Introduction, James Plueddemann

James Plueddemann introduces the three readers and their paper topics for the third and final session of the Woodbridge conference dealing with missionary enterprises of the majority church. He also includes some personal recollections about John Woodbridge from their days together as students, a few words about the importance of and future of missions, as well as some brief general remarks about history.

Biography

James E. Plueddemann is Professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, serving on the TEDS faculty since 2004. Dr. Plueddemann has degrees from Wheaton College (B.A., M.A.) and Michigan State University (Ph.D.). He has extensive experience in both missions and education. He was Director of Theological Education for ECWA in Nigeria during the 1970s, the chair of the Department of Christian Education and Educational Ministries at Wheaton College during the 1980s/90s, and the International Director of SIM from 1993 to 2003. He has taught in many countries and written extensively. Dr. Plueddemann and his wife, Carol, have two children. He co-authored God’s Heart for the World: Missionary Themes from Genesis to Revelation with Carol.