Welcome to the May/June 2004 Equip for Ministry magazine. We have been encouraged by a number of recent responses from our readers. Though the Christian Education and Publications staff and committee are responsible for its design, you are the audience for whom we do our work. We want to alert you to timely topics, significant books, resources, and events that will keep you up to date on the ministry of CE&P in the PCA. Our committee is designed to provide training and resources primarily to local churches. Equip for Ministry, along with our website, are the keys to CE&P’s communication with you.

The lead article is on Islam. It is written by Dr. Anees Zaka and illustrates to the PCA the challenge and opportunity to reach out to the Muslims in our country. We hear about the terrorists within Islam but we must not forget Christ calls us to witness to them. Many are open to hearing the gospel and willing to dialogue with Christians. Because Islam is the fastest growing organized religion in America, even the world, Christians need to study Islam. What do Muslims believe? Why? What does Christianity offer that Islam doesn’t?

Dr. Zaka speaks from a biblical perspective as he evaluates some of the teachings of Islam. What does Islam teach about their religion? How can we interact with Muslims in a meaningful way? What should we know about Muslim people in order to engage them? Dr. Zaka serves at Church Without Walls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their strategy of “Meetings for Better Understanding” offers a good model for Christians and churches today in such a ministry. Several PCA churches have taken up the charge for such a ministry. This article will be expanded in a book to be released in July 2004 by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers.

The “In Case You’re Asked” section deals with another important topic—denominations. What are they? Why are they? Is there a place for them today or should we seek to move beyond them to a different paradigm? If you have not asked that question yourself, you have no doubt heard others do so.

The books in the review section are especially timely. Postmodernism, like Islam, is another topic Equip for Ministry keeps before readers. Postmodernism is the overarching philosophy of today, yet it is so often misunderstood. Mapping Postmodernism by Robert Greer has been one of the most helpful and inclusive books I have read on this topic. Robert Webber wrote a sequel to his Ancient Future Faith, which hones in on evangelism and discipleship. It has some interesting and helpful thoughts on discipleship. The book Longing to Know could easily be overlooked yet is one that every thinking Christian should read. It deals with knowledge, knowing what we believe, how and why we believe what we do. Marriage To A Difficult Man, by Elizabeth Dodd, is about Jonathan Edwards. Read that review and then read the book for a good human-interest look at one of America’s great Christian preachers, philosophers, and theologians. Finally, the church sometimes overlooks the particular ministry to single people in their midst. Fine China is For Single Women, Too will make you more aware of the need and opportunity in that community.

In this issue you will also read a summary of the annual Women in the Church training conference that was held in Atlanta in February. The announcement of a pre-assembly conference in Pittsburgh, in June on the topic of the Westminster Standards will be of interest, particularly to those planning to attend the annual assembly. Finally, you will read about CE&P’s five-year plan of making kingdom disciples. CE&P’s motto is “Discipling God’s Covenant People.” The plan will be distributed to the General Assembly for information and prayer.

Other regular items are included to keep you aware of some events in the PCA, particularly in the area of education and training. We encourage you to share your copy with a friend or at least make copies of some of its content for that purpose. These are days that require great commitment, energy and effort to develop a Christian mind and heart, and much sensitivity as we seek, not to withdraw from the world around us, but as we attempt to penetrate the culture for the sake of Christ. God bless you as you read this issue.

Charles Dunahoo
Coordinator CE&P and Editor of Equip for Ministry

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