From Colonialism to World Community: The Church's Pilgrimage ~ by John Coventry Smith. Geneva Press, 1982. First edition, stated. Trade paperback, 333 pages. This copy is used with light wear, VG.

John Coventry Smith has encapsulated, in these pages, a kind of mini-history of the development of the relation between "mission" and unity in the ecumenical movement of the past fifty years (1930s-1980s).

Written largely in the first person, the book narrates Smith's ministry as missionary in Japan, internee, pastor, mission executive, leader in the International Missionary Council, and president of the World Council of Churches.

Although Dr. Smith writes with understated modesty, the vital nature of his leadership and statesmanship in several crucial areas does emerge: the shift from "missions" (Western) to Japanese church, and the necessary transition from paternalism to trust; the emergence of the Asian national churches as a regional reality, with their own contributions; the necessity of "mission church" leaders to be fully involved in consultation and planning.

Though the first person narrative could become a problem, in this book it never does. One reads of conversations Smith had with the humble and the mighty, but always the tone is unassuming and with good humor. This "oral history" will offer the serious student much helpful insight into the convergence of mission and unity in the past fifty years, in that vital movement of mission from de facto benefactor of colonialism to an enabler of community in Christ over the entire oikumene.