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Such a Task: Staying the Course in Your Calling as a “Sent One”
Such a Task is for those who have been sent. It is a book for goers—men and women who have received God’s call on their lives to be messengers. Sent ones come in many shapes and missionaries and evangelists, church planters and campus ministers. What they all have in common is that they intentionally cross some cultural, political, or social boundary to proclaim the gospel of Christ.
But why does the journey and calling feel so hard?
And how do you last in it?
In Such a Task, Alan Goddard walks through Paul’s reflections on his own calling in 2 Corinthians to encourage and equip those sent out in apostolic, “go and tell” ministry.
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
—2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NIV)
“If you have said, or heard others say, with well-meaning intent, ‘All Christians are missionaries,’ then you'll appreciate the biblical perspective and ‘little-a’ apostle's heart that Alan Goddard brings to this conversation. Goddard brings humor and a relational prophetic edge that flows from a lifetime of experience on the gospel frontier. Such A Task is a helpful, readable book that I pray will stimulate fresh vision among a new generation of potential missionaries.”
—Dr. Ken Cochrum, Executive Vice President of Field Ministries, East-West
But why does the journey and calling feel so hard?
And how do you last in it?
In Such a Task, Alan Goddard walks through Paul’s reflections on his own calling in 2 Corinthians to encourage and equip those sent out in apostolic, “go and tell” ministry.
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
—2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NIV)
“If you have said, or heard others say, with well-meaning intent, ‘All Christians are missionaries,’ then you'll appreciate the biblical perspective and ‘little-a’ apostle's heart that Alan Goddard brings to this conversation. Goddard brings humor and a relational prophetic edge that flows from a lifetime of experience on the gospel frontier. Such A Task is a helpful, readable book that I pray will stimulate fresh vision among a new generation of potential missionaries.”
—Dr. Ken Cochrum, Executive Vice President of Field Ministries, East-West
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2024
8 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 10, 2024
Great book by an even better practitioner
This book is excellent. This book is needed. I’ve already gifted it to 3 people and will do so to many more. I worked alongside Alan and Karen in Asia for many years. Grateful that his expertise in ministry, love of those doing the work, and his incredible knowledge of the Bible are all present in this wonderful and grateful needed book. Read it!
This book is excellent. This book is needed. I’ve already gifted it to 3 people and will do so to many more. I worked alongside Alan and Karen in Asia for many years. Grateful that his expertise in ministry, love of those doing the work, and his incredible knowledge of the Bible are all present in this wonderful and grateful needed book. Read it!
March 16, 2025
Loved this.
Felt like Alan was reading it to me and telling me his stories himself.
“persevering is never about how hard something is but how worthy it is.”
Felt like Alan was reading it to me and telling me his stories himself.
“persevering is never about how hard something is but how worthy it is.”
October 23, 2024
Great book for the missionary, church planter, or one in ministry for a long time. It's an encouraging read with an important reminder of our motivation as we push on for such a task.
November 28, 2025
Great and essential book for every believer
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews