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Encountering Mission
Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey
This bestselling textbook by leading missionary scholars offers an engaging introduction to the work of missions in the contemporary world. It provides a broad overview of the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for missions. It also considers personal and practical issues involved in becoming a missionary, the process of getting to the mission field, and contemporary challenges a mission worker must face. Sidebars, charts, maps, and numerous case studies are included. This new edition has been updated and revised throughout and features a full-color interior. Additional resources for professors and students are available online through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
79 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
A. Scott Moreau
30 books6 followersA. Scott Moreau spent fourteen years on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), ten years in Africa. He directed a regional team of CCC staff in Swaziland and taught general science in a Swazi public high school for two years. After graduate work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School he taught at Nairobi International School of Theology for over seven years. Dr. Moreau returned to the United States in 1991 to accept a position at Wheaton College, currently teaching in the Missions and Intercultural Studies Department.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 20, 2021
It's a textbook, solidly in the tradition of dry, organized, introductory textbooks. So, it probably succeeds in its mission, so to speak. Unfortunately, its subject is the profligation of the only actual source of life in the world, so when any book on the subject leaves me deflated, frustrated, and indifferent at best, it's actually failed. I'm probably just bearish on the idea of "missiology" as a discipline that requires the textbook-friendly organization of its constituent parts ("Biblical foundations" as something separate from "Cross-Cultural Communication" and "History of Missions" etc.). It's the dissection that operates on a dead subject. Rather, frame the close consideration of principles for missions under the auspices of "Wisdom," and you're onto something.
April 17, 2010
This book was my first book I had ever read on the topic of 'missiology': the study of missions. It opened up a whole new world of thought for me--I kind of thought that missions was just something that you did, not something you studied! Though it looks like a textbook and sometimes reads like a textbook the information is solid and helpful for those considering the mission field.
July 14, 2014
As textbooks go, this is a good one. As books go, this is a textbook... so be warned.
November 8, 2017
For me the strength of the book were the case studies. I usually wanted more info after reading them because I was hooked into the story.
August 30, 2019
Summary:
Introducing World Missions is an excellent resource for individuals with limited missions experience who are seriously considering a career in the field. It is organized in such a way as to first provide a biblical and historical context of missions so as to later build a rationale for it in the modern world. Through this edition’s usage of case studies and descriptions of modern mission agencies, Introducing World Missions proves to be a surprisingly profound foray into the daily lives and experiences of full-time missionaries.
The authors first analyze the foundation of mission as it appears in the Bible by dividing it into 6 acts of a divine drama. The Old Testament accounts for the “(1) the creation and the fall, (2) God’s calling and setting apart a people for himself, (3) God’s work in rescuing his people, and (4) God’s work in sending his people into exile” (29). After 400 years of prophetic silence, the drama continues with (5) God saving people through Jesus the Messiah and (6) the gathering of these people to establish the Church. The first missionary efforts of the Church are led in large part by the Apostle Paul, arguably the greatest missionary in the Church’s history due to his unstoppable zeal for spreading the Gospel among the Gentiles. While much can be learned about missions from Paul, such as how to appropriately adapt the Gospel message in a pagan context, the authors remind their readers that “if a contemporary missionary followed Paul’s schedule and itinerary, burnout would be a real danger.”
Part 2 documents the spread of the church throughout history. The authors briefly describe how Christianity repeatedly challenged the cultures of the day, often resulting in persecution and, at times, eradication of the church. Though it became a dominant force in Europe and eventually the West, the authors observe that Christianity historically had spread into Africa and eastward into Asia, but that the number of “Christians [who] lived in these regions remain unknown.” Following the Reformation, the histories of Catholic and Protestant expansion, with both their successes and failures, are briefly discussed. The selected historical highlights are useful for understanding how an imperfect church with an imperfect understanding of missions was still used by God to accomplish His mission. Ultimately this section ends with a summary of The Great Century during the 1900s, in which Western Powers fought for colonial control of the rest of the world, resulting in an unprecedented spread of the Gospel.
The remaining parts deal with the individual appointment and sending of modern missionaries and challenge the reader’s understanding of what it means to be “called”. This section proves to be of great practical help, guiding both individuals and churches in the process of appointing, preparing, deploying and supporting foreign missionaries. Through a series of excellent case studies, many of the personal, family, strategic and ministry-related issues are discussed in detail, consequently removing any rose-colored glasses through which prospective missionaries may be looking before reading this book. Lastly, the unique challenges of missions in the 21st century are addressed in light of the preceding historical context. In an age in which Christianity is affronted on all sides by competing worldviews, the authors assert that missionaries must be prepared to engage in considerable study and observation of other religions and philosophies. Indeed, they must become “students of the religions that are so important to those among who they work” so that they may, like the Apostle Paul, “become all things to all people” in order to present Jesus as the only true path to salvation.
Personal Reaction:
As I was reading this book, I became more aware that my own experiences as a missionary in South America were not unique, but rather quite common. In fact, I began to realize that much of what I went through has actually been a part of the missionary milieu throughout history, and that there are terms and even entire fields dedicated to explaining the missionary experience. Since this is my first formal class on missions, I found this to be of great encouragement to learn that I was not alone in my struggles.
One of the key challenges facing missionaries that the authors discussed in part 5 was in regard to communication. While I pride myself on my ability to learn foreign languages, effective communication in another context involves so much more than proper grammatical construction and pronunciation. The authors made three points on this matter which stood out to me, the first of which is that “everything that people do communicates.” Indeed, I can recall times when my body language, facial expression, or even my presence, or lack thereof, conveyed a message to the people I worked with in South America. I had to learn the hard way that regardless of what I thought I was or was not communicating, I was often being interpreted in a way I didn’t understand. Another point is that “the goal of communication is always more than just to impart information.” I must admit that on several occasions when I had planned to meet with a local, my goal was often to get through the meeting having discussed a certain topic or agenda. This occasionally would result not in a relational improvement, but sometimes a stalling or even a setback. I had to learn that Gospel persuasion comes through genuine friendship, which takes time, patience and effort. This is intimately connected with the third point the others make: “The ability to develop communication patterns that build trust is an invaluable missionary skill.” Admittedly I was, and still am, quite stubborn in my social behavior before going overseas. Nothing has forced me to think outside my comfort zone more than trying to view myself through the eyes of another person. As the authors put it, “people interpret your words and actions in ways that make sense to them.” Often in past relationships, I would consider what the other person needed to do to build my trust, but as a missionary, I realized I had to take the initiative. This involves remarkable attention to personal detail and the ability to listen and pay attention to another person, both of which did not come naturally to me.
Another key challenge the authors address is the role of short-term trips in the larger narrative of world missions. I found the “Ten Commandments” for short-term missions trip participants to be incredibly accurate and rather humorous. The first rule, “Thou shalt always remember that the primary function of a short-term team is to learn, and not to help” could not be truer. My first mission trips were only a week long, and while I most likely did not leave any significant impact, what I learned about myself, God and other cultures was of inestimable value. While in South America for two years, we had a few teams visit us who thankfully adopted this same mentality. While they wanted to help, a lack of cultural understanding and a language barrier prevented them from truly conducting evangelism. However, they were of great encouragement to us, and we were able to utilize their skills and even their mere presence to advance our own mission strategy in numerous ways. The authors recognize that short-term missions are here to stay, and it is a challenge for churches and field missionaries to utilize them in effective and fruitful ways that benefit both parties when possible.
A third, and perhaps the greatest challenge the authors address is religious diversity in the modern world. I have heard before that atheism is too simple a worldview for it does not adequately account for the role of morality in society. While it and agnosticism have been challenges for Christian apologists, the authors believe they “will turn out to be child’s play compared to the challenge to Christian theology of the faiths of other men.” Indeed, in large parts of the world like the 10/40 Window, the vast majority of people exclusively follow religions that contain competing truth claims with Christianity. As mentioned previously, this presents an enormous task of study to the Christian missionary who is seeking to counter these truths with those of the Bible. Many people today view all religions as the same in fundamental ways, and it is therefore the primary responsibility of the missionary to be able to demonstrate and explain the ways in which Christ is the only way, truth and life. In order to accomplish this, the authors explain that missionaries must have a thorough understanding of world religions, and that acquiring this understanding requires the careful adoption of a particular missionary role. The role they adopt is crucial, for they must seek to maintain a valid platform for being in a foreign context without compromising their Christian beliefs in order to “blend in”. On the other hand, Christians should not be so concerned with defending the Gospel against other religious beliefs. The authors encourage missionaries to carefully consider how they might dialogue with and even learn from other religions while maintaining their Christian convictions since it is not ultimately the job of the Christian to defend the truth claims of the Gospel. “After all, the Bible does not present truth in a defensive way. It simply presents the story of Jesus.”
Conclusion:
Introducing World Missions masterfully accomplishes exactly what its title says it will. It will no doubt prove to be a great resource for the layperson hoping to understand more about the role of missions in the church, as well as the zealous young believer hoping to catch a vision. I will certainly be referring potential missions candidates to it for years to come.
Introducing World Missions is an excellent resource for individuals with limited missions experience who are seriously considering a career in the field. It is organized in such a way as to first provide a biblical and historical context of missions so as to later build a rationale for it in the modern world. Through this edition’s usage of case studies and descriptions of modern mission agencies, Introducing World Missions proves to be a surprisingly profound foray into the daily lives and experiences of full-time missionaries.
The authors first analyze the foundation of mission as it appears in the Bible by dividing it into 6 acts of a divine drama. The Old Testament accounts for the “(1) the creation and the fall, (2) God’s calling and setting apart a people for himself, (3) God’s work in rescuing his people, and (4) God’s work in sending his people into exile” (29). After 400 years of prophetic silence, the drama continues with (5) God saving people through Jesus the Messiah and (6) the gathering of these people to establish the Church. The first missionary efforts of the Church are led in large part by the Apostle Paul, arguably the greatest missionary in the Church’s history due to his unstoppable zeal for spreading the Gospel among the Gentiles. While much can be learned about missions from Paul, such as how to appropriately adapt the Gospel message in a pagan context, the authors remind their readers that “if a contemporary missionary followed Paul’s schedule and itinerary, burnout would be a real danger.”
Part 2 documents the spread of the church throughout history. The authors briefly describe how Christianity repeatedly challenged the cultures of the day, often resulting in persecution and, at times, eradication of the church. Though it became a dominant force in Europe and eventually the West, the authors observe that Christianity historically had spread into Africa and eastward into Asia, but that the number of “Christians [who] lived in these regions remain unknown.” Following the Reformation, the histories of Catholic and Protestant expansion, with both their successes and failures, are briefly discussed. The selected historical highlights are useful for understanding how an imperfect church with an imperfect understanding of missions was still used by God to accomplish His mission. Ultimately this section ends with a summary of The Great Century during the 1900s, in which Western Powers fought for colonial control of the rest of the world, resulting in an unprecedented spread of the Gospel.
The remaining parts deal with the individual appointment and sending of modern missionaries and challenge the reader’s understanding of what it means to be “called”. This section proves to be of great practical help, guiding both individuals and churches in the process of appointing, preparing, deploying and supporting foreign missionaries. Through a series of excellent case studies, many of the personal, family, strategic and ministry-related issues are discussed in detail, consequently removing any rose-colored glasses through which prospective missionaries may be looking before reading this book. Lastly, the unique challenges of missions in the 21st century are addressed in light of the preceding historical context. In an age in which Christianity is affronted on all sides by competing worldviews, the authors assert that missionaries must be prepared to engage in considerable study and observation of other religions and philosophies. Indeed, they must become “students of the religions that are so important to those among who they work” so that they may, like the Apostle Paul, “become all things to all people” in order to present Jesus as the only true path to salvation.
Personal Reaction:
As I was reading this book, I became more aware that my own experiences as a missionary in South America were not unique, but rather quite common. In fact, I began to realize that much of what I went through has actually been a part of the missionary milieu throughout history, and that there are terms and even entire fields dedicated to explaining the missionary experience. Since this is my first formal class on missions, I found this to be of great encouragement to learn that I was not alone in my struggles.
One of the key challenges facing missionaries that the authors discussed in part 5 was in regard to communication. While I pride myself on my ability to learn foreign languages, effective communication in another context involves so much more than proper grammatical construction and pronunciation. The authors made three points on this matter which stood out to me, the first of which is that “everything that people do communicates.” Indeed, I can recall times when my body language, facial expression, or even my presence, or lack thereof, conveyed a message to the people I worked with in South America. I had to learn the hard way that regardless of what I thought I was or was not communicating, I was often being interpreted in a way I didn’t understand. Another point is that “the goal of communication is always more than just to impart information.” I must admit that on several occasions when I had planned to meet with a local, my goal was often to get through the meeting having discussed a certain topic or agenda. This occasionally would result not in a relational improvement, but sometimes a stalling or even a setback. I had to learn that Gospel persuasion comes through genuine friendship, which takes time, patience and effort. This is intimately connected with the third point the others make: “The ability to develop communication patterns that build trust is an invaluable missionary skill.” Admittedly I was, and still am, quite stubborn in my social behavior before going overseas. Nothing has forced me to think outside my comfort zone more than trying to view myself through the eyes of another person. As the authors put it, “people interpret your words and actions in ways that make sense to them.” Often in past relationships, I would consider what the other person needed to do to build my trust, but as a missionary, I realized I had to take the initiative. This involves remarkable attention to personal detail and the ability to listen and pay attention to another person, both of which did not come naturally to me.
Another key challenge the authors address is the role of short-term trips in the larger narrative of world missions. I found the “Ten Commandments” for short-term missions trip participants to be incredibly accurate and rather humorous. The first rule, “Thou shalt always remember that the primary function of a short-term team is to learn, and not to help” could not be truer. My first mission trips were only a week long, and while I most likely did not leave any significant impact, what I learned about myself, God and other cultures was of inestimable value. While in South America for two years, we had a few teams visit us who thankfully adopted this same mentality. While they wanted to help, a lack of cultural understanding and a language barrier prevented them from truly conducting evangelism. However, they were of great encouragement to us, and we were able to utilize their skills and even their mere presence to advance our own mission strategy in numerous ways. The authors recognize that short-term missions are here to stay, and it is a challenge for churches and field missionaries to utilize them in effective and fruitful ways that benefit both parties when possible.
A third, and perhaps the greatest challenge the authors address is religious diversity in the modern world. I have heard before that atheism is too simple a worldview for it does not adequately account for the role of morality in society. While it and agnosticism have been challenges for Christian apologists, the authors believe they “will turn out to be child’s play compared to the challenge to Christian theology of the faiths of other men.” Indeed, in large parts of the world like the 10/40 Window, the vast majority of people exclusively follow religions that contain competing truth claims with Christianity. As mentioned previously, this presents an enormous task of study to the Christian missionary who is seeking to counter these truths with those of the Bible. Many people today view all religions as the same in fundamental ways, and it is therefore the primary responsibility of the missionary to be able to demonstrate and explain the ways in which Christ is the only way, truth and life. In order to accomplish this, the authors explain that missionaries must have a thorough understanding of world religions, and that acquiring this understanding requires the careful adoption of a particular missionary role. The role they adopt is crucial, for they must seek to maintain a valid platform for being in a foreign context without compromising their Christian beliefs in order to “blend in”. On the other hand, Christians should not be so concerned with defending the Gospel against other religious beliefs. The authors encourage missionaries to carefully consider how they might dialogue with and even learn from other religions while maintaining their Christian convictions since it is not ultimately the job of the Christian to defend the truth claims of the Gospel. “After all, the Bible does not present truth in a defensive way. It simply presents the story of Jesus.”
Conclusion:
Introducing World Missions masterfully accomplishes exactly what its title says it will. It will no doubt prove to be a great resource for the layperson hoping to understand more about the role of missions in the church, as well as the zealous young believer hoping to catch a vision. I will certainly be referring potential missions candidates to it for years to come.
September 30, 2025
There were these interesting case studies throughout this book, presenting dilemmas faced by missionaries with no easy answer. I enjoyed these thought-provoking anecdotes, and used them in discussion with my family. I did appreciate that they were left open-ended purposely. But I would have preferred some follow-up on what the actual missionaries decided to do, and how it worked out. I was able to look this up on my own in some cases. For example, the dilemma on what word to use for God when translating the bible into Telugu. The word for ultimate reality, “brahmin,” was impersonal, and is not a force outside of creation, but all creation is actually a part of “Brahmin.” The word for gods is “deva,” which has connotations of avatars of varying ranks. The textbook showed the discussion, but not what was decided. I was able to look up a Telugu bible online to see that they ultimately went with “deva,” but for most of the case studies, there were no identifying features to look up, and so resolution wasn’t possible. I found this annoying.
October 19, 2022
About what you would expect from a missiology textbook. It is a solid textbook, but it still is a textbook. I am probably being generous in giving it four stars, but I read it simultaneously with Perspectives. That is the single greatest book on missions and so I probably enjoyed this complimentary book more than I would have if I was reading it alone.
If you are looking for a short, readable book on missions (this book isn't readable, Perspectives isn't short), I would recommend No Shortcut To Success by Matt Rhodes. If you happen to have this book assigned for your class, be encouraged, it isn't as bad as most college-level textbooks.
If you are looking for a short, readable book on missions (this book isn't readable, Perspectives isn't short), I would recommend No Shortcut To Success by Matt Rhodes. If you happen to have this book assigned for your class, be encouraged, it isn't as bad as most college-level textbooks.
August 6, 2023
I couldn't find the second edition of this book listed on Goodreads. I have read both editions. My reflections are on the second edition.
This book serves to introduce readers to missions. It is a very solid introduction. I will use it as a textbook for a course that I am teaching on the subject. It provides many resources for engaging students in the classroom with sidebars and case studies.
In my opinion, the book's greatest weakness is the chapter a theology of missions. I will supplement the textbook with my own material on the subject.
This book serves to introduce readers to missions. It is a very solid introduction. I will use it as a textbook for a course that I am teaching on the subject. It provides many resources for engaging students in the classroom with sidebars and case studies.
In my opinion, the book's greatest weakness is the chapter a theology of missions. I will supplement the textbook with my own material on the subject.
July 13, 2019
This is a text book and that is why I read it--because I will be teaching from it. It is a solid introduction to missions and the theology of missions.
July 9, 2020
Such a great book. Every church should read this. So many tools that will help in many areas of mission work.
March 2, 2021
Excellent.
Read
August 15, 2021Great textbook on the topic. Good sections on the biblical basis of missions, helpful introduction to issues contextualization, insightful history of missions, and other practical topics.
August 31, 2022
Boring. Very basic. Mildly informative.
August 5, 2023
Solid information, just pretty dry. Very much a textbook
July 25, 2025
Good for what it is.
October 16, 2008
A book with a short overview of missions and how to live in a missionary setting. The book has great case studies and a good basic overview of many things. But I must admit that it was somewhat difficult to stay awake while reading it. Information seemed to repeat and the number of pages probably could have been cut in half.
A good read if you're interested in going into missions. But overall the book just felt drab and tiring to read despite how interesting it was.
Take a star off if you have no interest in being a missionary and add 1 if you like case studies
A good read if you're interested in going into missions. But overall the book just felt drab and tiring to read despite how interesting it was.
Take a star off if you have no interest in being a missionary and add 1 if you like case studies
September 27, 2015
This book was great in terms of introducing basic concepts of the missionary field. The case studies were in real-time settings and many missiological terms were introduced in the text.
Unfortunately, the authors were simply not that engaging and I found it hard to really get into this book.
Unfortunately, the authors were simply not that engaging and I found it hard to really get into this book.
May 17, 2007
Talbot Course: Introduction to World Missions
Lots of information on missions- history, patterns, methods...
Reads like a textbook.
Lots of information on missions- history, patterns, methods...
Reads like a textbook.
July 28, 2011
I seriously think we could have had a better textbook then this. I didn't care for it...
August 10, 2012
Reading for a class I took. Good high-level overview of the issues of cross-cultural missions
August 1, 2013
Standard textbook fare.
September 27, 2015
Good book pertains to missions.
June 25, 2016
Easy read, pretty simple. If you literally know nothing about missions, maybe read this book.
August 11, 2013
Very helpful read in many ways, but it is not noteworthy for being fun to read.
November 25, 2014
Thought provoking and insightful.
Read
September 4, 2016Pretty good missions overview
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews