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Authentic Lives: Overcoming the Problem of Hidden Identity in Outreach to Restrictive Nations
Are you concerned about unreached or unengaged peoples? You probably know that their countries do not welcome missionaries, and that followers of Jesus who serve there via traditional sending organizations do not publicize these organizational ties or their churchbased funding sources. But have you thought through the consequences of keeping that information hidden? Authentic Lives will help you do that, and more. And if those consequences trouble you, Authentic Lives suggests ways to minimize them in traditional organizations and also suggests other options for service altogether. The challenges these other options present are also discussed. Going without a sending agency is not easy but is sometimes best nonetheless.
210 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 7, 2019
Authentic Lives is a relatively short but surprisingly dense book that is exactly what I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. Thomas Hale’s main point is that the tradition that has built up in Christian missions of “hidden identities,” when living in a country that is closed to Christians and missionaries, is harmful—to the missionary, the local communities and governments, and the reputation of the faith itself. I’ve already come to agree with that opinion, so for me, reading the book was a way of thinking through the topic in more depth, supporting my opinion with more careful thought and solid facts.
What Hale proposes instead of continuing this practice of “undercover” missions is to rethink the whole concept of Christian missions. What, for example, should missions look like in a post-colonial world? There are few examples, because most missions organizations still operate largely on colonial-era models. Hale isn’t sure that “missionary” is an appropriate or helpful job title any longer. Rather, he calls for a broader vocational identity that is a particular job and way of living, and that is always seen as an act of worship and outreach, regardless of the traditional missionary identity or the verbiage that accompanies church relations, visa applications, and everyday presentation of identity.
Hale would like all Christians to reduce or eliminate the dichotomy between “sacred work” and “normal, everyday work.” He believes (and I agree) that Christians, whether missionaries or not, should live in a way that models Christ’s love every day, without pressure to “make converts or else”: “the ‘end result’ of eternal salvation is best served by an approach that genuinely values individuals for who they are, not just for what they might become. God’s way always values people for who they are; any other approach values people only as potential Christians” (140).
There is much more in the book, including specific points to think about in order to become this kind of “sent one,” or to transform your current ministry identity into something more like what Hale is advocating. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions which would be helpful for groups to work through together.
I sincerely hope that this book, and the ethos behind it, will grow to be a more influential voice in missions strategies. I recommend it highly to anyone involved with church leadership or missions.
What Hale proposes instead of continuing this practice of “undercover” missions is to rethink the whole concept of Christian missions. What, for example, should missions look like in a post-colonial world? There are few examples, because most missions organizations still operate largely on colonial-era models. Hale isn’t sure that “missionary” is an appropriate or helpful job title any longer. Rather, he calls for a broader vocational identity that is a particular job and way of living, and that is always seen as an act of worship and outreach, regardless of the traditional missionary identity or the verbiage that accompanies church relations, visa applications, and everyday presentation of identity.
Hale would like all Christians to reduce or eliminate the dichotomy between “sacred work” and “normal, everyday work.” He believes (and I agree) that Christians, whether missionaries or not, should live in a way that models Christ’s love every day, without pressure to “make converts or else”: “the ‘end result’ of eternal salvation is best served by an approach that genuinely values individuals for who they are, not just for what they might become. God’s way always values people for who they are; any other approach values people only as potential Christians” (140).
There is much more in the book, including specific points to think about in order to become this kind of “sent one,” or to transform your current ministry identity into something more like what Hale is advocating. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions which would be helpful for groups to work through together.
I sincerely hope that this book, and the ethos behind it, will grow to be a more influential voice in missions strategies. I recommend it highly to anyone involved with church leadership or missions.
May 1, 2017
The thesis of this book is based on personal experience and relevant literature. The book is extremely timely with regards to the globalization and increasing cultural exchange that we see today, which offer both opportunities and frictions. The author makes a strong case for using core identity (vs. hidden identity) as a transparent and valid faith-based approach to international ministry work. There are numerous audiences who would benefit from reading this book: those in, interested in, or supportive of the missions field; governments and NGOs involved with international humanitarian aid; theology scholars/professors/classes (would be an excellent book for group discussion!). Well done and innovative.
June 17, 2017
The book Authentic Lives by Thomas Hale III takes a realistic look at situations facing missionaries in restrictive nations. From the opening sentence, “Let me take you on a journey”, it is a compelling look into the real problems facing many outreach efforts in today’s global reality. Using example after example, Hale draws on the experiences of his own life in missions as well as hundreds of others who have served in countries that are not open to religious ministering.
This is an honest and practical guide through the difficulties likely to be faced in outreach in countries not welcoming mission efforts. It directly addresses the tensions and ethical issues involved with a “hidden identity”, and presents alternatives and new approaches. It offers real-world suggestions for finances, support groups, sending organizations, and the use of social media.
The heart of the book is the chapter on “Secrecy and Privacy, Honesty and Integrity”. It examines Biblical situations that are sometimes cited as justification for secrecy and hidden identity and examines whether or not they are appropriate. In the end, Hale presents the case for an integrated identity, and a new understanding of outreach.
Each of the seven chapters ends with steps for action, reflection, and group discussion, so the book could readily be used as the basis for a church group study course.
I think this book should be required reading not only for anyone contemplating mission or outreach work, but for anyone supporting these efforts.
This is an honest and practical guide through the difficulties likely to be faced in outreach in countries not welcoming mission efforts. It directly addresses the tensions and ethical issues involved with a “hidden identity”, and presents alternatives and new approaches. It offers real-world suggestions for finances, support groups, sending organizations, and the use of social media.
The heart of the book is the chapter on “Secrecy and Privacy, Honesty and Integrity”. It examines Biblical situations that are sometimes cited as justification for secrecy and hidden identity and examines whether or not they are appropriate. In the end, Hale presents the case for an integrated identity, and a new understanding of outreach.
Each of the seven chapters ends with steps for action, reflection, and group discussion, so the book could readily be used as the basis for a church group study course.
I think this book should be required reading not only for anyone contemplating mission or outreach work, but for anyone supporting these efforts.
January 24, 2018
This is a niche book for ministry practitioners. It’s missiology.
Yet don’t let this discourage you from reading it. It’s a book also about identity. While not theologically about,say, Pauline identity language, it does play to how identity as Christian in our various vocations plays out in a host country.
If you’re not accustomed to reading books on missiology, you’d benefit from Hale’s discussions on vocation which resonates with so much of the literature produced today in the resurgence of Protestant vocational identity and ethics.
This IS also a book about ethics, and it address how our truthfulness about identity affects our relationships and witness. He shines in this discussion along with his integrated approach proposal.
Pastors, “global” Christians, Christians landing jobs in a country not their own, and missions advocates in churches would benefit from the gracious tone and wisdom that Hale sets forth.
A 3 Star Pareja rating is very good and one that recommends the book to certain interested while not for everyone.
Yet don’t let this discourage you from reading it. It’s a book also about identity. While not theologically about,say, Pauline identity language, it does play to how identity as Christian in our various vocations plays out in a host country.
If you’re not accustomed to reading books on missiology, you’d benefit from Hale’s discussions on vocation which resonates with so much of the literature produced today in the resurgence of Protestant vocational identity and ethics.
This IS also a book about ethics, and it address how our truthfulness about identity affects our relationships and witness. He shines in this discussion along with his integrated approach proposal.
Pastors, “global” Christians, Christians landing jobs in a country not their own, and missions advocates in churches would benefit from the gracious tone and wisdom that Hale sets forth.
A 3 Star Pareja rating is very good and one that recommends the book to certain interested while not for everyone.
January 25, 2018
Should be required reading for anyone who wishes to serve cross-culturally.
February 9, 2017
This was an interesting read all-around, though I don't agree with everything it purported about work in restrictive access nations. A thoughtful book, nonetheless, and a topic/issue that many people do honestly struggle over in regards to their identity.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews