Best Missions Books of 2021

Motus Dei: The Movement of God to Disciple the Nations edited by Warrick Farrah. As a local church missions pastor seeking to equip and send workers, I find much of the movement literature communicates a simplistically formulaic methodology. This is not what you will find in Motus Dei. This exciting volume brings together theologians, historians, missiologists, and practitioners around the important topic of the movement of God. Dave, Global Outreach Pastor, Park Community Church, Chicago, IL

World Christianity and the Unfinished Task by Lionel Young III. Young explains the world mission movement from the perspective of what has transpired over the past 40 years, hitting on all the relevant topics and major personalities. Readers will find updated information on what is going on in the whole world of missions, not just in the West. It’s a great overview that every mission leader and professor should read and reference. Dr. Marvin Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus

The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama by Goheen and Bartholomew. Although a rework of a self-published 2004 version, this book stands out as a fresh contribution to the genre of biblical theology and mission as it clarifies the purpose of the church and our role in history via an understanding of the story so far. The authors do a great job of laying out the narrative for scholar and student alike. The chapter, “Act 5, Spreading the News of the King: The Mission of the Church,” is worth the price of the entire book. Mike, Pastor of Missions, Elmbrook Church, Milwaukee, WI

A Third of Us: What It Takes to Reach the Unreached by Marvin Newell. Newell does a good job in this book of clarifying the remaining missions task. As Missio Nexus notes in its description: This book is not just an invitation to be aware of the need but also a rally cry for today’s disciples. When finishing the task set by our Savior feels overwhelming, this practical and inspiring book points us back to the hope in Jesus’ words. Mike, Elmbrook

Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land by Elliot Clark. Using the lens of Peter’s epistles, Clark helps Western Christians view the task of evangelism through the eyes of believers who live on the fringe of power and culture rather than at the center of it. A former missionary to the Muslim world, Clark draws on his own field experience in evangelism as well as observations gleaned from national believers who risked much to share their faith. Mike Pollard, Church Partnerships Facilitator, Pioneers

Workship: Recalibrate Work and Worship by Patrick Lai. The first in a series designed to help the church integrate work and worship, this book explores the Hebrew and Greek words for worship, service, and work. The emphasis on witness through plowing hard soil with prayer and love is helpful as are the many stories gleaned from his 30+ years of cross-cultural work. John Spadafora, Director of Church Engagement, Crossworld

Gospel Privilege: The Unearned Advantage That’s Meant for Everyone by David Joannes. Joannes calls the gospel-privileged to stand in advocacy for, and in solidarity with, the gospel-deprived. Utilizing Scripture, quotes from pastors and theologians, and real-life examples from the field, he calls the church to step beyond their borders even when it’s risky or uncomfortable and share the rich privilege of knowing Christ. Larry McCrary, President/CEO, The Upstream Collective

Stop Sending Missionaries: Six Reasons We Should Stop Sending Missionaries and Why They Are All Wrong by Richard Malm. This short read provides great responses to the main arguments people give for why we should stop sending missionaries from the West. Dave, Park Community

The Innovation Crisis: Creating Disruptive Influence in the Ministry You Lead by Ted Esler. Esler considers how innovation needs to be a part of our ministries, both in how we function and in how we set vision for the future. He provides perspective on how innovation has been at the forefront of missions, and how we should let this way of thinking disrupt the “maintenance mode” that so many of us find ourselves and missions in today. The book is very relevant to anyone in ministry or living out faith in this modern global world. Dr. Mark Byrom, Associate Pastor of Global Connections, Appleton (WI) Alliance Church

Journey With Me: Spiritual Formation for Global Workers by Herbert F. Lamp. Lamp propounds that ministry is the result of the overflow of our relationship with God rather than vice versa. Exploring more than 15 ancient spiritual graces, the author invites us to prioritize soul care rather than treat ministry as a replacement for intimacy. He invites us to an intimate journey with our Father as we cross cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and geographic borders, serving Him wholeheartedly and passionately. A necessary read for missionary candidates. Dr. Marvin Newell, Missio Nexus

The Grief Tower: A Practical Guide to Processing Grief with Third Culture Kids by Lauren Wells. Wells has become an authority on helping missionary families raise third-culture kids that not only survive but thrive. This follow-up to her Raising Up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids helps missionary families understand how grief stacks up and impacts their kids, and offers resources for helping children with built-up grief. The book is also practical for church leaders and missions mobilizers to better understand missionary families and the change and losses that they face. Dr. Mark Byrom, Appleton Alliance