a melting pot of various denominational backgrounds or change their characteristics with the ebb and flow of pastors and lay leadership.
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