Encountering Missionary Life and Work: Preparing for Intercultural Ministry

Encountering Mission

by Tom Steffen, Lois McKinney Douglas

This new volume in the award-winning Encountering Mission series is for current and future missionaries. It provides practical guidance regarding getting ready for the mission field and the realities of life on the field. The authors are well qualified to write such a manual, each having served as a missionary for more than twenty years and each having taught missions in seminary.

The authors begin by examining the contemporary context for missions, including the recognition that the world's mission fields are in constant and often rapid change. They then discuss aspects of preparing oneself for the mission field, beginning with home-front preparations and moving to on-the-field preparations. The final section deals with practical issues and challenges of missionary life.

Genres: Christian

412 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tyler Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read most of this book for my Practice of Mission class. Despite sometimes being a bit dry (maybe you could call it "factual"), the book does a good job of really diving into the details of a missionary's life and work. Very helpful for anyone considering missionary work and wanting to explore the reality of it.

[Tom Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

As more and more people search out the possibility of servings as missionaries a sound explanation and guide to the process has become increasing essential. The world is changing around us and missions is no different. Whatever was developed a generation ago is no longer realistic or viable. An updated appraisal of the missionary world is imperative.

The authors, Tom Steffen and Lois McKinney Douglas, have done the missions world an incalculable service. This book maps out the path from “call” to “reentry” and all points in between. Although exhaustive in its scope it is not overwhelming in its structure. The authors keep the subject matter alive and real, by providing actual case studies, quotes and stories, as well personal details of their own.

Anyone walking down this path will find this book useful in whatever part of the trail they find themselves. Those charged with equipping those preparing to go as missionaries will find this material timely and extremely helpful. Anyone considering a missionary assignment should read this book, it will help them know what they have in front of them.

Although produced by Baker Academic and presented as a missions textbook, it is not pedantic nor obscure. Most people will find the book a relatively easy read and those interested in missions will find it captivating. Those teaching a class on missions will find the book helpful. Those responsible for missionaries will find the book supportive.

[Joel Griffis · Rating 2 out of 5]

School reading. Pretty uninspiring.