What do you think?
Rate this book
Life on Mission: Joining the Everyday Mission of God
If you had a ladder made of splinters, would you stand on it? Unfortunately, the mission practices of most churches stand on weak foundations. Life on Mission gives gospel-centered, biblical, practical foundations for how missions was meant to an everyone-together effort. Life on Mission is a thorough yet simple guide for everyday missionaries—electricians, lawyers, church planters, students, etc.—that equips them with truths and practices for living out the gospel within their own community. Adaptable to any context, Life on Mission functions great as both an individual and small-group study. Threaded with engaging stories and probing reflection questions, Life on Mission will help you and your community take bold steps to living life on mission.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
70 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 10, 2014
Rich and practical. a Great book for group leaders and/or church leaders to go through with people to get everyone moving toward the same vision. I especially liked how realistic this book is - it's not crazy or scary. It asks people to be missionaries as *part* of the life they already lead. Good stuff.
November 18, 2014
"Every believer is to live life on mission. God has chosen not to leave our communities in spiritual disrepair. He has made plans for ordinary men and women to make disciples and start churches in the unlikeliest and most unreached of places" (pp. 17, 20).
So say Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe. These men authored "Life on Mission: Joining the Everyday Mission of God." Willis and Coe are two proven missional leaders who started dynamic churches in Columbia, South Carolina and New York City, respectively. They are now mobilizing others through their ministries at the North American Mission Board.
Willis and Coe are passionate about the fact that God's mission has been given to every single person in His church. They want to mobilize everyone by encouraging us that God seeks to do more in and through us than we can possibly imagine.
They approach things from what seems to be apparently a Reformed Theological point of view. But they never allow their doctrinal passion to detract from their missional focus. Instead, they illustrate how their theological point of view actually fuels missional activity. "Too often we see people either digging deep into doctrine but never applying it, or we see those who eagerly engage in missionary activity while never digging deep into why mission work even matters" ( p. 29).
This book is needed because of the current reality of evangelicalism in America. Evangelicals account for about 25 million people. That means over 90% of America are non-evangelicals. By 2045, some researchers suggest that the number of evangelicals will drop to about 16 million while the overall population will jump to more than 400 million (from the current 316 million). Churches are closing. Church buildings are being put to other uses. Many Americans cannot explain why Jesus died on the cross. Clearly, we are losing ground. Something needs to change.
This is why Willis and Coe wrote the book. They want people to know that God is still God, that He is on a mission, and that He invites us to join Him.
In the book, we are challenged to align our lives with God's kingdom. We often don't embrace God's mission because we are trying to build our own little kingdoms. But Jesus is the King who rules everything for our good and His glory. He is reconciling all things to Himself. He is restoring all things. And He has given to us the privilege of spreading this good news to a desperate world.
Willis and Coe do a great job in lifting up Christ as majestic King. They say we must leave behind our own kingdoms and pursue His. "As every day missionaries, we are more concerned with the bigger picture of God's kingdom than we are with ourselves" (p. 54).
In Life on Mission, we learn that the gospel itself is central to mission. If believers repent and believe the gospel as a way of life throughout our lives, we will be increasingly motivated to share the gospel with others. "The gospel is not only the starting point, it is also the point in every step of our journey. The gospel is how we become Christians, but it is also how we grow as believers – through meditating on it and applying it to every fabric of our lives" (p. 69). The authors spend a good bit of time defining the gospel so that it becomes the basis of our missional efforts. Sound theology, an appreciation for the basis of our forgiveness and acceptance by a holy God, is foundational for a life on mission.
Willis and Coe realize that effective missional living must be grounded in true spiritual maturity. Maturity comes from the knowledge of God. They want us to understand the supremacy of God, the sovereignty of God, and the love of God. They want us to apply this to our lives. This will give us hope, joy, and peace in the midst of trial and difficulty. It's the knowledge of God the causes people to risk their lives for the sake of God's mission. We need an unwavering belief in the God of our mission.
Life on Mission encourages us to live in biblical community. The mission will only be effective when we live interdependent lives as believers, working together for the mission that unites us. "Who are you wrestling alongside through the truth of the gospel? Who's confronting you in your sin? Who are you confronting? Who are you confessing to? Who are you walking in repentance with? Who are you learning the idea forgiveness from? Who are you partnering with to live out mission?" (p. 93). The world will be drawn to Christ when they see us living as one. True biblical community is attractive to a lost world.
The authors lift up the importance of discipleship. They do not spend time discussing a particular model of discipleship but they want us to use ministry as a way to "get people done" rather than use people to get ministry done. The authors quote Wayne Cordeiro, "You teach people what you know, but you reproduce who you are" ( p. 100). The mission of God will only be accomplished when the church is filled with disciplers.
This takes us through part 1 of the book, the Big Picture, and part 2 of the book, Gospel Foundations. Part 3 is where the authors discuss Mission Practices: Identify people who need the gospel; Invest in others as you share the gospel; Invite people into disciple-making relationships; and Increase disciple-making by sending people to make more disciples.
What makes it possible for us to identify people who need the gospel is the unselfishness that the gospel produces in us. The Holy Spirit turns our gaze outward. Willis and Coe teach us to go where we are already going with new eyes. We look for those people who are marginalized. Our mission field includes our workplace, our neighborhood, our sports teams, and people who share our hobbies like biking, fishing, knitting, hockey, or painting. We must combine our natural rhythms of life and our passions and use them to build relationships. When we combine that with the gospel, powerful things can happen.
Once we have identified people who need to be reached with the gospel, we are ready to invest in them. "Sacrificially investing in others is anchored in the ability to have a care for them that drowns out our own ability to focus on self" (p. 121). In the book we are encouraged to share our lives with people, to make friends, to ask them to lunch, to throw a party, to have a cookout, or to invite them to fun activities like bowling. When all else fails, we can ask people how we can pray for them. Once we begin to invest in others, we will naturally begin to talk about the things that are most important to us. Of course, that means we will talk about Jesus.
Willis and Coe make the point that the good news of God's grace cannot only be illustrated by our lives. The gospel must be verbalized. They make the point that one of the greatest joys that we can experience is explaining the gospel and watching God save people. They use a simple approach in teaching people how to verbalize the gospel. We must learn to speak of 1) Brokenness, 2) God's design, and 3) the Gospel. (Note: The presentation is consistent with the 3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide.)
The book closes with a very helpful chapter regarding some of the pitfalls of the ministry. They encourage people on mission 1) to not neglect family, 2) to remember to rest, 3) to remember that God, not us, is the One who gives the growth, 4) to not have a Lone Ranger mentality, and 5) to refuse to make an idol out of ministry success.
Willis and Coe share some personal examples from their lives and ministries throughout the book. They show how Life on Mission works. Another important feature of the book are the many questions throughout the book that encourage personal reflection and application. At the end of the book they include an appendix that details a 6 week study to be used in LifeGroups.
Readers of the book will be reminded of many of the principles that were taught at Cuyahoga Valley Church (CVC) in the Missio Dei series. A few of the words from the current CVC Vision Frame are included throughout the book. At other times, the language used may not precisely the same as the CVC Vision Frame but the concepts easily lend themselves to the CVC Vision Frame language (especially Inviting people to new life in Christ, God dependence, Caring Community, Missional Living, Beloved Child, Self-feeder, Servant, INvestor, Discipler, and Missionary).
I really like this book. I think it would be excellent for the elders of a church, for an executive team, for a leadership team, and for life group leaders. It has not been written at a scholarly level, so it is accessible to non-seminarians. It would make for a good 6 week LifeGroup study as a way to mobilize the people in a church community to reach their Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).
So say Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe. These men authored "Life on Mission: Joining the Everyday Mission of God." Willis and Coe are two proven missional leaders who started dynamic churches in Columbia, South Carolina and New York City, respectively. They are now mobilizing others through their ministries at the North American Mission Board.
Willis and Coe are passionate about the fact that God's mission has been given to every single person in His church. They want to mobilize everyone by encouraging us that God seeks to do more in and through us than we can possibly imagine.
They approach things from what seems to be apparently a Reformed Theological point of view. But they never allow their doctrinal passion to detract from their missional focus. Instead, they illustrate how their theological point of view actually fuels missional activity. "Too often we see people either digging deep into doctrine but never applying it, or we see those who eagerly engage in missionary activity while never digging deep into why mission work even matters" ( p. 29).
This book is needed because of the current reality of evangelicalism in America. Evangelicals account for about 25 million people. That means over 90% of America are non-evangelicals. By 2045, some researchers suggest that the number of evangelicals will drop to about 16 million while the overall population will jump to more than 400 million (from the current 316 million). Churches are closing. Church buildings are being put to other uses. Many Americans cannot explain why Jesus died on the cross. Clearly, we are losing ground. Something needs to change.
This is why Willis and Coe wrote the book. They want people to know that God is still God, that He is on a mission, and that He invites us to join Him.
In the book, we are challenged to align our lives with God's kingdom. We often don't embrace God's mission because we are trying to build our own little kingdoms. But Jesus is the King who rules everything for our good and His glory. He is reconciling all things to Himself. He is restoring all things. And He has given to us the privilege of spreading this good news to a desperate world.
Willis and Coe do a great job in lifting up Christ as majestic King. They say we must leave behind our own kingdoms and pursue His. "As every day missionaries, we are more concerned with the bigger picture of God's kingdom than we are with ourselves" (p. 54).
In Life on Mission, we learn that the gospel itself is central to mission. If believers repent and believe the gospel as a way of life throughout our lives, we will be increasingly motivated to share the gospel with others. "The gospel is not only the starting point, it is also the point in every step of our journey. The gospel is how we become Christians, but it is also how we grow as believers – through meditating on it and applying it to every fabric of our lives" (p. 69). The authors spend a good bit of time defining the gospel so that it becomes the basis of our missional efforts. Sound theology, an appreciation for the basis of our forgiveness and acceptance by a holy God, is foundational for a life on mission.
Willis and Coe realize that effective missional living must be grounded in true spiritual maturity. Maturity comes from the knowledge of God. They want us to understand the supremacy of God, the sovereignty of God, and the love of God. They want us to apply this to our lives. This will give us hope, joy, and peace in the midst of trial and difficulty. It's the knowledge of God the causes people to risk their lives for the sake of God's mission. We need an unwavering belief in the God of our mission.
Life on Mission encourages us to live in biblical community. The mission will only be effective when we live interdependent lives as believers, working together for the mission that unites us. "Who are you wrestling alongside through the truth of the gospel? Who's confronting you in your sin? Who are you confronting? Who are you confessing to? Who are you walking in repentance with? Who are you learning the idea forgiveness from? Who are you partnering with to live out mission?" (p. 93). The world will be drawn to Christ when they see us living as one. True biblical community is attractive to a lost world.
The authors lift up the importance of discipleship. They do not spend time discussing a particular model of discipleship but they want us to use ministry as a way to "get people done" rather than use people to get ministry done. The authors quote Wayne Cordeiro, "You teach people what you know, but you reproduce who you are" ( p. 100). The mission of God will only be accomplished when the church is filled with disciplers.
This takes us through part 1 of the book, the Big Picture, and part 2 of the book, Gospel Foundations. Part 3 is where the authors discuss Mission Practices: Identify people who need the gospel; Invest in others as you share the gospel; Invite people into disciple-making relationships; and Increase disciple-making by sending people to make more disciples.
What makes it possible for us to identify people who need the gospel is the unselfishness that the gospel produces in us. The Holy Spirit turns our gaze outward. Willis and Coe teach us to go where we are already going with new eyes. We look for those people who are marginalized. Our mission field includes our workplace, our neighborhood, our sports teams, and people who share our hobbies like biking, fishing, knitting, hockey, or painting. We must combine our natural rhythms of life and our passions and use them to build relationships. When we combine that with the gospel, powerful things can happen.
Once we have identified people who need to be reached with the gospel, we are ready to invest in them. "Sacrificially investing in others is anchored in the ability to have a care for them that drowns out our own ability to focus on self" (p. 121). In the book we are encouraged to share our lives with people, to make friends, to ask them to lunch, to throw a party, to have a cookout, or to invite them to fun activities like bowling. When all else fails, we can ask people how we can pray for them. Once we begin to invest in others, we will naturally begin to talk about the things that are most important to us. Of course, that means we will talk about Jesus.
Willis and Coe make the point that the good news of God's grace cannot only be illustrated by our lives. The gospel must be verbalized. They make the point that one of the greatest joys that we can experience is explaining the gospel and watching God save people. They use a simple approach in teaching people how to verbalize the gospel. We must learn to speak of 1) Brokenness, 2) God's design, and 3) the Gospel. (Note: The presentation is consistent with the 3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide.)
The book closes with a very helpful chapter regarding some of the pitfalls of the ministry. They encourage people on mission 1) to not neglect family, 2) to remember to rest, 3) to remember that God, not us, is the One who gives the growth, 4) to not have a Lone Ranger mentality, and 5) to refuse to make an idol out of ministry success.
Willis and Coe share some personal examples from their lives and ministries throughout the book. They show how Life on Mission works. Another important feature of the book are the many questions throughout the book that encourage personal reflection and application. At the end of the book they include an appendix that details a 6 week study to be used in LifeGroups.
Readers of the book will be reminded of many of the principles that were taught at Cuyahoga Valley Church (CVC) in the Missio Dei series. A few of the words from the current CVC Vision Frame are included throughout the book. At other times, the language used may not precisely the same as the CVC Vision Frame but the concepts easily lend themselves to the CVC Vision Frame language (especially Inviting people to new life in Christ, God dependence, Caring Community, Missional Living, Beloved Child, Self-feeder, Servant, INvestor, Discipler, and Missionary).
I really like this book. I think it would be excellent for the elders of a church, for an executive team, for a leadership team, and for life group leaders. It has not been written at a scholarly level, so it is accessible to non-seminarians. It would make for a good 6 week LifeGroup study as a way to mobilize the people in a church community to reach their Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).
July 7, 2014
If you're tired of living a hum-drum, every-day-the-same life, join authors Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe on a journey toward intentional living in their new book Life on Mission: Joining the Everyday Mission of God. They challenge readers to be everyday missionaries saying, "Everyday missionaries are those who practice life on mission where God has placed them."
For those who have served as career missionaries, this book presents nothing new. But for those who have long thought that missions is for hired holy people, Life on Mission challenges their foundational beliefs about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how to live that out. Willis and Coe tell readers, "When we combine our natural rhythms or passions with the gospel and use them to build relationships, powerful things can happen. Our passions or placement (where we live, where we go) can help us identify opportunities for sharing the gospel."
Life on Mission is interactive with questions for deeper Bible study and application sprinkled throughout. In addition, the authors present a true picture of lostness in America and show readers the real need for Jesus. Willis and Coe lead readers to explore the biblical foundations for everyday missions, and then they address missions practices, giving practical suggestions and real-life examples. Finally, they include a short chapter that helps readers think through potential ministry pitfalls.
One of the best things about the book is the leader's guide at the back. It includes a six-week reading plan along with chapter highlights and discussion questions making it perfect for small groups to explore together as they learn to live as everyday missionaries. I highly recommend Life on Mission for anyone who wants to be a disciple who makes disciples, who wants to live out their faith in the rhythms of daily life.
* Note: I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
For those who have served as career missionaries, this book presents nothing new. But for those who have long thought that missions is for hired holy people, Life on Mission challenges their foundational beliefs about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how to live that out. Willis and Coe tell readers, "When we combine our natural rhythms or passions with the gospel and use them to build relationships, powerful things can happen. Our passions or placement (where we live, where we go) can help us identify opportunities for sharing the gospel."
Life on Mission is interactive with questions for deeper Bible study and application sprinkled throughout. In addition, the authors present a true picture of lostness in America and show readers the real need for Jesus. Willis and Coe lead readers to explore the biblical foundations for everyday missions, and then they address missions practices, giving practical suggestions and real-life examples. Finally, they include a short chapter that helps readers think through potential ministry pitfalls.
One of the best things about the book is the leader's guide at the back. It includes a six-week reading plan along with chapter highlights and discussion questions making it perfect for small groups to explore together as they learn to live as everyday missionaries. I highly recommend Life on Mission for anyone who wants to be a disciple who makes disciples, who wants to live out their faith in the rhythms of daily life.
* Note: I received a copy of the book from NetGalley for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
September 30, 2014
Exceptionally well-written and balanced presentation of Gospel theology and practice in the context of personal evangelism. Amazingly helpful - tips, anecdotes, cautions. This is an excellent guide and motivation for relational evangelism that finds its heart in Christ and its lifestyle in the mission of God. I can't recommend this one highly enough!
January 22, 2021
“A life on mission is a calling of abandonment. It is the confession of our willingness to set aside—to abandon—our preferences to follow God’s mission.”
Thought-provoking words in a culture that has become immersed in self-satisfaction and gain. Life On Mission is a practical reminder that the life of the believer is meant for the purposes of the Most High—meant for service to God and to one another. The first section of this book tunes us into ‘The Big Picture.’ Willis and Coe drop some startling statistics about the state of the Church in North America, providing a humbling reminder that there is plenty of gospel good to be done right where we are and amongst those God has placed within our personal orbits. The second section serves to reinforce the basic truths of the gospel, the foundations that should uphold the way we live inwardly and outwardly. There is a clear call to better understand the gospel and then share that understanding with a world that is dying. Section three outlines best practices for the mission field, whether that be in an overseas refugee camp or at a neighbor’s bbq. 1: Identify people who need the gospel. 2: Invest your life in others. 3: Invite people into disciple-making relationships. And 4: Increase disciple-making by sending out. Following these basic guidelines (and allowing space for the Holy Spirit to work) will ensure great fruit for the Kingdom. The final section offers examples of some pitfalls one may encounter and how to work around them.
All-in-all, Life on Mission is a practical application of the gospel in everyday life. More importantly, it’s a reminder that our individual lives carry tremendous value and purpose. Whether you are serving in an orphanage or serving in a fast-food restaurant, you can bloom where God has planted you and make a difference in the lives of those around you for His glory. 4 of 5 stars.
Thought-provoking words in a culture that has become immersed in self-satisfaction and gain. Life On Mission is a practical reminder that the life of the believer is meant for the purposes of the Most High—meant for service to God and to one another. The first section of this book tunes us into ‘The Big Picture.’ Willis and Coe drop some startling statistics about the state of the Church in North America, providing a humbling reminder that there is plenty of gospel good to be done right where we are and amongst those God has placed within our personal orbits. The second section serves to reinforce the basic truths of the gospel, the foundations that should uphold the way we live inwardly and outwardly. There is a clear call to better understand the gospel and then share that understanding with a world that is dying. Section three outlines best practices for the mission field, whether that be in an overseas refugee camp or at a neighbor’s bbq. 1: Identify people who need the gospel. 2: Invest your life in others. 3: Invite people into disciple-making relationships. And 4: Increase disciple-making by sending out. Following these basic guidelines (and allowing space for the Holy Spirit to work) will ensure great fruit for the Kingdom. The final section offers examples of some pitfalls one may encounter and how to work around them.
All-in-all, Life on Mission is a practical application of the gospel in everyday life. More importantly, it’s a reminder that our individual lives carry tremendous value and purpose. Whether you are serving in an orphanage or serving in a fast-food restaurant, you can bloom where God has planted you and make a difference in the lives of those around you for His glory. 4 of 5 stars.
October 1, 2015
One of the best missions books I have ever read. Not only did it give me practical ways to live a life on mission but it really pierced my heart and made me think.
November 7, 2015
Great book for each of us are believers in Jesus Christ and the Gospel. It is clear and readable with immense practicality. I highly recommend it!
December 6, 2015
Good for all. Giftable. Everyday mission life.
March 14, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
In reading this book and its approach on involving the whole mass of believers to be discipled and serve as models of Christianity to the outside world at large, I was struck by its similarity to my church's recent regional leadership conference in which I took part [1]. In other words, the message that this book provided was a topical one that dealt with concerns that have been on my mind and the mind of other people I happen to know recently. I was struck by the way that the author seemed to indicate that the only Christian population that mattered was those who said themselves to be "born again" or, equivalently, who identified as evangelicals, which amount to only a small amount of those who identify as Christians overall or who espouse a belief in Jesus Christ. While the author and I clearly have some differences, I was struck by the sensible nature of much that I heard and the call to do more than I read within it, even if that seems to be a fairly common call these days.
This book takes up a bit less than 200 pages with its full contents. The book is divided into five parts. After a foreword and introduction the first four chapters look at the big picture of living on mission, looking at the life of a believer as an everyday missionary wherever they happen to be (1), the current reality of Evangelical Christianity in North America (2), the mission of God to reproduce Himself in believers (3), and the need to realign our perspective with the Kingdom of God (4). After that the author looks at the foundations of belief in the proclamation of the Gospel (5), the development of spiritual maturity (6), life in a Christian community (7, the topic of the next book I read by the author), and the process of intentional discipleship by those who are further along in the Christian journey (8). At this point the authors turn to some easy to remember goals for the Church, namely the identification of people to serve (9), investing time and energy and resources in their development as believers (10), the invitation of people to enter into a relationship with Christ and with the body of the Church (11), and the increase of obedience and worship of God on the earth thanks to God working through our efforts (12). The fourth part of the book consists of a single chapter on ministry steps and the pitfalls and plans involved in living on mission (13) and the book as a whole closes with a six week study guide that asks questions about the chapters and is designed to prompt discussion in a reading group from this book.
In reading this book I am struck by the fact that personal example has always been a compelling approach to evangelism, whether or not it has been in favor with church authorities at different times when it was thought better to leave evangelism to the professionals. In addition, in reading this book I put it into an overall context by which institutions in general (including governments) are facing a large degree of difficulty in doing the jobs that they sought to do themselves and are devolving those tasks back to ordinary people and thus increasing the burdens faced by those ordinary people. Whether or not the burdens are just--and in this case I think they are--I am struck by the pendulum swing of institutions seeking responsibilities and the power to fill those and then abdicating those responsibilities back to the people when their own performance is not up to snuff. This book can be taken as increasing evidence on the limitations of institutions to proclaim God's word and their desire for ordinary believers to be full partners in that task. Whether that is something to mourn or celebrate depends on your own perspective, I suppose.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
In reading this book and its approach on involving the whole mass of believers to be discipled and serve as models of Christianity to the outside world at large, I was struck by its similarity to my church's recent regional leadership conference in which I took part [1]. In other words, the message that this book provided was a topical one that dealt with concerns that have been on my mind and the mind of other people I happen to know recently. I was struck by the way that the author seemed to indicate that the only Christian population that mattered was those who said themselves to be "born again" or, equivalently, who identified as evangelicals, which amount to only a small amount of those who identify as Christians overall or who espouse a belief in Jesus Christ. While the author and I clearly have some differences, I was struck by the sensible nature of much that I heard and the call to do more than I read within it, even if that seems to be a fairly common call these days.
This book takes up a bit less than 200 pages with its full contents. The book is divided into five parts. After a foreword and introduction the first four chapters look at the big picture of living on mission, looking at the life of a believer as an everyday missionary wherever they happen to be (1), the current reality of Evangelical Christianity in North America (2), the mission of God to reproduce Himself in believers (3), and the need to realign our perspective with the Kingdom of God (4). After that the author looks at the foundations of belief in the proclamation of the Gospel (5), the development of spiritual maturity (6), life in a Christian community (7, the topic of the next book I read by the author), and the process of intentional discipleship by those who are further along in the Christian journey (8). At this point the authors turn to some easy to remember goals for the Church, namely the identification of people to serve (9), investing time and energy and resources in their development as believers (10), the invitation of people to enter into a relationship with Christ and with the body of the Church (11), and the increase of obedience and worship of God on the earth thanks to God working through our efforts (12). The fourth part of the book consists of a single chapter on ministry steps and the pitfalls and plans involved in living on mission (13) and the book as a whole closes with a six week study guide that asks questions about the chapters and is designed to prompt discussion in a reading group from this book.
In reading this book I am struck by the fact that personal example has always been a compelling approach to evangelism, whether or not it has been in favor with church authorities at different times when it was thought better to leave evangelism to the professionals. In addition, in reading this book I put it into an overall context by which institutions in general (including governments) are facing a large degree of difficulty in doing the jobs that they sought to do themselves and are devolving those tasks back to ordinary people and thus increasing the burdens faced by those ordinary people. Whether or not the burdens are just--and in this case I think they are--I am struck by the pendulum swing of institutions seeking responsibilities and the power to fill those and then abdicating those responsibilities back to the people when their own performance is not up to snuff. This book can be taken as increasing evidence on the limitations of institutions to proclaim God's word and their desire for ordinary believers to be full partners in that task. Whether that is something to mourn or celebrate depends on your own perspective, I suppose.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
November 15, 2017
The heart of this book lies in recognizing the mission of God and our place in it. What is God about? Why would he include us to be a part of His mission? What must we do to be involved in this mission?
These questions can very simply be answered in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to us to proclaim the glory of God and restore an unworthy people to right relationship with God. He accomplished this through His perfect life, substitutionary death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. This Gospel account informs us of God's mission, and our mission is to give glory to God and tell others what Jesus has done.
The details of this book and its roots in the Gospel are where many Christians will find encouragement for practically analyzing ourselves, our relationships with others, and our lifestyle and actions in light of the Gospel. I would recommend anyone or church group to read through this study. Very biblically grounded.
These questions can very simply be answered in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to us to proclaim the glory of God and restore an unworthy people to right relationship with God. He accomplished this through His perfect life, substitutionary death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. This Gospel account informs us of God's mission, and our mission is to give glory to God and tell others what Jesus has done.
The details of this book and its roots in the Gospel are where many Christians will find encouragement for practically analyzing ourselves, our relationships with others, and our lifestyle and actions in light of the Gospel. I would recommend anyone or church group to read through this study. Very biblically grounded.
November 4, 2022
This is a good book. If I had members of my church who were already doing the right thing and reaching out to the community, I would not share this book with them, because I would not want them to think they needed to do what this book says or they are not doing it right.
However, for the vast majority of people in the church, this book would be a worthwhile read in the event it would get through the fog to some of them to stop focusing on themselves and start focusing on the community around them. I recently shared it with the deacons in my church and I hope all of them will eventually read the book and take some of the lessons to heart. It has good stories of success and explanations for why intentional outreach is important so most folks across North America will benefit from reading it.
The only problem is I seldom see people turn knowledge into action, but I remain hopeful!
However, for the vast majority of people in the church, this book would be a worthwhile read in the event it would get through the fog to some of them to stop focusing on themselves and start focusing on the community around them. I recently shared it with the deacons in my church and I hope all of them will eventually read the book and take some of the lessons to heart. It has good stories of success and explanations for why intentional outreach is important so most folks across North America will benefit from reading it.
The only problem is I seldom see people turn knowledge into action, but I remain hopeful!
August 5, 2020
Willis and Coe offer an accessible survey of living missionally, from theological foundations to making a practical plan. As a leadership trainer in the local church setting, I found much to commend. I actually want to use this with a couple I'm discipling now.
I think the book would be best combined with training in how to actually evangelize and disciple people. I find many Christians desire to share their faith and make disciples, but they don't know exactly how to do it. This book offers examples, foundations, and inspiration, but not tools. It's designed to go along with NAMB's 3 circles training, which fills in the missing tools, but if a ministry or church prefers a different set of tools or approach to disciple making, Life on Mission could be adapted easily.
I think the book would be best combined with training in how to actually evangelize and disciple people. I find many Christians desire to share their faith and make disciples, but they don't know exactly how to do it. This book offers examples, foundations, and inspiration, but not tools. It's designed to go along with NAMB's 3 circles training, which fills in the missing tools, but if a ministry or church prefers a different set of tools or approach to disciple making, Life on Mission could be adapted easily.
September 24, 2023
THIS BOOK!! Every believer needs to read it. An inspiring, encouraging, convicting read. The great commission commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations”. So often, we think that “going” means going far away, but we have a mission field right around us.
Working in a church, the everyday rhythms of my life rarely involve non-christian’s. I was convicted to step out of my comfort zone and find some rhythms that involve encountering non believers.
No matter what your occupation or “how old” of a Christian you are…if you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you should read this book!
Working in a church, the everyday rhythms of my life rarely involve non-christian’s. I was convicted to step out of my comfort zone and find some rhythms that involve encountering non believers.
No matter what your occupation or “how old” of a Christian you are…if you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you should read this book!
September 4, 2018
Simple. Practical. Reproducible. This book is not going to give you some deep theological breakthrough, although it may give you a convictional epiphany about living a life on mission. This book is challenging from the church leader to the "pew-sitter." Willis and Coe provide plenty of helpful examples as well as practical insight for understanding all of life as an opportunity to be intentionally focused on mission for God. Read this book, apply this book, and then give it away for someone else to do the same.
January 8, 2019
Overall a very solid book. It draws upon the work of modern evangelical pastors regarding the centrality of the Gospel to life and the call of every Christian to make disciples. Unfortunately I found the first half of the book a bit disjointed and attempting to cover too many big theological themes. Where this book really is worth the read is the third section which gives some great practical steps to developing a plan to live in mission as well as some really good stories.
September 15, 2017
An immensely practical book about what it means to live for and in Jesus Monday through Saturday, not just on Sunday. We are reminded that disciple-making is the non-negotiable, and that all of us who are followers of Jesus are missionaries for Jesus. The leaders of the church, along with modeling this lifestyle, also are commissioned to equip believers to be and make disciples!
July 23, 2018
Right on target! This is a very practical guide to living a life on mission! The arguments are sound, and the applications are eminently doable. I think every Christian would profit from reading this book!
July 7, 2021
I love how this book lays out the real meaning of living our lives on mission. Preaching the good news doesn't have to be complicated. I love how this book gives us simple tips to incorporate the gospel in our every day life. :)
November 7, 2021
Book Review
Very good read .We are missionaries everywhere we go . It's being completely intentional with our time everyday . God prompts us daily to share our faith with as many as he puts in our path . Praying for his will to be done in my life .
Very good read .We are missionaries everywhere we go . It's being completely intentional with our time everyday . God prompts us daily to share our faith with as many as he puts in our path . Praying for his will to be done in my life .
February 23, 2020
Un bon début! Excellent outil accessible pour monsieur-madame tout le monde.
Je lui ai donné trois étoiles car je n’ai pas particulièrement appris du livre.
Je lui ai donné trois étoiles car je n’ai pas particulièrement appris du livre.
November 5, 2020
Their other book was better.
November 16, 2021
Very interesting! I like it!
November 2, 2023
Says what it sets out to say, and says it well
January 31, 2024
4.02
I thought the book was an excellent way of shifting my mindset to living a life on mission.
I thought the book was an excellent way of shifting my mindset to living a life on mission.
May 25, 2024
Probably the most life changing book that I’ve read to date! Highly recommend!
July 29, 2016
Good book on relational evangelism. It lays the theological framework for our life mission, and then gets practical about how we can live on mission in everyday life. I appreciated the many life examples and real-life illustrations that were included. It briefly mentions and explains the 3 circles Life Conversation Guide. I would have appreciated a little more detail on how to incorporate it in everyday conversation.
May 31, 2016
It was like returning to a familiar place. The content was not particularly novel, but a good reminder of important information, along with good practical examples, is something I appreciate (as are the chapter highlights and discussion questions at the back and the overall format of the book -- makes for a quick read).
Read
June 22, 2016Our church used this book in a small group format, which was geared towards encouraging one another to live our lives on mission. Its a great little book with helpful insights for Christians who are seeking to understand how to live their lives for God's glory while being faithful witnesses to the Gospel day by day wherever they are.
May 16, 2015
It is a lot of the same things I have read in other books, in particular A Walk Across the Room. A good book for people that think being a missionary means going to far off lands or want practical ways to be more missional in their everyday life.
December 8, 2015
This a simple yet thought provoking book that covered the idea that we are all missionaries right where we live. It provided a great foundation of the gospel and how that makes us all missionaries and then provided some very practical guidance for believers to live their life on mission for God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews