Missions mobilization
Read with caution if you are not already a missionary. These books make you want to go:
When God Comes Calling, by Mike Linville
The Key to the Missionary Problem, by Andrew Murray
Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions, by John Piper
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Ronald Sider
The Hole in our Gospel, by Richard Stearns
When God Comes Calling, by Mike Linville
The Key to the Missionary Problem, by Andrew Murray
Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions, by John Piper
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Ronald Sider
The Hole in our Gospel, by Richard Stearns
cultural preparation
These books prepare you for working overseas and being culturally sensitive:
Cross-Cultural Servanthood, by Duane Elmer
Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry, by Duane Elmer
Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures, by Sarah Lanier
Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships, by Sherwood Lingenfelter and Marvin Mayers
Cultural Intelligence: Improving your CQ to Engage our Multicultural World, by David Livermore
Serving with Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence, by David Livermore
I Think God Wants Me to Be a Missionary, Neal Pirolo
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon O'Brien
Biblical Multicultural Teams, by Sheryl Takagi Silzer
The Art of Crossing Cultures, by Craig Storti
Cross-Cultural Servanthood, by Duane Elmer
Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry, by Duane Elmer
Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures, by Sarah Lanier
Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships, by Sherwood Lingenfelter and Marvin Mayers
Cultural Intelligence: Improving your CQ to Engage our Multicultural World, by David Livermore
Serving with Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence, by David Livermore
I Think God Wants Me to Be a Missionary, Neal Pirolo
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon O'Brien
Biblical Multicultural Teams, by Sheryl Takagi Silzer
The Art of Crossing Cultures, by Craig Storti
missions preparationThese books prepare you for things that are likely to come up as you tackle the missionary endeavor:
Expectations and Burnout, by Sue Eenigenburg and Robyn Bliss Sacred Siblings: Valuing One Another for the Great Commission, by Sue Eenigenburg and Suzy Grumelot Teamwork: How to Build Relationships, by Gordon Jones Married in Mission: A Handbook for Couples in Cross-Cultural Service, by Alexis Kenny Equipped and Effective, by Lois McMartin How to Write Missionary Letters, by Alvera Mickelson Funding your Ministry, by Scott Morton A Spirituality of Fundraising, by Henri Nouwen The Wounded Healer, by Henri Nouwen Serving as Senders - Today, by Neal Pirolo The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande Serving Well: Help for the Wannabe, Newbie, or Weary Cross-Cultural Christian Worker, by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter Getting Started: Making the Most of Your First Year of Cross-Cultural Service, by Amy Young Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader, by Ralph Winter and Steven Hawthorne (no missionary should go to the field without having taken this excellent course!) MISSIONARY KIDS/THIRD CULTURE KIDSIf you are a missionary family with kids, these books prepare and guide you in raising kids overseas:
Raising Resilient MKs: Resources for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers, by Joyce Bowers (this can be downloaded in e-book format for free here) Serving at the Ends of the Earth: Family Life and TCKs, by Steve and Gill Bryant Belonging Everywhere & Nowhere: Insights into Counseling the Globally Mobile, by Lois Bushong Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century, by Tanya Crossman Third Culture Kids: A Gift to Care For, by Ulrika Ermvik Worlds Apart: A TCK's Journey, by Marilyn Gardner Between Worlds, by Marilyn Gardner Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds, by David Pollock and Ruth Van Reken Re-entryAssuming that you go "home" one day, these are good resources on re-entry to your passport culture (hint: it's harder than you think!):
Returning Well: Your Guide to Thriving Back "Home" After Serving Cross Culturally, by Melissa Chaplin Grit to Stay, Grace to Go, by Sue Eenigenburg and Ava Burkholder Burn up or Splash Down: Surviving the Culture Shock of Re-entry, by Marion Knell Looming Transitions, by Amy Young Programs that help with debriefing and re-entry: Mission Training International's DAR Program (Debriefing and Renewal) TRAIN International's ABIDE: Re-entry debriefing genderOn women and their role in missions:
Jesus Feminist: God's Radical Notion that Women are People Too, by Sarah Bessey *any academic research by Leanne Dzubinski on the topic Women in God's Mission: Accepting the Invitation to Serve and Lead, by Mary Lederleitner Finally Feminist: A Pragmatic Christian Understanding of Gender, by John Stackhouse discipleshipSince the purpose of our going is to make disciples in all the earth, these books help in that endeavor:
The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Multiply, by Francis Chan The Master Plan for Evangelism, by Robert Coleman The Lost Art of Disciple Making, by LeRoy Eims Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures, by Darrow Miller poverty and social justiceIf you move to a developing country, as many of us do, you WILL encounter the poor and work with them to some degree, even if that is not the focus of your ministry. These books prepare you for the dynamics of poverty and how to help in healthy ways:
The Prophetic Imagination, Walter Brueggemann When Helping Hurts, by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert Pedagogy of the Oppressed, by Paolo Freire The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence, by Gary Haugen and Victor Boutros The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of the Teachings of Jesus and How They Have Been Corrupted, by Obery Hendricks, Jr. Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life, by Robert Lupton Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, and How to Reverse It, by Robert Lupton Walking with the Poor, by Brant Myers Working with the Poor, by Brant Myers |
Spiritual formation
These are some of my favorites for spiritual growth and devotion:
The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas aKempis
My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers
The Book of Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, by Richard Foster
The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence
Spiritual Survival Handbook for Cross-Cultural Workers, by Robert Miller
Humility, by Andrew Murray
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, By Peter Scazzero
The Divine Hours, by Phyllis Tickle
The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith
Connected: Starting Off Spiritually Fed on the Field, by Amy Young
The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas aKempis
My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers
The Book of Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, by Richard Foster
The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence
Spiritual Survival Handbook for Cross-Cultural Workers, by Robert Miller
Humility, by Andrew Murray
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, By Peter Scazzero
The Divine Hours, by Phyllis Tickle
The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith
Connected: Starting Off Spiritually Fed on the Field, by Amy Young
Web sites and services
COACHING
Advance Global Coaching
www.advanceglobalcoaching.com
Offers professional missions coaching services.
Arrow Leadership
www.arrowleadership.org or www.sharpeningleaders.com
Learn to lead more like Jesus and transform yourself, your team, and your organization.
Coaching Mission International
www.coachingmission.com
Coaching, coach training, and coach development that strengthens, encourages, and equips missions workers.
Thrive Alongside
www.thriveministry.org
Replenishing women ministering overseas: spiritual resources, transformative experiences,
and authentic relationships for women investing in Kingdom work.
CONNECTION WITH OTHER MISSIONARIES
A Life Overseas
www.alifeoverseas.com
A "missions conversation," it includes blog posts about many topics
from mission theory and practice to personal anecdotes and inspiration.
Brigada
www.brigada.org
Resources, trends, and motivation to fulfill the Great Commission.
Missio Nexus
www.missionexus.org
Learn, meet, engage in the Great Commission.
Mission Guide
www.missionguide.global
A "find your mission trip" search engine for short-term teams to connect to you.
Mission Next
www.missionnext.org
Follow God's direction. We'll help you get there.
Velvet Ashes
www.velvetashes.com
Encouragement for women serving overseas.
COUNSELING/CARE
Barnabas International
www.barnabas.org
Offers missionary care and re-entry/debriefing programs.
Alongside
www.alongsidecares.net
Fostering growth and healing for pastors, missionaries, leaders, and their families.
Heartstream Resources for Global Workers
https://www.heartstreamresources.org/programs
Providers of holistic care to promote healing, restoration, and thriving in life and ministry.
Live Oak Counseling
www.liveoakassociates.com
Meeting you where you are, and walking alongside you to where you want to be.
Missionary Care
www.missionarycare.com
Because we don't separate the Great Commission from the Great Commandment.
Resilient Christian Global Worker Study
www.resilientglobalworker.org
Study of almost 900 Christian global workers: How do they become resilient?
Safe Place Ministries
www.safeplaceministry.org
Supporting you as you support others. Care, debriefing, field visits, training, sabbatical planning.
Soul Shepherding
www.soulshepherding.org
Thrive with Jesus in life and leadership.
Valeo
www.valeo.global
Clinical care for global workers (secure online counseling and psychiatry).
FINANCES
The Go Fund
https://thegofund.com
Pays student debt for missionaries going to unreached people groups.
Support Raising Solutions (a ministry of the Center for Mission Mobilization)
www.supportraisingsolutions.org
Flooding the nations with spiritually healthy, vision-driven, fully funded Great Commission workers.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Crash Fitness Co.
www.crashfitnessco.com
Empowering people in Christ to move with passion and purpose through fitness and healthy living.
Virtual personal training for missionaries.
FiTT
https://www.talent-trust.com/missionary-service/fitt/
Maintain and improve your fitness – so you can bring more of yourself to your ministry.
Ministry Medicine International
www.ministrymedicine.wixsite.com/mysite
Telehealth services for ministry personnel.
MOBILIZATION
Gospel Mobilization
www.gospelmobilization.org
Resourcing the Christian community to increase and retain the number of long-term missionaries sent around the world.
Emmaus Road International
www.eri.org
Resources for third millennium missions.
Mission Works
www.missionworks.global
Provides individuals, churches, mission organizations, and schools
with all the outstanding resources, connections, and training needed
to be successful in local and global mission work.
Via
https://www.vianations.org
Coming alongside church and ministry leaders worldwide, helping them reach the nations for Christ.
MISSIONARY KIDS
Interaction International
https://www.interactionintl.org
To collaboratively ignite global transformational movements for the care and equipping of the TCK community.
TCK Training
www.TCKTraining.com
Cultivating thriving third-culture kids worldwide by encouraging, equipping, and empowering through research-based awareness.
REST/RETREATS
A Gift from God, Inc.
www.theplacetorest.org
Nurturing full-time Christian missionary couples through 10-day complimentary sabbatical retreats in Carlsbad, CA.
ServantCARE: A Dwelling Place
https://www.servantcare.com/dwelling-place
A respite for God's servants - in Cassville, Wisconsin.
Shekinah Ranch
www.shekinahranch.org
Away from the battle, alone with the Lord. Retreat cabins in Colorado.
Tributary, by Field Life
www.fieldlife.org/getaways/tributary
Free or low-cost personal getaways for workers who live and serve cross-culturally or work to support those who do.
TRAINING
Center for Intercultural Training
www.cit-online.org
Become a more effective cross-cultural servant.
Global Trellis
www.globaltrellis.com
Developing great commission cross-cultural workers.
Grow2Serve
www.grow2serve.com
Connecting missionaries worldwide to quality and transformative learning resulting in healthy spiritual lives and fruitful ministry.
International Training Partners
www.itpartners.org
Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills workshops,
designed to provide Christian workers and Christ followers everywhere with the essential biblical knowledge,
attitudes and skills for relating well with co-workers, family members, friends and those from other cultures..
Missionary Training School
www.missionarytrainingschool.com
A ministry of Global Frontier Missions - equipping people that want to serve cross-culturally among unreached people groups.
Learn online from anywhere.
MORE Network - Outreach Canada
www.more.outreach.ca
Missionary Opportunities for Resourcing and Equipping:
a Canada-wide collaborative supporting cross-cultural workers and MKs in transition.
We are stronger together.
Narramore Christian Foundation
www.ncfliving.org/what_we_do/seminars-training.html
Offers MK re-entry and counseling & member care seminars.
TRAIN International
www.traininternational.org
Equipping for cross-cultural effectiveness. Pre-field training, consulting, and debriefing services.
Advance Global Coaching
www.advanceglobalcoaching.com
Offers professional missions coaching services.
Arrow Leadership
www.arrowleadership.org or www.sharpeningleaders.com
Learn to lead more like Jesus and transform yourself, your team, and your organization.
Coaching Mission International
www.coachingmission.com
Coaching, coach training, and coach development that strengthens, encourages, and equips missions workers.
Thrive Alongside
www.thriveministry.org
Replenishing women ministering overseas: spiritual resources, transformative experiences,
and authentic relationships for women investing in Kingdom work.
CONNECTION WITH OTHER MISSIONARIES
A Life Overseas
www.alifeoverseas.com
A "missions conversation," it includes blog posts about many topics
from mission theory and practice to personal anecdotes and inspiration.
Brigada
www.brigada.org
Resources, trends, and motivation to fulfill the Great Commission.
Missio Nexus
www.missionexus.org
Learn, meet, engage in the Great Commission.
Mission Guide
www.missionguide.global
A "find your mission trip" search engine for short-term teams to connect to you.
Mission Next
www.missionnext.org
Follow God's direction. We'll help you get there.
Velvet Ashes
www.velvetashes.com
Encouragement for women serving overseas.
COUNSELING/CARE
Barnabas International
www.barnabas.org
Offers missionary care and re-entry/debriefing programs.
Alongside
www.alongsidecares.net
Fostering growth and healing for pastors, missionaries, leaders, and their families.
Heartstream Resources for Global Workers
https://www.heartstreamresources.org/programs
Providers of holistic care to promote healing, restoration, and thriving in life and ministry.
Live Oak Counseling
www.liveoakassociates.com
Meeting you where you are, and walking alongside you to where you want to be.
Missionary Care
www.missionarycare.com
Because we don't separate the Great Commission from the Great Commandment.
Resilient Christian Global Worker Study
www.resilientglobalworker.org
Study of almost 900 Christian global workers: How do they become resilient?
Safe Place Ministries
www.safeplaceministry.org
Supporting you as you support others. Care, debriefing, field visits, training, sabbatical planning.
Soul Shepherding
www.soulshepherding.org
Thrive with Jesus in life and leadership.
Valeo
www.valeo.global
Clinical care for global workers (secure online counseling and psychiatry).
FINANCES
The Go Fund
https://thegofund.com
Pays student debt for missionaries going to unreached people groups.
Support Raising Solutions (a ministry of the Center for Mission Mobilization)
www.supportraisingsolutions.org
Flooding the nations with spiritually healthy, vision-driven, fully funded Great Commission workers.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Crash Fitness Co.
www.crashfitnessco.com
Empowering people in Christ to move with passion and purpose through fitness and healthy living.
Virtual personal training for missionaries.
FiTT
https://www.talent-trust.com/missionary-service/fitt/
Maintain and improve your fitness – so you can bring more of yourself to your ministry.
Ministry Medicine International
www.ministrymedicine.wixsite.com/mysite
Telehealth services for ministry personnel.
MOBILIZATION
Gospel Mobilization
www.gospelmobilization.org
Resourcing the Christian community to increase and retain the number of long-term missionaries sent around the world.
Emmaus Road International
www.eri.org
Resources for third millennium missions.
Mission Works
www.missionworks.global
Provides individuals, churches, mission organizations, and schools
with all the outstanding resources, connections, and training needed
to be successful in local and global mission work.
Via
https://www.vianations.org
Coming alongside church and ministry leaders worldwide, helping them reach the nations for Christ.
MISSIONARY KIDS
Interaction International
https://www.interactionintl.org
To collaboratively ignite global transformational movements for the care and equipping of the TCK community.
TCK Training
www.TCKTraining.com
Cultivating thriving third-culture kids worldwide by encouraging, equipping, and empowering through research-based awareness.
REST/RETREATS
A Gift from God, Inc.
www.theplacetorest.org
Nurturing full-time Christian missionary couples through 10-day complimentary sabbatical retreats in Carlsbad, CA.
ServantCARE: A Dwelling Place
https://www.servantcare.com/dwelling-place
A respite for God's servants - in Cassville, Wisconsin.
Shekinah Ranch
www.shekinahranch.org
Away from the battle, alone with the Lord. Retreat cabins in Colorado.
Tributary, by Field Life
www.fieldlife.org/getaways/tributary
Free or low-cost personal getaways for workers who live and serve cross-culturally or work to support those who do.
TRAINING
Center for Intercultural Training
www.cit-online.org
Become a more effective cross-cultural servant.
Global Trellis
www.globaltrellis.com
Developing great commission cross-cultural workers.
Grow2Serve
www.grow2serve.com
Connecting missionaries worldwide to quality and transformative learning resulting in healthy spiritual lives and fruitful ministry.
International Training Partners
www.itpartners.org
Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills workshops,
designed to provide Christian workers and Christ followers everywhere with the essential biblical knowledge,
attitudes and skills for relating well with co-workers, family members, friends and those from other cultures..
Missionary Training School
www.missionarytrainingschool.com
A ministry of Global Frontier Missions - equipping people that want to serve cross-culturally among unreached people groups.
Learn online from anywhere.
MORE Network - Outreach Canada
www.more.outreach.ca
Missionary Opportunities for Resourcing and Equipping:
a Canada-wide collaborative supporting cross-cultural workers and MKs in transition.
We are stronger together.
Narramore Christian Foundation
www.ncfliving.org/what_we_do/seminars-training.html
Offers MK re-entry and counseling & member care seminars.
TRAIN International
www.traininternational.org
Equipping for cross-cultural effectiveness. Pre-field training, consulting, and debriefing services.
