First Things Book of the Year awardWhat does the cross of Christ have to do with the thunderbird? How might the life and work of Christian writer G. K. Chesterton shed light on our understanding of North American Indigenous art and history?This unexpected connection forms the basis of these discerning reflections by art historian Matthew Milliner. In this fifth volume in the Hansen Lectureship Series, Milliner appeals to Chesterton's life and work--including The Everlasting Man, his neglected poetry, his love for his native England, and his own visits to America--in order to understand and appreciate both Indigenous art and the complex, often tragic history of First Nations peoples, especially in the American Midwest.The Hansen Lectureship series offers accessible and insightful reflections by Wheaton College faculty on the transformative work of the Wade Center authors.

The Everlasting People: G. K. Chesterton and the First Nations (Hansen Lectureship Series)

Arts & Photography

Milliner, Matthew J.

Church, Casey

Iglesias, David

Peeler, Amy

Hooker, David

History & Criticism

IVP Academic

Church argues that discipleship among Native peoples is best undertaken as a spiritual journey that has at its core biblical instruction and mentoring by individuals and families that model a lifestyle that reflects transformation in Jesus Christ. When accompanied by the ‘contextual’ use of Native rites such as the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, the Pipe Ceremony, and Powwow dancing and singing with the drum, participants who go through these ‘rites of passage’ experience an increased sense of spiritual well-being and self-esteem through this authentic Native expression of their Christian faith. The book illustrates deep reflection and integration of biblical teaching in the preparation and practice of these Native rites, transforming the old embedded meanings of these rites, while retaining their distinctive familiarity for participants. Church shows how the integration of biblical instruction, the practice of a biblical lifestyle, and contextual sacred and ceremonial rites in alcohol recovery and family camp ministries have together led to recovery and spiritual development in Christ. We commend this book to anyone who has a serious commitment to making disciples in Native American communities.– Sherwood Lingenfelter, Senior Professor, and Judith Lingenfelter, Affiliate Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA. This book is … both authentic and, equally importantly, theologically and biblically sound. In these pages you will read of a journey that many have longed to take and are now being guided along through the life and lens of a gifted practitioner and his family. –Terry LeBlanc (PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary) is the Executive Director of Indigenous Pathways and is the founding Chair and current Director of NAIITS. Casey Church doesn’t just write about how to do contextualization, he lives it. He and his amazing family travel, sing, pray, worship and dance their prayers. I have watched them over the years ... –Cheryl Bear (DMin, The King’s Seminary) is a musician, singer, pastor and evangelist and conference speaker When we had our first national Native college student conference (Would Jesus Eat Frybread) in 2012, the most pressing questions students were asking was ‘Can I be Native and Christian?’ In 2016, it seems they are no longer asking ‘Can I?’ But ‘How can I be Native and Christian?’ In Holy Smoke, Church shares from his life experience – both personal and practical – in ways that will help young Natives who are striving to seek Jesus while honoring their cultures and traditions to answer this question for themselves. –Megan Murdock Krischke, Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma, National Native Ministry Coordinator for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship If you are involved in outreach to the indigenous community, Dr. Church’s book, Holy Smoke, should be on your list of required reading. I have worked with Casey for 16 years and not only do I consider him a great friend but also a mentor in things Native. –Duane Bristow, Executive Director, Navajo Brethren In Christ Mission and Pastor, First Nations Gathering To walk in the liminal spaces of rituals and ceremony can lead to healing, transformation and innovation. Casey is calling Native leaders back to the traditional way of growth through life stages by the Rites of Passage. Rituals and ceremonies can be contextualized for the Native people who walk with Jesus. Wiconi’s Family Camp and The Brethren in Christ Ministry are two organizations that have led the way through the liminal space of contextualization. –Donnie Begay, Nations Ministry Executive Director

Holy Smoke: The Contextual Use of Native American Ritual and Ceremony

Religion & Spirituality

Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts

Cherohala Press

Casey Church is convinced that if Native American churches are to be effective and fruitful, they must take advantage of the Native cultural context. He believes that they must do whatever is necessary to help lead every lost Native person to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a result of his research on organizational change, barriers to change, and the best approaches to making change, Church is able to help pastors and church leaders develop a better understanding of the transitions and changes they will face when they transition to a Native American Contextual Ministry. Dr. Church introduces ideas and approaches for making change and transition achievable without anxiety and fear. Learning about the process of change and transition will provide 'handles' that can be used to manage change and transition to create the Native church of the future. Written specifically to encourage those who are ready for change, this book contains personal experiences, specific situations, proven approaches, and practical advice for pastors and laity to approach change and transition with confidence.

Native American Contextual Ministry: Making the Transition (Centre for Pentecostal Theology Native North American Contextual Movement Series)

Christian Books & Bibles

The Christian message and discipleship training have often come with the cultural baggage of the non-native Christians who have worked among Native populations. While spiritual formation is the ultimate goal of presenting Christ's message, the message has often been rejected as the White Man's Gospel. This study examines traditional Native Amerian rituals and demonstrates how these rituals can deepen Native American identity and help Native Christians grow in Christ. The study is presented within the context of two Native American ministries: The Brethren in Christ Alcohol Overcomers program and Wiconi International and its Family Camp. These contextual ministries have started to help Native Americans see how their own forms can have new meaning in helping them become stronger Christians. When accompanied by the contextual use of Native rites such as the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, the Pipe Ceremony, Powwow dancing, and singing with the drum, participants who go through these rites of passage experience an increased sense of spiritual well-being and self- esteem through the authentic Native expression of their Christian faith. This revised version of Church's doctoral dissertation will benefit anyone who has a serious commitment to making disciples in Native American communities.

Native American Rites of Passage: The Process of Change and Transition (Centre for Pentecostal Theology Native North American Contextual Movement Series)

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