Overview

In recent years, the Vietnamese diaspora, including some of whom are Protestant Christian Việt Kiều, have returned to their natal homeland of Vietnam in large numbers. This book investigates the phenomenon of the Protestant Christian Việt Kiều who have returned and reestablished belonging in Vietnam with a missional purpose and the perspective of non-migrant local Protestant Christian leaders as a case study of diaspora missiology. It is based upon doctoral research utilizing in-depth interviews which sought to answer the following questions: 1) What are the motivating factors of Protestant Christian Việt Kiều returning to Vietnam for mission-related purposes? 2) What has been the experience in ministry of the returning Protestant Christian Việt Kiều regarding mission-related reasons for returning? 3) How have the non-migrants experienced the phenomenon of return? This book explores the answers to these questions as a case study of diaspora missiology. Findings suggest that the Protestant Christian Việt Kiều are welcomed back in Vietnam and contributing in many dynamic ways in the homeland. At the same time, the return journey is a road layered with complexities, contradictions, opportunities, and unique challenges. Findings from this diaspora community engaged in missions by and beyond the diaspora give insight into the paradigm of diaspora missiology and temper the enthusiasm for widely promoted theory. Important questions arise regarding how far diaspora as a framework can carry us.

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9781725292369

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Reviews

""The topic of diaspora missiology has been widely discussed, theorized, and strategized in recent years. However, there are relatively few empirical studies exploring the practical experience of diasporic people and their involvement in mission. Bryan Woods makes a significant contribution to help fill that gap with his examination of the Việt Kiều and their return to Vietnam on mission. Readers will glean rich and fascinating insights from this excellently executed study."" --Craig Ott, professor of mission and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ""Diaspora missiology seems to offer significant potential for missions in the twenty-first century, but responsible empirical research into its effectiveness has been lacking. In this carefully researched and thoughtful study, Bryan Woods helps to fill this gap by examining the return of Christian Việt Kiều to their homeland in Vietnam. He shows that although the realities on the ground are more complex and challenging than often assumed, there can be significant ministry for those who return. This is an important contribution to diaspora missiology!"" --Harold Netland, professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"""The topic of diaspora missiology has been widely discussed, theorized, and strategized in recent years. However, there are relatively few empirical studies exploring the practical experience of diasporic people and their involvement in mission. Bryan Woods makes a significant contribution to help fill that gap with his examination of the Việt Kiều and their return to Vietnam on mission. Readers will glean rich and fascinating insights from this excellently executed study."" --Craig Ott, professor of mission and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ""Diaspora missiology seems to offer significant potential for missions in the twenty-first century, but responsible empirical research into its effectiveness has been lacking. In this carefully researched and thoughtful study, Bryan Woods helps to fill this gap by examining the return of Christian Việt Kiều to their homeland in Vietnam. He shows that although the realities on the ground are more complex and challenging than often assumed, there can be significant ministry for those who return. This is an important contribution to diaspora missiology!"" --Harold Netland, professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ""The topic of diaspora missiology has been widely discussed, theorized, and strategized in recent years. However, there are relatively few empirical studies exploring the practical experience of diasporic people and their involvement in mission. Bryan Woods makes a significant contribution to help fill that gap with his examination of the Việt Kiều and their return to Vietnam on mission. Readers will glean rich and fascinating insights from this excellently executed study."" --Craig Ott, professor of mission and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ""Diaspora missiology seems to offer significant potential for missions in the twenty-first century, but responsible empirical research into its effectiveness has been lacking. In this carefully researched and thoughtful study, Bryan Woods helps to fill this gap by examining the return of Christian Việt Kiều to their homeland in Vietnam. He shows that although the realities on the ground are more complex and challenging than often assumed, there can be significant ministry for those who return. This is an important contribution to diaspora missiology!"" --Harold Netland, professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"

Author Information

Bryan Woods is the PhD programs coordinator at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Selena served as Christian workers in Central Vietnam.

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