From Jerusalem to Timbuktu

A World Tour of the Spread of Christianity

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Pub Date Mar 20 2018 | Archive Date Apr 03 2018

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Description

Christianity started in Jerusalem. For many centuries it was concentrated in the West, in Europe and North America. But in the past century the church expanded rapidly across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Thus Christianity's geographic center of density is now in the West African country of Mali—in Timbuktu. What led to the church's vibrant growth throughout the Global South? Brian Stiller identifies five key factors that have shaped the church, from a renewed openness to the move of the Holy Spirit to the empowerment of indigenous leadership. While in some areas Christianity is embattled and threatened, in many places it is flourishing as never before. Discover the surprising story of the global advance of the gospel. And be encouraged that Jesus' witness continues to the ends of the earth.

Christianity started in Jerusalem. For many centuries it was concentrated in the West, in Europe and North America. But in the past century the church expanded rapidly across Africa, Latin America...


Advance Praise

"The church is growing around the world! Believe it or not, Christianity is stronger than ever and is thriving in unexpected places. In this behind-the-scenes exploration of the global church, Brian Stiller describes and gives examples of what's driving this remarkable expansion of Christianity. Be encouraged. Christian faith is alive and well around the world."
-Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, Wheaton College

"From Jerusalem to Timbuktu is a must-read for anyone trying to understand Christianity in today's world. Brian Stiller provides a practical explanation for the amazing growth of evangelical Christianity by identifying and unpacking five drivers of growth. His practical experience combined with exceptional research creates a powerful and informative read. After taking this 'world tour' on the growth of Christianity, you will be left asking . . . what will God do next?"
-William M. Wilson, president, Oral Roberts University

"While many authors have written ably on the shift of Christianity to the global South, Stiller offers a captivating personal story of remarkable connections with church leaders from all parts of the globe. His expansive vision for the Spirit, the Bible, indigenous Christianity, the public square, and a holistic gospel articulates a clear and hopeful direction for the future of Christianity."
-Todd M. Johnson, associate professor of global Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"This book filled me with hope for the gospel. The gospel is about a personal relationship with God, and the church continues to be adapted into personal and cultural forms that make it the most relevant for everyday life. Dr. Stiller teaches us great lessons of the gospel's growth throughout history, but also leads us to the Lord of that history."
-Joel C. Hunter, former senior pastor, Northland Church, Florida

"Combining years of global relationships, extensive research, millions of miles traveled, and a wide knowledge of Christian history, Brian Stiller has produced a must-read masterpiece! I know of no other book that so encapsulates mission history, current trends, and real-life anecdotes of faithful followers of Jesus Christ. The stories of the church around the world will encourage every Christian that we are part of the forward move of God. The walk through Christian history will educate and help the reader to know how our faith has traveled through the ages. And the overall message of the book will stimulate every reader to faithfulness right where we live."
-Paul Borthwick, mission specialist, author of A Mind for Missions and How to Be a World-Class Christian

"It is important for us to be firmly planted in the context where God has called us to live and serve. But for our own health, we sometimes need to take a few steps back and look at the big picture of what is happening with God's people in the rest of the world. This book serves this purpose admirably. As we read, we are sometimes thrilled, sometimes sobered, and always we find lessons to help us in our life and witness. But this is not only a historical survey. Undergirding what is said are deeply sensitive reflections on the theological issues facing the church today as illustrated by the events reported. Brian Stiller's wide experience as a global ambassador for evangelicals and his considerable learning are combined to give an inspiring and instructive book."
-Ajith Fernando, teaching director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka

"If you've ever watched the news and thought the Western world is becoming increasingly pagan, you need to read this book. In From Jerusalem to Timbuktu, Brian Stiller methodically shares how—despite encroaching secularism and increasing global violence and religious turmoil—the church is indeed spreading, and in the most remarkable ways! Bridging the gap between 'us' and 'them,' this is a must-read primer for budding missiologists and all believers with a heart for the nations."
-Rob Hoskins, president OneHope

"From Jerusalem to Timbuktu offers an expansive introduction to the momentous fact that the majority of Christians now live in the Global South. Stiller helps us understand the multifaceted implications of this reality and presents a vigorous invitation to embrace the future of Christianity. Important."
-Ronald J. Sider, distinguished professor of theology, holistic ministry, and public policy, Palmer Seminary at Eastern University

"This book tells the exciting story of why Christianity continues to grow at a phenomenal rate in the twenty-first century—this despite setbacks, persecutions, and the dying of the light in lands where biblical faith was once vibrant and strong. Brian Stiller is a world Christian statesman and he tells this story with passion, insight, and in the power of the Spirit. Highly recommended!"
-Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, general editor, the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

"The church is growing around the world! Believe it or not, Christianity is stronger than ever and is thriving in unexpected places. In this behind-the-scenes exploration of the global church, Brian...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780830845279
PRICE $22.00 (USD)

Average rating from 7 members


Featured Reviews

This is a hopeful and encouraging book. Brian Stiller skilfully draws together threads of Christianity to show the entire embroidery. While I knew bits and pieces, this book provides a great overview to get a picture of where Christianity is today.

The book is easy to read, being peppered with stories to illustrate Stiller’s reflections. Many of the stories are from his personal experience. At times the book did feel a little too positive and too focused on the Pentecostal viewpoint. However Stiller is open about this being the worldview from which he writes, and his passion shines through the book.

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From Jerusalem to Timbuktu
A World Tour of the Spread of Christianity
by Brian C. Stiller
InterVarsity Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 20 Mar 2018
I am reviewing a copy of From Jerusalem to Timbuktu through Intervarsity Press and Netgalley:
The birthplace of Christianity was Jerusalem. It was concentrated in the West for many centuries but it has rapidly spanned across Africa, Latin America and Asia. Leaving Christianity's geographic center of density is now in the West African country of Mali-In Timbuktu. In this book Brian Stiller will identify the five key factors that have shaped the church.


The first of the five factors that helped shape the Church being a renewed openness to the move of Holy Spirit, to the empowerment of ingenious leadership. In some areas Christianity is embattled and threatened while in many places it flourishes in a way it never has before. In this book you will discover how the gospel is advancing in places it never has before, and you will be encouraged to see that Jesus witness is reaching to the ends of the earth.

I give From Jerusalem to Timbuktu five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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As this book projects, Christianity is starting to move its center. The southern hemisphere is responding to low church Christian evangelizing like never before in history. In particular, a focus on the Holy Spirit and the work he's doing. Some good real life examples, and historical context to learn from as well.

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You must read this book. If you want to understand how the Gospel has been spreading from Jerusalem on, read this book. If you want to know the movement of the Holy Spirit and why, read this book. Why is the Gospel spreading in some places in a deeper way than others, read this book. The Bible is being translated in different languages and being passed out and the outcome of this is beautiful and you want to know why? Read this book. Read the book.

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