The Prospering Parachurch: Enlarging the Boundaries of God's Kingdom by Wesley K. Willmer; J. David Schmidt; Martyn Smith (Very Good, 1998, HC, 232 pgs, Jossey-Bass Pub.)

The first book to take a comprehensive look at one of the profound paradigm shifts that is redefining religion--the parachurch: what it is, where it came from, how it operates, who supports it, and what is its future. Foreign missions, social services, health care, relief and development, camps, prisons ministry, evangelistic outreach, schools and colleges, rescue missions, and television and radio broadcasting are just a few of the forms that this burgeoning movement has taken.

Willmer and Schmidt provide a new understanding of the transforming of God's Kingdon beyond traditional boundries. They offer practical guidance to parachurch leaders on managing their complex mix of stakeholders in planning for a more strategic future. Those involved in both church and parachurch ministries and those who study religion will find the instructive text essential reading.