Conversion as a Dynamic Process in Christian Mission

Abstract

In recent years, Dr. Tippett, the former editor of MISSIOLOGY, has been seeking to schematize the conversion process in non-western societies. His concern arose over the felt need to organize and interpret the extensive field data on this phenomenon he had observed and gathered over the years while serving as a missionary and anthropologist in the island world of the Pacific. This article reflects the progression of his thinking over the last decade. Those who are acquainted with his extensive writing in the field of “power encounter” and “people-movements” will appreciate this extensive description of the conversion experience which brings these two phenomena into clear and related focus.