Commissioned to Love: Living Out the Whole Gospel (PB) (2019)

Pastor John P. Perkins and Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. ask what it means to do justice, to move into reconciliation, to live out evangelism, and to make disciples.

In this interactive book, readers will find a clear introduction to the eight principles of Christian Community Development along with a consideration of each of the Commission Circles outlined by Jesus in Acts 1:8, identifying our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth. They ask what it looks like for the Church to live and move as the people of Jesus, empowered by His Holy Spirit, in each of these spheres of influence.

This book is both theoretical and practical, as the authors go on to explain what these intersections look like in the lived experience of their practical ministries. With reflection questions throughout, Commissioned to Love is excellent for individuals, small groups, and classes.

"The authors have woven a convincing case that the mission of the gospel is intrinsic and inescapably holistic for and to all. I believe that the church and others who read this book would benefit greatly as they will find in these principles a well-rounded approach for a missional thrust for the next era of leaders.

"The book offers a framework to aid leaders and congregations in making disciples in all nations & among all people groups not with just words but with their actions as well. John and Anthony outline, in tangible terms, a spiritual formation to help the next generation become "gospel activists". They encourage a pursuit of a holistic approach to bring about the transformation of a cynical generation who wants real reconciliation in a divided world.

"Commissioned to Love is the kind of book that promotes excellent missiology, systematic reflection and discipleship making. It calls to all, but especially the next generation to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ."

From the Afterword, by Dr. Robert L. Owens