Send: Loving Your Church by Praying, Giving, or Going (Church members' role in God's mission to reach all people with the gospel: church planting, ... support, going overseas)

by Jim Essian

Genres: Church

128 pages

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Jim Essian is the author of Jesus For You: He Became Like You So You Could Become Like Him and Like Father, Like Sons. Jim planted The Paradox Church in 2011 and serves as Lead Pastor. The Paradox is an Acts 29 Network church in Downtown Fort Worth, TX. Jim played eight years of professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Detroit Tigers organizations, prior to planting a church. Jim and his wife, Heather, have three girls, Harper, Hollis, and Hadden.

Reviews

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

{Thank you to @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.}

“We fear nothing and no man; we seek the glory of God and the good of all people. The gospel propels us forward with boldness and audacity. We can be the most entrepreneurial, courageous, and fearless people. Why? Because Jesus was victorious.”

“[Revival] it’s not produced, it’s not frantic, it’s not dramatic; it’s the Spirit of God poured out on the people of God in a way that rouses them for the glory of God.”

“Jesus, will you give me a vision for what my city would look like if the knowledge of your glory covered it like the waters cover the seas?”

I wish I could share more with you! I loved this book so much. The book covers many important topics, such as God’s vision for His church and for the world, church planting, global missions, big dreams, personal involvement, “gospel goodbyes,” and more.

This book is full of scripture, historical and cultural insight, helpful statistics, biblical knowledge, and practical advice.

I left this book feeling humbled, convicted, encouraged, and excited.

I can’t recommend Send: Loving Your Church by Praying, Giving, or Going enough. This is definitely a book (and a series) that you want to read!

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Ryanne Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and biblically. I really enjoyed it and think it will encourage my church as we navigate a season of growth and look to what God has for us in the future. The exegesis was solid and the illustrations were especially clever and helpful.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the point of church plants today? In Send, Jim Essian challenges readers to engage in God’s mission through three key actions: praying, giving, and going. The book begins with a compelling vision for the glory of God and the urgent need for believers to actively participate in spreading the gospel.


Senders and Goers

One of the most powerful insights in Send is Essian’s emphasis on church planting as the primary biblical strategy for gospel expansion. He explains how planting new churches is essential not only to address the growing number of church closures but also to keep up with population growth and cultural shifts. Church plants are uniquely positioned to reach people in a rapidly changing society, contextualizing the gospel in ways that established churches often cannot.

Essian also makes a helpful distinction between “senders” (those who stay and support the church) and “goers” (those called to plant new churches or go to unreached areas). This distinction encourages readers to reflect on their own role in God’s mission and how they can contribute with their unique gifts.


Purpose and Intentionality

The book concludes with a thoughtful exploration of spiritual gifts and “gospel goodbyes.” Essian highlights how understanding our gifts can help us find our place in God’s mission. I thought how technology allows us to encourage those who leave a church while also welcoming newcomers—a timely reminder of the opportunities for connection in our digital age.

In the end, Send left me challenged to pray for revival and dream bigger for God’s glory. I was reminded of the importance of being ready to serve wherever God calls and to be a faithful team player in His mission. This book is an inspiring call to action for anyone seeking to live out their faith with purpose and intentionality.


I received a media copy of Send and this is my honest review.