Is the Commission Still Great? 8 Myths about Missions and What They Mean for the Church by Steve Richardson. Wrong assumptions about missions today have weakened the Church’s resolve to engage wholeheartedly in missions. This book forcefully and logically answers much misguided thinking about current missions. Every mission pastor needs to read this book. Dr. Marvin J. Newell, Ambassador at Large, Missio Nexus

The Mission of the Triune God: A Theology of Acts by Patrick Schreiner. As mission practitioners, we often do just that—practice. We can become very focused on the best methodology. I have found reading commentaries and continuing to develop my theology of sending and missions is needed in my ministry. This book is rich and deep, so take your time diving into it. Larry McCrary, President/CEO, The Upstream Collective 

The God that the Poor Seek: Conversion, Context, and the World of the Vulnerable by Rupen Das. The church in the Global South is growing exponentially in the context of religious pluralism, poverty, and socio-political systems that inflict oppression. Das’ book helps the church of the Global North to see the world and the gospel through the eyes of the poor and disenfranchised, encouraging us to develop a listening posture rather than imposing a Western formulaic presentation of the gospel. Dr. Robert Cousins, Director, Global Mission Initiatives, Lausanne Movement Canada

God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church by Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves. This book shows how a proper vision and understanding of our great and glorious God is the heart of biblical motivation for sharing Christ to a lost world. The more believers overflow with the awesomeness of God, the more they will reach out with the gospel to others. Dr. Marvin J. Newell, Missio Nexus

No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions by Matt Rhodes. Missiological and ecclesiological issues come and go, but this one seems to be here to stay for a while. Rhodes’ book looks into questions surrounding “movements”—DMM (disciple-making movements) and CPM (church-planting movements).  Be prepared: This book comes with a point of view. Whether you agree or disagree, the issues raised need to be on the radar of anyone involved in missions. David Harrop, Pastor of Global Ministries, Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA

Theology of Mission: A Concise Biblical Theology by J.D. Payne. Payne describes the mission of God spanning from Genesis to Revelation. The book provides depth and scholarly engagement of the biblical text without being too dense, boring, or technical.  Every mission student needs to read this book. Dr. Marvin J. Newell,  Missio Nexus 

Xinjiang: China’s Gateway to the World (China Chronicles, #6) by Paul Hattaway. You may know what is happening to Uyghurs (and others) in the Chinese province of Xinjiang, but you might be surprised to learn why this region is significant to the nation and its rich, 1,400 years of Christian history. It’s quite a story! The China Chronicles series is an ambitious project to document the advance of Christianity in each province of China, decade by decade, from the time the gospel was introduced to the present day. Marti Wade, Editor of Pioneers’ Missions Catalyst

Embracing the New Samaria: Opening Our Eyes to Our Multiethnic Future by Alejandro Mandes. North America continues to receive people from around the world, many from restricted nations. As our context changes rapidly, the church must adapt and grapple with the question, “Who is our neighbor?” We are being given opportunity to join God where He is at work in the next rise of Christianity! The journey is not easy, but it will be worth it. This book helps the Church identify and recognize bias as it relates to our new neighbors. Mark Szymanski, North American Regional Leader, United World Mission 

You Are Sent: Finding Your Place in God’s Global Mission, Study Guide with Leader’s Notes, by Nathan Sloan. This group study is designed to help Christians begin to see themselves with a “sent” identity and find their role in the Great Commission. Dave, Park Community 

Mobilizing Gen Z: Challenges and Opportunities for the Global Age of Missions, by Jolene Erlacher and Katy White. Have you seen shifts in the mindset, experiences, and readiness for mission in today’s young adults, particularly those in the US? This book will help you understand the characteristics of Gen Z (born 1996-2010), how these affect their approach to missions, and how families, churches, schools, and agencies can best connect with, serve, and care for them. I found the book readable, motivating, and research-informed, and was impressed by how practical it is without being prescriptive. Marti Wade, Pioneers

Missions Disrupted: From Professional Missionaries to Missional Professionals by Larry W. Sharp. This book is a provocative read that highlights the paradigm shift expressed in the title. Sharp presents an apologetic for the Missio Dei through all the vocations of God’s people. The many stories he includes illustrate the power of God-inspired entrepreneurial business to shape and influence culture and people, reversing the fall, and pointing people to Jesus. John Spadafora, Director of Church Engagement, Crossworld

Equipped and Effective:  Practical Ideas and Tools for Coming Alongside Cross-Cultural Workers by Lois M. McMartin. This user-friendly resource is one of the most thorough and comprehensive guides for understanding and developing good member care by a church or sending organization. The “workbook style” format includes multiple reflection and discussion tools for interacting with individuals, small groups, and teams.  Permission is granted for copying and distributing the resources for your organization. Dr. Mark Byrom, Executive Pastor of Outreach & Care, Alliance Church, Appleton, WI 

Holding the Rope: How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones by Ryan Martin. Martin does a great job of helping the local church rediscover her place in caring for those she has sent. Dave, Park Community