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Missionary Mom: Embracing the Mission Field Right Under Your Roof
Mission work is not for the faint of heart. We admire those brave souls who leave behind the comforts of home and go to foreign fields to bring the love of Christ to people in need. And sometimes it feels uninspiring to be stuck at home in the day-to-day of parenting when others are out there changing the world, soul by soul.
Shontell Brewer has a message to renew the spirits of everyday moms: they too have a critical calling as the very first missionaries their children meet. In her informal, funny voice, Brewer points out the many unexpected parallels: A missionary may need to learn a foreign language and new customs to understand and communicate with those around her. A missionary has to follow the path God puts before her, sacrificing sleep, comfort, time, and toilets. Sound like any moms you know?
Brewer tackles common challenges from mom-guilt to the temptation to be a martyr to those days when it feels like only a box of cookies and a Netflix binge can restore a sense of peace. But through it all, she shares the truth that there's more to parenting than potty training and orthodontist appointments. Mothers make the love of Christ tangible and understandable to their children. With determination and a few purposeful steps, moms can embrace their own mission field, leading their families--heart, soul, mind, and strength--to Christ.
Shontell Brewer has a message to renew the spirits of everyday moms: they too have a critical calling as the very first missionaries their children meet. In her informal, funny voice, Brewer points out the many unexpected parallels: A missionary may need to learn a foreign language and new customs to understand and communicate with those around her. A missionary has to follow the path God puts before her, sacrificing sleep, comfort, time, and toilets. Sound like any moms you know?
Brewer tackles common challenges from mom-guilt to the temptation to be a martyr to those days when it feels like only a box of cookies and a Netflix binge can restore a sense of peace. But through it all, she shares the truth that there's more to parenting than potty training and orthodontist appointments. Mothers make the love of Christ tangible and understandable to their children. With determination and a few purposeful steps, moms can embrace their own mission field, leading their families--heart, soul, mind, and strength--to Christ.
168 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2018
56 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Shontell Brewer
2 books1 followerShontell Brewer is a wife, mother, kindergarten teacher, and associate pastor with Foursquare International in Reno, Nevada. She holds a master of science degree in teaching English as a second language and a master of arts in Christian studies with an emphasis in urban ministry. Her blog, Nonsense at Its Finest, can be found at shontellbrewer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 12, 2018
Missionary Mom serves as both a rallying cry and a battle plan in the fight for our children. Packed with practical advice, woven with Scripture, and seasoned with belly-laugh inducing humor, this book is a delight to read. And yet it is so much more than an easy read. It is a foundational book for those who have the noble task of raising children, influencing children, or simply living on a planet full of children. This is a book I will recommend and refer to often in the years to come. I am so grateful for this invaluable resource.
February 7, 2020
I want to give this book to ever mom friend I have! Totally made me wake up to changes I needed to make as a mom and bringing God into mothering. SO GOOD!
June 18, 2024
Pros: positive tone, encouraged me to make my child my primary ministry and make our daily lives missional. Cons: a little too much manifesting or “name it and claim it” type thing. I felt like it was a lot of pressure placed upon parents that they are directly responsible for their children’s future when we know that isn’t exactly true. We have a huge influence, but ultimately they are responsible before God, and we all know many great parents whose children left the faith and many great Christians who were raised in homes that were antithetical to faith. So not exactly from my point of view, but still encouraging.
October 18, 2018
Parenting is a mission in disguise. The mission field is the home. The missionary is the mom. In a book that packs mission with mothering and parenting with spirituality, we see how faith informs the freedom to let the gospel fill the whole house. Instead of seeing missionary as some individual venturing to foreign lands faraway, we have a missionary who is up close and personal, living under the same roof of the family. Mothering is living with a purpose. Missionary mom is a mother who senses the call of God to the home, to serve the family with purpose, and to leave a legacy of Christ in the hearts of children. The author shares openly and honestly her "mom guilt" as a mother often threatened by lies and unwittingly attempting to fulfill them. Left unchecked, it could lead to anxiety and frustrations who rub off the rest of the family. She compares with other mothers who are exhausted by the need to make everything perfect. She targets the need to produce fruit which leads to chapters on prayer; on exemplary living; on purposeful discipline; on taking time to feed the soul; and on cultivating a village and the children's village. She is also conscious of the fact that there are unmarried moms out there as well as endless to-do lists that could unravel any determination.
My Thoughts
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This book is written by a mom for moms struggling to make sense of what it means to live the gospel in the home. Borne out of a need for purpose and a desire to fulfill God's calling, this honest to life book reveals openly the struggles of modern parenting and the determined push to become the best mom one could possibly be to the young children living in the home. If you are looking for a systematic way to become a missionary mom, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a book that describes the meandering thoughts of a mom going through the ups and downs of parenting, this book fits the bill perfectly. For those who had previously been single and well established in their careers, moving back to a home may seem to be most restrictive. Brewer helps us see beyond the four walls of the house toward the four corners of God's purpose for all living in the house.
I feel like the book appears confusing at times, especially the part about comparing missionary with godly mothers. Trying to merge the two is the main goal of this book but it does confuses what a missionary is, what a godly person is, and what mission is all about. Like, isn't mission about proclaiming the Person of God? Perhaps, it is about the thought process of Brewer who is trying her best to do both the work of a missionary as well as being a godly mother. It would have been helpful to define some terms more accurately beforehand. Some questions I have include: What is the difference between a "missionary mom" and a Christian "tiger mom?" What about moms who had to work and parent at the same time? What about moms who had to struggle to make their ends meet? What about those foreign missionaries out in the field who are also moms?
Anyway, this book is a decent attempt to make sense of one's calling as a mother in the home. There are passages about "parental guidance suggested" which provide practical tips about parenting from a Christian perspective. Most useful of all are the chapters about cultivating a village for moms as well as for children. The idea of a missionary in the home can also be extrapolated to being missional in the neighbourhood. Given the way globalization, technology, and how connected the world is today, there is a sense that the mission field is much larger than the four walls of the house.
Shontell Brewer is wife to a fireman and five kids in Northern Nevada. She blogs at shontellbrewer.com in a website she calls "Nonsense at its finest!"
Rating: 3.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Publications without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
My Thoughts
==========
This book is written by a mom for moms struggling to make sense of what it means to live the gospel in the home. Borne out of a need for purpose and a desire to fulfill God's calling, this honest to life book reveals openly the struggles of modern parenting and the determined push to become the best mom one could possibly be to the young children living in the home. If you are looking for a systematic way to become a missionary mom, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a book that describes the meandering thoughts of a mom going through the ups and downs of parenting, this book fits the bill perfectly. For those who had previously been single and well established in their careers, moving back to a home may seem to be most restrictive. Brewer helps us see beyond the four walls of the house toward the four corners of God's purpose for all living in the house.
I feel like the book appears confusing at times, especially the part about comparing missionary with godly mothers. Trying to merge the two is the main goal of this book but it does confuses what a missionary is, what a godly person is, and what mission is all about. Like, isn't mission about proclaiming the Person of God? Perhaps, it is about the thought process of Brewer who is trying her best to do both the work of a missionary as well as being a godly mother. It would have been helpful to define some terms more accurately beforehand. Some questions I have include: What is the difference between a "missionary mom" and a Christian "tiger mom?" What about moms who had to work and parent at the same time? What about moms who had to struggle to make their ends meet? What about those foreign missionaries out in the field who are also moms?
Anyway, this book is a decent attempt to make sense of one's calling as a mother in the home. There are passages about "parental guidance suggested" which provide practical tips about parenting from a Christian perspective. Most useful of all are the chapters about cultivating a village for moms as well as for children. The idea of a missionary in the home can also be extrapolated to being missional in the neighbourhood. Given the way globalization, technology, and how connected the world is today, there is a sense that the mission field is much larger than the four walls of the house.
Shontell Brewer is wife to a fireman and five kids in Northern Nevada. She blogs at shontellbrewer.com in a website she calls "Nonsense at its finest!"
Rating: 3.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Publications without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
December 6, 2018
Wow. That's all I have. Review over. Kidding but I have been trying to write this post for weeks but I can't seem to articulate how much I loved, how much I learned, how many tears I cried and how many times I put the book down because it made me take a look at my life and that hurts, in the best way possible.
Shontell Brewer used her unique, unapologetic, funny, lighthearted and fierce way with words to bring truth to mommas and then she backs it with scripture. How can I ignore that?
When I think about being a missionary I see myself in a place far from home in a culture unlike mine. Missionary Mom showed me a new mission field that I wasn't aware I was already in. I don't need to leave me home or seek a new culture, I need to look at the people in my house. I have 2 kids and I am their mom, their first teacher and the voice they know best. God gave me THESE kids to raise until He takes them back, they are on loan to me. It is my job to make sure that in the time I have them here with me, on Earth, they know where they come from and where they will return and who they truly belong to.
While I was reading Missionary Mom I bounced from feeling like I was rocking this work of the Lord and crying because I can't look myself in the face. Shontell brought the truth and it hurt but I needed it. I need to be intentional with my parenting, the end. I need to understand the importance of being a mom, period. I need to know my purpose in the story the Lord is writing for my kids.
I gave Missionary Mom 5 stars on Goodreads.
I was fortunate enough to be on the launch team for Missionary Mom and watch Shontell give her words to the world. Thank you Shontell!
I was given a pre-released galley via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Shontell Brewer used her unique, unapologetic, funny, lighthearted and fierce way with words to bring truth to mommas and then she backs it with scripture. How can I ignore that?
When I think about being a missionary I see myself in a place far from home in a culture unlike mine. Missionary Mom showed me a new mission field that I wasn't aware I was already in. I don't need to leave me home or seek a new culture, I need to look at the people in my house. I have 2 kids and I am their mom, their first teacher and the voice they know best. God gave me THESE kids to raise until He takes them back, they are on loan to me. It is my job to make sure that in the time I have them here with me, on Earth, they know where they come from and where they will return and who they truly belong to.
While I was reading Missionary Mom I bounced from feeling like I was rocking this work of the Lord and crying because I can't look myself in the face. Shontell brought the truth and it hurt but I needed it. I need to be intentional with my parenting, the end. I need to understand the importance of being a mom, period. I need to know my purpose in the story the Lord is writing for my kids.
I gave Missionary Mom 5 stars on Goodreads.
I was fortunate enough to be on the launch team for Missionary Mom and watch Shontell give her words to the world. Thank you Shontell!
I was given a pre-released galley via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
April 4, 2021
As someone who is not religious and doesn't have any children I went into this with an open mind and even though this was written well and was really quick paced which I found great there was some issues with this as well.
With having the humor throughout making the writer more likable and did make me smile and laugh such as when they clarified that when they meant "Village People" they meant the community and clarified it wasn't the band which which brought us the YMCA. This also made me feel more comfortable as well within the book and liked the way they were bringing the idea of helping others around you. I also thought by having small segments which has quotes from people who missionary moms and children it helped to give more understanding of other people as well and I really appreciated this.
However, there was things within this book which did make me feel uncomfortable and like I didn't want to continue with the book such as when the author calls people who are not religious "Filthy Sinners" which comes across as though she hates people who are not of her faith and calling other Gods "false gods" which I feel alienates other cultures. I do think she could have been more accepting of other beliefs and non-believers to help bring her message across, especially as when it is about how to be better with the community or building better relationships I did think that this done it rather well.
**I was given a review copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review**
With having the humor throughout making the writer more likable and did make me smile and laugh such as when they clarified that when they meant "Village People" they meant the community and clarified it wasn't the band which which brought us the YMCA. This also made me feel more comfortable as well within the book and liked the way they were bringing the idea of helping others around you. I also thought by having small segments which has quotes from people who missionary moms and children it helped to give more understanding of other people as well and I really appreciated this.
However, there was things within this book which did make me feel uncomfortable and like I didn't want to continue with the book such as when the author calls people who are not religious "Filthy Sinners" which comes across as though she hates people who are not of her faith and calling other Gods "false gods" which I feel alienates other cultures. I do think she could have been more accepting of other beliefs and non-believers to help bring her message across, especially as when it is about how to be better with the community or building better relationships I did think that this done it rather well.
**I was given a review copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review**
October 30, 2018
Missionary Mom is a women's Christian living book by author Shontell Brewer. I wanted to read this book because it's from a publisher I trust, Kregel. Although the author is new to me. I think the author wrote this book for mom's who think they may have missed their mission field, or they will go on the mission field once their children are older. When in actuality where they are right now, raising a family, is their mission field.
I like that this is a short book (143-pages) that even busy moms will have time to read. I love this quote found on page #13, "Don't get caught up with where you will be tomorrow. Be purposeful right now." I appreciate that each chapter opens with a piece of scripture and that scripture is widely dispersed throughout the book.
Did this book meet my expectations? Yes! Because Shontell is quick to encourage mom's who feel like they have made mistakes, or their children are too old, that nothing is too big for God.
I recommend this book to moms of children ages 0-18.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I like that this is a short book (143-pages) that even busy moms will have time to read. I love this quote found on page #13, "Don't get caught up with where you will be tomorrow. Be purposeful right now." I appreciate that each chapter opens with a piece of scripture and that scripture is widely dispersed throughout the book.
Did this book meet my expectations? Yes! Because Shontell is quick to encourage mom's who feel like they have made mistakes, or their children are too old, that nothing is too big for God.
I recommend this book to moms of children ages 0-18.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
October 28, 2018
Fellow moms, you'll laugh. You'll be inspired. You may even become hungry for tacos by the time you finish the last chapter (hint). But most importantly, you'll see the mission God designed for you as a mom as the beautiful and critical one that it is. On most days, I don't need any more tips about motherhood, I need a new 'tude towards motherhood and this book has given me just that! The personal examples from the author are inspiring, the biblical examples and advice is sound and doable. I appreciate that Shontell included things like a list of Scriptures that we can pray with our children at bedtime, and another list of life skills that a missionary mom can instill into her kids. As this book points out, we only have 18 Christmases with our kids. Want to make them count? Need a loving reminder as to why everything you do as a mom matters? Then grab this book, fellow missionary mom. Btw, you must take time to read the author's musings in the margins of the book. They are epic and will make you chuckle, which was another perk of this delightful read.
November 12, 2018
As a working, homeschooling mama of 3 littles under 7, lately I've found my role as a mother to be more exhausting and less fulfilling than I'd like it to be. This book definitely found me at the right time in my life! Shontell imparts her insights and enthusiasm for "mama-hood on purpose" in such an honest, encouraging, and often hilarious way, and yet she also challenges you to flip the internal script and change your perspective on the importance of your role in this world, on your children, and on other mamas around you.
"We aren't meant to mom alone"! ❤
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I loved every minute of it and pulled so much wisdom and helpful guidance from it! Read it, read it, read it!
"We aren't meant to mom alone"! ❤
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I loved every minute of it and pulled so much wisdom and helpful guidance from it! Read it, read it, read it!
October 31, 2018
Missionary Mom was a great read for moms at any stage of raising kids. It is never too late to model for your kids how to seek God's will for your life, how to pray, how to minister to others, and how to serve. The author touches on all of these topics in such a conversational way that you feel like you are sitting across from a good friend, over a cup of coffee, and she is sharing all she has learned through her own journey through motherhood. I would recommend this book to new moms, frustrated moms, moms that are seeking to grow in their own walk with God, and those who want to be the pastor of their own home and lead their children in the way God calls them to.
September 23, 2018
Missionary Mom has laugh out loud, relatable moments that make every mom feel right at home! The practical advice, with scripture and the little notes, don't miss the notes! They are great! This book is such an easy read, but also it has more weight in my mind than that. The book has weight in the sense that raising children isn't easy and it comes with great responsibility and Shontell Brewer knows the importance of that. This book provides great encouragement and freedom for every mom out there! I enjoyed reading this book! I give this book 5/5 stars! I highly recommend it!
November 7, 2018
'The mission field is not for the faint hearted' and neither is motherhood!
This book is packed with wisdom and truth about raising children for the Kingdom and is a must read for any Godly momma! Its so easy as a parent to lose sight of the bigger picture but this book pulls you back in to the central truth of why we're doing what we're doing. I know that this book wont be a one time read for me, our struggles as parents are often repetitive through different seasons and I know I will be dipping back in to this again and again.
This book is packed with wisdom and truth about raising children for the Kingdom and is a must read for any Godly momma! Its so easy as a parent to lose sight of the bigger picture but this book pulls you back in to the central truth of why we're doing what we're doing. I know that this book wont be a one time read for me, our struggles as parents are often repetitive through different seasons and I know I will be dipping back in to this again and again.
February 10, 2019
Loved it
This book was right up my alley. I love reading all things parenting, especially when it comes to spirituality and how that influences my role as a mom. The author did a fantastic job infusing each page with deep spiritual concepts but not without much humour and practicality. I felt more like I was having a conversation with a mom friend over coffee and found myself laughing out loud at times at her wit. I would highly recommend this book to any mom that is trying to live her best life and raise her children well.
This book was right up my alley. I love reading all things parenting, especially when it comes to spirituality and how that influences my role as a mom. The author did a fantastic job infusing each page with deep spiritual concepts but not without much humour and practicality. I felt more like I was having a conversation with a mom friend over coffee and found myself laughing out loud at times at her wit. I would highly recommend this book to any mom that is trying to live her best life and raise her children well.
September 3, 2020
Shontell Brewer's sense of humor shines through in this book . . . and I LOVE it! Written for Christian moms who are in the trenches raising children, this book encourages us to remember that we don't have to travel around the world to be missionaries. There's a mission field under our noses and right next door. Written in a conversational tone, Shontell will have you grinning and growing as a godly mom in no time.
February 1, 2019
Practical advice on being a missional mom. The chapter on prayer is really good and chapters 13-17 also very good. Definitely going to put into practice things from these chapters. Some reviews say the book is laugh out loud funny in parts, I did not experience that. Parts are lighthearted and cute though. Worth the read. It’s short and a quick read too.
May 11, 2019
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free, digital ARC copy of this book. I didn't really enjoy this book so much. It is a wonderful book to open up your mother eyes to all of the possibilities around you for ministering to your family and their loved ones. However, it just wasn't what I needed to read at this point in my life.
October 30, 2018
I met Shontell at a writer's conference and purchased her book to encourage and support her. I am so glad I read it. Even though my daughters are grown, Missionary Mom was an informative and delightful read.
January 5, 2020
I gave this book 3 stars because of the ebook version. While this book is applicable, the ebook version was difficult to read at points. Some text ran together, and the distinction was missing for things like quotes. I would be interested in seeing a print version of this book.
September 10, 2022
I loved how Shontelle approached the mission of motherhood. I felt her tips are totally doable and I gleaned a lot of good wisdom from her. The book made me feel empowered to mother and I didn't walk away feeling as though I'm a big failure.
March 19, 2019
What a great reminder to moms that our mission field is right at our fingertips! Very uplifting book, full of humor and truth about our Godly position as mothers.
November 20, 2019
Shontell speaks to the heart of all of us moms...of all ages. Now I am a grandmother but the same heart I used for opening our home to the people we met through our children keeps beating and wanting to make room around our table for new friends of all ages. With humor and wisdom this book is a fun and encouraging read for all people who want to live out the Gospel in the every day <3
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews