Insights from a Missional Globetrotter (A Review)

Critique: The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church by Fritz Kling

The critique of a book is in part a critique of its author and, in short, Fritz Kling is legit. His global ministry commitment and experience have earned him the right to write this book and the church leader who reads it with discernment will be better for it.

To begin to appreciate The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church (David C. Cook) is first to recognize what it is not. This is not a book that laments the shift from modernity to post-modernity, that decries the secularism of new millennium culture, or that chastises post-baby boomer Christians for an apparent lack of focus and commitment or for a skeptical ambivalence toward organized church. There are many such books out there today, ironically authored by baby boomers from the generation that began its adulthood with anti-establishmentarianism and that as senior adults has indeed become the establishment.

So what is The Meeting of the Waters? This refreshing book is a blend of testimony, anecdote and observation that have been lived, analyzed and catalogued by a world class missional explorer. Kling has no theological ax to grind or any philosophical, psychological or social agenda. In an engaging storytelling style, he shares his insights gleaned from what he has seen and experienced first-hand during years of missional globetrotting.

Is there an overarching story to the stories that he tells? Absolutely! Kling identifies seven trends or "currents" that are developing strength around the globe today; currents that affect the way people think and live. The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church presents these currents as both warning and opportunity. The wise Christian leader will pay attention.