Patrick R. Keifert, Welcoming the Stranger: A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1992.
Referenced in: Guides to the Practice of Evangelism – Effective Evangelistic Churches
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is an older work, and addresses issues from the late eighties and early nineties in the conversations between theologians and the church growth movement. Yet in another sense, Keifert presents a very missional understanding of the practice of hospitality in churches as it may contribute to evangelism. It is of special value to liturgical churches, but the overall message has wider application.
In a January 1994 Theology Today review, Paul Brown says:
It is obvious that Keifert is familiar with the church growth movement. He quotes its gurus (Shaller, George, Wagner), uses its vocabulary (statistics, studies, patterns-and strategies, strategies, strategies!), and even presumes the pragmatic value of numerical growth (he notes, without comment, that he once was a consultant for a church that wanted to grow because it was having “budgetary problems” [!]). Still, the theological and biblical underpinnings for Keifert’s understanding of both evangelism and worship directly challenge assumptions of the church growth movement, providing a more theologically cogent and defensible basis for liturgical reform in response to modern culture.
From the Publisher
This book is an astute rethinking of theology and pastoral ministry that overcomes sentimental notions of hospitality.
About the Author
Patrick Keifert is Professor of Systematic Theology at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He has also been an adjunct professor at the School of Law, Hamline University, St. Paul, since 1984.
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