Missions

by Gailyn Van Rheenen

How does the church communicate God’s unchanging message in an ever-changing world? Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Strategies gives answers by showing the methods and motives for successful missionary work. It lays sound theological and strategic foundations for the missionary of today and tomorrow. But Missions is far more than blackboard theory. Written by a long-time missionary, it carries the conviction and insights of one who has lived his subject. Gailyn Van Rheenen’s true-life examples sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous-shed a fascinating, personal light on the missionary cycle, cross-cultural issues, church maturation, selecting mission fields, and other vital topics. This distinctive book both provides answers and provokes questions. Stimulating, comprehensive, and highly readable, it will engage readers on every level -- spiritual, intellectual, and personal.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Reference, Christian

Paperback

First published August 13, 1996

Reviews

[Seth Mcdevitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book. I thought "Introduction To Global Missions," by Pratt, Sills, and Walters was a much more thorough treatment of Cross-cultural ministry. The fictional narrative of a husband and wife missionary added nothing to the book and was actually incredibly distracting. I also thought that the sections in the book designed to support Rheenens 'missional helix' were just unnecessary. This book lacked substance where it was needed and contained too much fluff where it was not. Great class, terrible textbook.

[Dwain Minor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well written and easily readable intro to Missions.

[Nate Weis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The practical/strategic sections were excellent-5 stars: the theological sections 3 stars. For a book on the theology of missions and the motivation behind missions, read Piper’s “Let the Nations be Glad!”

[Jordan Kasiske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4 stars because I thought it should have spent more time on the nature and primacy of God's word. Some areas were very self-repeating, causing the book to be even longer then necessary. Though, I may be just judging wrongly from inexperience.

[Matthew Bandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone considering overseas work should absolutely read this from cover to cover and study it carefully. The depth of knowledge and wisdom is amazing.

[Nadine Damo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating and thorough!

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

My scale:
1-bad, don’t read
2-it was okay, wouldn’t recommend
3-good, might recommend
4-great, recommend
5-excellent, highly recommend

[jacob van sickle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taught a Global Missions class and this was the textbook. Entry level but good.

[Ian Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book for increasing my understanding of missions. It did a good job of explaining different styles and philosophies of missions. It is an excellent introduction.