Experiments in Love: An Anabaptist Theology of Risk-Taking in Mission

In this review of Experiments in Love, the reviewer finds a thoughtful, theologically grounded book aimed at church leaders and readers curious about the intersection of Anabaptist faith and mission practice. Emily Ralph Servant offers a sustained argument that the stories churches tell shape how congregations take risks in mission, and the book's central contribution is its invitation to adopt a posture of vulnerable, relational presence inspired by God's own risky presence. This short monograph reads like a conversation across traditions and disciplines, and it will interest those seeking a fresh, reflective vocabulary for mission.

Key Features

• Interdisciplinary dialogue: Engages feminist and liberation theologians, the social and behavioral sciences, and the Anabaptist tradition to widen the reader's theological frame for mission.
• Theological focus on risk: Centers the idea that God models risky presence, offering congregations a theological rationale for vulnerable engagement with their communities.
• Encourages leaders to explore new stories and listen to new voices as concrete steps toward more experimental mission practices.
• Presented as an accessible monograph in the American Society of Missiology series, it is manageable for busy leaders to read and reflect on.
• Frames mission as participation in the Spirit's work of transformation rather than programmatic success, shifting priorities toward relationship and presence.

Who It's For

Church leaders, missiologists, seminary students, and lay readers interested in rethinking congregational practices will find value in this book. It suits those who want a theological account that combines scholarship with practical reflection and who are open to nontraditional voices in mission conversations.

Readers looking for step-by-step how-to manuals, extensive case studies, or empirical program evaluation should look elsewhere; this work is primarily theological and reflective rather than a toolkit or large-scale study.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fresh theological framing that makes risk-taking in mission intelligible and morally compelling.
• Interdisciplinary sources broaden the book's appeal beyond a single tradition or method.
• Clear invitation to leaders to change congregational stories and practices toward vulnerable presence.

Cons

• As a short monograph, it offers limited concrete, step-by-step practices for immediate implementation.

Specifications

Title	Experiments in Love: An Anabaptist Theology of Risk-Taking in Mission
Author	Emily Ralph Servant
Series	American Society of Missiology Monograph
Focus	Anabaptist theology and mission
Approach	Dialogue with feminist, liberation theology and social sciences
Primary theme	Risk, vulnerable presence, and the Spirit's transformation

Our Verdict

Experiments in Love is a concise, theologically rich monograph well suited for church leaders and students who want a fresh conceptual framework for mission. Its value lies in reframing mission as vulnerable presence and in prompting leaders to listen to new voices; those seeking practical program manuals may need to supplement it with other resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book offer practical mission strategies?
The book prioritizes theological reflection and imaginative practice over step-by-step strategies, so readers should expect concepts to apply in context rather than detailed action plans.

Who is the intended audience?
Primarily church leaders, missiology students, and readers interested in Anabaptist perspectives on mission and theological renewal.

How does the book approach risk?
It frames risk as modeled by God's courageous presence and invites congregations to practice vulnerable presence as participation in the Spirit's work.