The 25 Unbelievable Years: 1945-1969

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The 25 Unbelievable Years by Ralph D. Winter is a powerful reflection on the remarkable growth and transformation of the global Christian mission movement from 1945 to 1969. Winter describes these years as “unbelievable” due to the unprecedented spread of Christianity, particularly in non-Western nations, following the end of World War II. He highlights how geopolitical shifts, decolonization, and technological advances created new opportunities for evangelism and church planting. Despite political instability and social upheaval, the church expanded rapidly, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Winter challenges western Christians to recognize the significance of this global movement and to support indigenous leadership and missions. He emphasizes the need to view history through a missional lens, where God’s purpose is being fulfilled in unexpected ways. This thought-provoking work calls the church to greater faith, vision, and participation in God’s unfolding plan across the nations during a unique moment in history.[/DESCRIPTION][SUBTITLE]The Most Significant Transition in World Events in a 500 Year Period[/SUBTITLE] [CREDIT] by: Ralph D. Winter (Author) [/CREDIT] [PAGES] 156 [/PAGES] [BINDING] Paperback [/BINDING] [PUBLISHER] William Carey Library [/PUBLISHER] [PUBLISHYEAR] 2005 [/PUBLISHYEAR][ENDORSEMENT2]

The period from 1945 to 1970 may prove to be a critical turning point in the worldwide expansion of Christianity.  No Christian who wishes to understand what God has been doing in our world during these "unbelievable years" can afford to neglect this concise and comprehensive summation.

Ralph Covell[/ENDORSEMENT2] [ENDORSEMENT3]

In the 25 years missions experienced more extensive and radical changes than in any previous hundred.  Dr. Winter has brought to our attention some of the most significant of these.

Harold Cook[/ENDORSEMENT3] [ENDORSEMENT4]

Every pastor and layman should read it... written from the perspective of an informed evangelical... packed with factual information which will startle those who think the cause of Christ has been failing in its world mission.

Robert B. Munger [/ENDORSEMENT4][TOC]

Foreword by David Hesselgrave

Prefaces: 1970, 1980, 2005

Chapter 1- The Retreat of the West

The Official End to Political Imperialism

Heightened Economic Imperialism

Nationalistic Imperialism

Mixed Attitudes

Cultural Imperialism

Political Boundaries and Cultural Minorities

The Technological Explosion

The Psychological Impact

Chapter 2- The Fate of the Younger Churches

The Emergence of the National Church

The Indigenous Church

Evidence of a Major Movement

The Younger Churches and the Ecumenical Movement

The Theological Problem of Diversity

Chapter 3- The Fate of Christianity

Communism and Christianity

The Impression of a Dwindling Movement

Christianity in a World Demanding Change

Chapter 4- The Fate of the Missions

The Cutting of Roots

The Closing of Doors

The Deepening Pessimism

The Unbelievable Record

The Turmoil in Mission Theory From Missions to Mission?

The Councils and the Congresses

Church, Mission, and the Oikoumene

Chapter 5- Preparation For Tomorrow

The Shape of Tomorrow

Structure as Servant or Master?

Strategic Consultation

What is the Goal?

Epilogue- The Task Before Us

Appendix- The Man and the Issue

A. The Reluctant Missionary

B. The Tapestry of the Christian Story

C. The Two Structures of God's Redemptive Mission

Reference Notes

About the Author

List of Figures

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