Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to Be an Everyday Missionary

by Greg Finke

Joining Jesus on His Mission will alter the way you see your life as a follower of Jesus and take you beyond living your life for Jesus to living life with Jesus. Simple, powerful and applicable insights show you how to be on mission and recognize where Jesus is already at work in your neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. You will feel both relief and hope. You may even hear yourself say, “I can do this!” as you start responding to the everyday opportunities Jesus is placing in your path.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Theology

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2014

About the author

Greg Finke had been ordained since 1989, spending the last ten years of his pastoral ministry pastoring churches with a 1000 or more in worship. In January 2011 he realized he couldn’t remain a senior pastor and do what Jesus was calling Him to do. His ministry, Dwelling 1:14, is one of the results of that. Greg and his wife Susan are neighborhood missionaries in a subdivision in League City, Texas.

Reviews

[Teri Reck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar book on how to respond to the reality of the diminishing of churches in America by being the real, authentic Church, the Body of Christ, to everyone that God puts in the paths of our daily lives. Instead of looking at the modern tide of people abandoning church attendance, or never having ever attended a church at all, as a complete failure of our society, we need to see it as it truly is---a ripe mission field for us!! So many in the church yearn for the good old days when "everyone" attended church, and church workers didn't have to step outside to try to reach people. We need now to see that those days are gone and that we need to return to being missionaries even here in the U.S. to reach the people for whom church is foreign, and maybe threatening, but certainly not interesting or necessary. This book outlines some very practical steps for doing this, starting with realizing that is it is Jesus who does the saving, it is God who does all the work, and we are just his agents, his hands and feet and voice to hurting people, broken people, proud people, lost people. And that we reach those people through relationships over time, time, and more time as we spend a few moments here and there listening, praying and doing good things for these people in need. A must read for church workers and church members. Definitely not another "membership drive" but authentic loving our neighbors as ourselves that makes them curious about our faith, that makes them want to be a part of it, that helps us to help them to respond to God's persistence in seeking them out to be part of his kingdom. Beautiful stuff.

[Rylee Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! I don't tell like I was necessarily learning a lot about God and his character, but instead learning about people and how they respond to experiencing the Holy Spirit. It gave the consistent and good reminders of how to seek His kingdom. I feel as if I got to know Finke personally. At points, it did feel repetitive and kind of like Greg was trying to pitch Dwelling 1:24 to me, but I think that’s just because he is happy with it. I'd hand this book to someone spritually younger, but physically older. The advice was not really geared towards seniors in high school.

[Byron Fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read that reminded me how important it is that I am aware of the people around me. It is so easy to hide behind our privacy fences and security systems and remain unaware (and thus unconcerned) about our neighbors. It's easy to interact with people every day and be completely ambilivent to the fact that they are human beings loved by God and needing what is only found in Jesus. I want to use this book as a spring board for my own personal growth first, and then as a way to help others grow in opening their eyes and seeing the people God has brought near to them.

[eek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I read this in 2023 or so. I can’t remember. But I do remember appreciating Greg’s writing style and the addition of the synopsis at the end of the chapter. I loved reading both. I imagine a busy parent flipping through the pages eagerly and it all being comparable to having a wise friend helping you learn about Jesus. Kind of makes me weepy. Also I love Ellen Finke

but that’s a whole other thing

[Lauren Winfree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that it points out things to do in your every day life that make you available to people. Thankful that Jesus set such a good and clear example of what loving people looks like.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The material is fantastic, but the writing is poor.

[Ricky Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first glance, two things had set off red flags. The first is the title, which made me think Finke was going to talk about “missional living” in terms of church growth (and therefore human marketing schemes). The second red flag was one of the reviewers: Bill Woolsey, founder of FiveTwo Network, who uses the term "sacramental entrepreneurship." This model relies on business models rather than God's Word and the Holy Spirit with the catchphrase "Start new to reach new." The problem is, the Church isn't new, and the Church isn't a business. It's a remnant of the church growth movement that presides over the largest decline in church attendance in recent decades. The goal is numbers, not preaching the Gospel, which is seen especially in FiveTwo's language to "be the gospel," which is not Gospel but Law.

But I digress. Fortunately, despite these eyebrow raisers, this is just another book on living out our vocations, which is also my big critique of the book. Instead of using the fashionable evangelical language of “missional living,” why not use the far simpler and historical term of vocation? I’d even settle for “vocational living.” The main points of the book would be more succinct and really drive the point home if he used this precise terminology rather than running in circles like a chicken with its head cut off in describing a myriad of ways to be aware of Gospel opportunities in our given vocations. This would be more helpful since Finke does not use “missional living” as most evangelicals use it today. To be fair, he does share adequate practical theology. Yet his exegetical and systematic theology need some serious work.

I recommend this book only insofar as the practical theology is concerned. As Lutherans, we excel in exegesis and systematics, but how we apply our theology practically is lamentable. This book can help us strengthen our doctrine on vocation while aiding HOW we live as Christians in our neighbourhoods.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that my church used as a basis for study and sermons emphasizing the everyday actions that can help you lead others to a relationship with Jesus. This book lays out five practices of a missionary lifestyle: seeking the Kingdom; hearing from Jesus; talking with people; doing good, and ministering through prayer, that can help you live an everyday missionary life. The US has changed during my lifetime and is now one of the largest mission fields in the world, many have grown up without a church home or parents that had a church home and what worked to reach people in the past won't work now but there are opportunities everyday to provide the spiritually thirsty with a cool cup of water rather than a spiritual dousing. I enjoyed this book's discussion of turning a missionary eye on your own neighborhood. I would rate this book 3.5 stars if Goodreads allowed half stars.

[Debra Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a great deal of practical direction in the area of missional mindset and attitude. " I explained how I was a Jesus follower and that the Jesus I know is the Jesus of the Gospels. I admitted that the Jesus of the Gospels was not necessarily the one that is portrayed in some of our churches today. I told them that Jesus didn’t come to set up a system of rules like the Pharisees did. That he came to dwell among us and to forgive us, no matter who we are or what we have done." This statement is a focal point of the book. Christian is a title, a follower of Jesus is the action and lifestyle of a faith in Jesus as the Creator who sets us free.

Finke, Greg. Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to Be an Everyday Missionary (p. 163). Tenth Power Publishing. Kindle Edition.

[Richard Bicknase · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is fine, but as much as the beginning of the book was talking about "new approaches" and such, nothing in this seemed new except the jargon. It is essentially a basic discussion of vocation and baptismal life reworded into new jargon. The book talks a lot about "enjoying" and "having fun" living out Christ's mission, but I wish it addressed what living as an "everyday missionary" looks like when the world makes living as a Christian very much not "fun."

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a great perspective change on ministry and spreading the gospel. We are disciples who are called to make disciples who make disciples. We don’t have to go on a mission trip far away to do that. Living for the Lord isn’t just going to church and reading your Bible, it’s loving others and creating relationships. Definitely WWJD and puts it into reality. Would absolutely recommend!!

[Dalton Girdley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m very conflicted on this book. the writing style is awful, and the book is repetitive and oversimplified. It relies too much on testimonies as well. However, at its core, this book says that as Christians, our goal is to love people well and spend time with them. As Christians, we have lost the plot if we view people as projects or believe we can save people on our own. So spiritually this book is great, but you have to get past some pretty poor writing.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really practical in the ways I explained what it looks like to live missionally. My missional community read it together, and I thoroughly enjoyed going through it with them one chapter at a time. The book hit me square between the eyes a few times, and I definitely think differently about how I approach life, service, community, and missions on a daily basis.

[Kenzie Amerine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing guide

I was so glad to see this book included in the kindle unlimited subscription- I have heard so many great things about it. After reading, I realize it was for good reason. This book is amazing! As a church worker, I am excited to recommend this book to many in my congregation.

[Ernest Freudenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical guide to daily following Jesus

In the Great Commission we are reminded to go and make disciples. This book explains that it is more "as you are going" be involved in following Jesus. Make relationships. Start conversations. Ask questions. Follow Jesus lead. You will be well served to be impacted by this book!

[Delwyn Campbell Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets you out of the ivory tower and into your neighborhood. It makes following Jesus something that anyone can see and do, without feeling like you have to be a theologian in order to do so. For that reason, I recommend that those who want their Christian life to be more than a “get out of hell card” read this book and share it with their fellow believers.

[Canon Don Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, with practical activities to be missional in your everyday life. Recommend reading as part of a group to keep our feet to the fire, rather than just reading it. We need to put the recommendations into practice.

[jjuan Hakeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical ways of getting out of Jesus way and teaming up with him to impact others lives. Really good book by Greg. I love the way he closed with ways to get involved and start doing things tomorrow in your neighborhood!

[Mandys_Book_Nook3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for a life filled with prayer, support from God and the love of Jesus? Fill your days with opportunities to live by example, speak truthfully and be Courageous. Simple insights show you how to be a good neighbor and recognize how Jesus can help show you the way.

[Nancy Pretty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Jesus followers, we hopefully are already doing these things everyday, but it's a great reminder to be more intentional about it. Also, if we remember that Jesus is doing the heavy lifting, it's an easy gig.
Love God, Love People ❤️ 🙏

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Tom Schlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Great thoughts on how to live life as a Christian by loving and caring for people around you.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Reminds Christians that wr are on a journey WITH Jesus.

[Jen Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finke has some practice tips and good reminders on how to live as a missionary in your neighborhood.

[Amy Jacobsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a great fall church wide small group sermon series. Loved the discussion and application to our everyday lives! Jesus is on the move!

[Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot easier read then i thought. Lots of great ideas and advice on how To join Jesus on HIS mission

[Deanna Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to earth and easy read with great videos. I read the book with a small group with my church and we had some great discussions.

[Jeremy Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, really appreciated this book. Easy to read. Empowering too. I think it has the power to change a lot of perspectives and unleash neighborhood missionaries!

[Corinn Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Really enjoyed the easy to follow steps and charges to become an everyday missionary!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and encouraging, a profound yet simple theology of being Jesus in the post modern church.