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Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy
The terrain of church missions is often bewildering.
Should we prioritize evangelism or works of service? Local ministries or overseas missions? What's more important: giving our money or giving our time? Crisis relief or building sustainable, long-term ministries? And what about the often debated pros and cons of short-term missions trips?
In Mapping Church Missions, Sharon Hoover brings her years of experience in local church missions to bear on these and other thorny questions. Instead of taking a hardline stance on one end of the spectrum or the other, she approaches each question with nuance, adding helpful data, presenting new perspectives, and always pressing gently past surface questions to the heart of the matter.
Whether we're fully aware of it or not, our churches come up against these questions whenever we consider how best to use our resources for the mission of God. Written by an experienced guide, this book maps the terrain of church missions in careful detail, helping us plot our church's unique course as we seek to serve Christ's kingdom.
Should we prioritize evangelism or works of service? Local ministries or overseas missions? What's more important: giving our money or giving our time? Crisis relief or building sustainable, long-term ministries? And what about the often debated pros and cons of short-term missions trips?
In Mapping Church Missions, Sharon Hoover brings her years of experience in local church missions to bear on these and other thorny questions. Instead of taking a hardline stance on one end of the spectrum or the other, she approaches each question with nuance, adding helpful data, presenting new perspectives, and always pressing gently past surface questions to the heart of the matter.
Whether we're fully aware of it or not, our churches come up against these questions whenever we consider how best to use our resources for the mission of God. Written by an experienced guide, this book maps the terrain of church missions in careful detail, helping us plot our church's unique course as we seek to serve Christ's kingdom.
- GenresChurch
193 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2018
11 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Sharon R. Hoover
2 books25 followersServing the church for over twenty years in discipleship and mission ministries, I've walked alongside many people travelling and exploring the journey of faith. Add in my own crazy path and I hope my writing will offer glimpses of life worth sharing.
Honored to be a member of the Redbud Writers Guild.
Honored to be a member of the Redbud Writers Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 5, 2018
Excellent resource for all churches. Discussing missions and how to serve others can bring many debates. Is serving locally or globally the best opportunity for you and your church? In this informative book, discussions from every angle are considered. This is a book every church should have in their library and refer to very often. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
September 28, 2018
I love Missions. Each one of God’s children is called and sent to contribute to building God’s Kingdom. But past misdirected efforts and changing world realities have created confusion and conflicts that challenge the desire to serve for churches and ministries. Sharon Hoover, in Mapping Church Missions, has provided a powerful resource and strategy to guide a local church or mission-sending agency. Whether you are looking to go locally or globally, to focus primarily on the Great Commission or the Great Commandment, this book will help you assess the potential differences in perspective and consider the varying gifts, experience and passions of your people as you map out a path for your community in missions. A valuable compass!
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September 25, 2018Mapping Church Missions is an indispensable guide to developing a church mission program. Author Sharon Hoover addresses seven key areas: good news versus good deeds, neighbors near and far, crisis response and sustainable development, time and money, short-term mission teams, discipling, and risk. In each chapter, Hoover examines both ends of the continuum. for instance, the first chapter looks at those who primarily view missions as sharing the good news of Jesus, but also considers the churches and organizations who concentrate on feeding the poor and fighting for social justice. Readers are asked to examine the issue with an open mind. Scenarios at the end of each chapter help individuals and churches discover where they are on the continuum of missional development. Hoover also gives questions that help readers discover their role in missions. Where do they feel comfortable? Challenged? And most of all, called?
Through Mapping Church Missions Hoover shares her own experiences of participating in missions in her community, country, and world. She lists different ways for people to get involved in missions--an appendix in the back lists dozens of ways to serve and give. She realizes that people get involved with missions for a variety of reasons, but notes our primary motivation to serve should always be "to become more like Jesus."
I picked up Mapping Church Misssions because I love Sharon Hoover's writing, but I wasn't sure how much of it would apply to me. I'm a member of a very small church with limited membership and resources. I'm not involved in planning church missions. However, the book gave me many ideas of how I could get involved in missions. Most importantly, it gave me a heart for missions.
Through Mapping Church Missions Hoover shares her own experiences of participating in missions in her community, country, and world. She lists different ways for people to get involved in missions--an appendix in the back lists dozens of ways to serve and give. She realizes that people get involved with missions for a variety of reasons, but notes our primary motivation to serve should always be "to become more like Jesus."
I picked up Mapping Church Misssions because I love Sharon Hoover's writing, but I wasn't sure how much of it would apply to me. I'm a member of a very small church with limited membership and resources. I'm not involved in planning church missions. However, the book gave me many ideas of how I could get involved in missions. Most importantly, it gave me a heart for missions.
January 11, 2024
not as insightful as i’d hope it would be but there were a few little gems i’ll be using in our church ministry
September 25, 2018
I got an advance copy and have loved every page of it! I am very passionate about missions and have participated in many trips, some long term. Her discussion of the value of missions is clear and concise and touches on all the important facets of ministering to those of different cultures. This would be a fantastic resource for any person or group who is serious about the Great Commission.
September 24, 2018
Conversations about missionaries and missions strategy are commonplace in our home. We talk about the latest newsletter updates, who’s “home,” and who’s “back on the field.” We wonder about the members of our missionary family when we don’t hear from them, and we puzzle over big picture concerns in an era in which more missionaries are retiring than can possibly be replaced by new recruits.
In Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy, Sharon Hoover introduces a way of thinking about the genuine challenges of initiating and maintaining a program of global outreach that is in keeping with a biblical view of The Great Commission, while also taking into consideration the uniqueness of each body of believers. Her good work and varied experiences have helped her to produce a road map for intentional missions strategy that transcends personal interests and agendas.
Rarely are our burning questions about church practices able to be corralled with a pat answer. My husband chairs the missions committee in our church, and his life would be so much easier if shimmering golden percentages were handed down from heaven to guide missions policy: What is the ideal percentage of the budget to allocate to foreign missions and how much for local ministries? Approval of short-term projects would be a cinch if everyone could just agree that their purpose is outreach and impact on the field. Or is it mainly for the development and growth of the participants . . .?
7 Continuums to Sort the Issues
Since pat answers are unavailable (and mostly unhelpful), Hoover has identified seven topics, seven conversations that need to happen and each one represents a continuum:
Is the church called to perform good works OR to to engage in activities that present the gospel?
Is our highest priority to meet the needs we can see all around us OR should our focus be centered on the regions beyond, those who have never even heard of Jesus?
Are we to direct our resources mainly toward emergency crisis relief OR will people best be served by long-term engagement once the crisis has passed?
Which is most necessary: Tangible investments such as money, clothing, and vehicles? OR will an investment of time and talent be more valuable in the long run?
Can short-term ministry teams work effectively on the field OR is this nothing more than Christian tourism?
Is the focus of ministry a matter of serving those who are sent to minister OR those who will receive that ministry?
How much risk is acceptable in planning a ministry? Is safety an obstacle to fulfilling the Great Commission OR should “common sense” prevail?
These seven questions are a wise starting point for conversations that assist local church leaders in discovering and then maintaining their location on these key bandwidths for missional engagement. Sharon Hoover asserts that “we need to check our compass bearing frequently to confirm that our direction remains true to our initial calling. As time passes and we become familiar with the terrain, we are tempted to set the compass aside. But when we do this our kingdom-focused navigation gets off track.”
“If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone. If You Want to Go Far, Go Together.”
Driving south on I-95, my Kindle illuminated the front seat of our car as my husband and I made an impulsive trip to L.L. Bean one August evening. I had brought Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy along for the hour’s ride because I wanted to get his input, but soon found myself reading great chunks aloud. The questions stimulated conversation and the well-conceived scenarios at each chapter’s end acted as both mirror and light.
Sharon Hoover has developed a resource that is thought provoking and will challenge any individual who is excited about the call to build God’s kingdom. However, she has also constructed a compass, a tool for groups who need to have monumental conversations that will help them get their bearings, clarify their thinking, and ensure that they are traveling in line with both the truth of Scripture and the passions and callings of those who are on the road together.
Many thanks to Intervarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
In Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy, Sharon Hoover introduces a way of thinking about the genuine challenges of initiating and maintaining a program of global outreach that is in keeping with a biblical view of The Great Commission, while also taking into consideration the uniqueness of each body of believers. Her good work and varied experiences have helped her to produce a road map for intentional missions strategy that transcends personal interests and agendas.
Rarely are our burning questions about church practices able to be corralled with a pat answer. My husband chairs the missions committee in our church, and his life would be so much easier if shimmering golden percentages were handed down from heaven to guide missions policy: What is the ideal percentage of the budget to allocate to foreign missions and how much for local ministries? Approval of short-term projects would be a cinch if everyone could just agree that their purpose is outreach and impact on the field. Or is it mainly for the development and growth of the participants . . .?
7 Continuums to Sort the Issues
Since pat answers are unavailable (and mostly unhelpful), Hoover has identified seven topics, seven conversations that need to happen and each one represents a continuum:
Is the church called to perform good works OR to to engage in activities that present the gospel?
Is our highest priority to meet the needs we can see all around us OR should our focus be centered on the regions beyond, those who have never even heard of Jesus?
Are we to direct our resources mainly toward emergency crisis relief OR will people best be served by long-term engagement once the crisis has passed?
Which is most necessary: Tangible investments such as money, clothing, and vehicles? OR will an investment of time and talent be more valuable in the long run?
Can short-term ministry teams work effectively on the field OR is this nothing more than Christian tourism?
Is the focus of ministry a matter of serving those who are sent to minister OR those who will receive that ministry?
How much risk is acceptable in planning a ministry? Is safety an obstacle to fulfilling the Great Commission OR should “common sense” prevail?
These seven questions are a wise starting point for conversations that assist local church leaders in discovering and then maintaining their location on these key bandwidths for missional engagement. Sharon Hoover asserts that “we need to check our compass bearing frequently to confirm that our direction remains true to our initial calling. As time passes and we become familiar with the terrain, we are tempted to set the compass aside. But when we do this our kingdom-focused navigation gets off track.”
“If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone. If You Want to Go Far, Go Together.”
Driving south on I-95, my Kindle illuminated the front seat of our car as my husband and I made an impulsive trip to L.L. Bean one August evening. I had brought Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy along for the hour’s ride because I wanted to get his input, but soon found myself reading great chunks aloud. The questions stimulated conversation and the well-conceived scenarios at each chapter’s end acted as both mirror and light.
Sharon Hoover has developed a resource that is thought provoking and will challenge any individual who is excited about the call to build God’s kingdom. However, she has also constructed a compass, a tool for groups who need to have monumental conversations that will help them get their bearings, clarify their thinking, and ensure that they are traveling in line with both the truth of Scripture and the passions and callings of those who are on the road together.
Many thanks to Intervarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
October 15, 2020
Sharon Hoover gives a broad overview of issues relating to a church's involvement in missions.
Church leaders engage missions on two separate levels.
-institutional - it decides with whom to partner: missionaries, mission organizations, prayer, publicity, and sending people
- individual- helping those who are called to step up and serve p11
The book is based around seven conversations about which mission projects or people to support.
1. What is the balance between evangelism (good news) and good deeds (helping with physical needs) p23. "Saturating the community with the Gospel means we effectively connect physical, emotional, and spiritual poverty with the Gospel. p 29 Demonstrate God's love in word and in deed. p31
2. What is the balance for our church in amount of local ministry and global ministry? p36
3. How much support will our church give to crisis response and/or sustainable development? p57
A good question to consider when helping is, "At what point does crisis relief end and unhealthy dependence begin? p63 Crisis relief is described as seldom, immediate, and temporary. p64 Most sustainable ministries include intentional mentoring in their development strategies. p67
4. What is needed more in the mission, time (volunteer help) or money? Or what is the best balance of both? p77 It is a question of the church's stewardship of time, talent, and money. Individual's answer God's call and promptings in different ways p81
5. What will the church decide about the use and effectiveness of short term missions? p95 It's a question of what does God want the church to do, taking into consideration the large cost and the short term aspect of it? There are lots of stories of 'bad' results for the go-ers AND the receiving team. Do the possible positives outweigh the possible negatives? p96, 109
6. Will the church focus involvement (time, money, talent) on the 'missionary' (servant) or the one being discipled (recipient) or both? At what levels? How is evangelism and discipleship advanced? p124
7. What is the church's approach to risk and repercussions in the mission in the field? What is the level of safety expected: physical, emotional, and spiritual? p134
I liked the book because it raised the questions and issues to consider which might not otherwise come to mind.
The book includes example of experiences. I was hoping there would be more Biblical justification and development of missional arguments.
Still, the questions raised were good ones.
Church leaders engage missions on two separate levels.
-institutional - it decides with whom to partner: missionaries, mission organizations, prayer, publicity, and sending people
- individual- helping those who are called to step up and serve p11
The book is based around seven conversations about which mission projects or people to support.
1. What is the balance between evangelism (good news) and good deeds (helping with physical needs) p23. "Saturating the community with the Gospel means we effectively connect physical, emotional, and spiritual poverty with the Gospel. p 29 Demonstrate God's love in word and in deed. p31
2. What is the balance for our church in amount of local ministry and global ministry? p36
3. How much support will our church give to crisis response and/or sustainable development? p57
A good question to consider when helping is, "At what point does crisis relief end and unhealthy dependence begin? p63 Crisis relief is described as seldom, immediate, and temporary. p64 Most sustainable ministries include intentional mentoring in their development strategies. p67
4. What is needed more in the mission, time (volunteer help) or money? Or what is the best balance of both? p77 It is a question of the church's stewardship of time, talent, and money. Individual's answer God's call and promptings in different ways p81
5. What will the church decide about the use and effectiveness of short term missions? p95 It's a question of what does God want the church to do, taking into consideration the large cost and the short term aspect of it? There are lots of stories of 'bad' results for the go-ers AND the receiving team. Do the possible positives outweigh the possible negatives? p96, 109
6. Will the church focus involvement (time, money, talent) on the 'missionary' (servant) or the one being discipled (recipient) or both? At what levels? How is evangelism and discipleship advanced? p124
7. What is the church's approach to risk and repercussions in the mission in the field? What is the level of safety expected: physical, emotional, and spiritual? p134
I liked the book because it raised the questions and issues to consider which might not otherwise come to mind.
The book includes example of experiences. I was hoping there would be more Biblical justification and development of missional arguments.
Still, the questions raised were good ones.
September 26, 2018
Should we prioritize evangelism or works of service? Local ministries or global missions? What’s more important: giving our money or giving our time? Crisis response or building sustainable, long-term ministries? And what do we make of short-term missions? Will we focus more on discipling those we serve or developing those doing the serving? What’s our attitude toward risk—will we embrace it or avoid it?
God has given our people a wide variety of gifts and passions, but how will we steward them? No church can do it all. In a book that just came out this week, church mission leader Sharon Hoover takes on seven thorny questions that often divide Christians and churches and have probably led to gridlock at some point in your church. She provides tools and examples to help you find your place on each spectrum and understand the values and perspectives of those who might be on the other side. The author’s succinct summations of the shifting and competing trends that have led to some of these tensions are particularly helpful.
God has given our people a wide variety of gifts and passions, but how will we steward them? No church can do it all. In a book that just came out this week, church mission leader Sharon Hoover takes on seven thorny questions that often divide Christians and churches and have probably led to gridlock at some point in your church. She provides tools and examples to help you find your place on each spectrum and understand the values and perspectives of those who might be on the other side. The author’s succinct summations of the shifting and competing trends that have led to some of these tensions are particularly helpful.
September 25, 2018
I am not a career missionary. I have never gone on a short-term mission trip. But I love Jesus, and every day I try to heed his command to love my neighbor. Mapping Church Missions is a book for EVERYONE who wishes to spread Christ��s love in this world. As I navigated the pages I found myself nodding, highlighting, bookmarking, and most importantly – opening my mind to new (to me) ways of perceiving what “missions” means. As a result of this book I now have a clearer understanding and definition of what “missions” means to me and how it can mean something different to someone else. As Sharon eloquently writes, “When our definition of kingdom laborer is shaped by the Scriptures, we will find common goals even among the most diverse forms of kingdom work.” This is an insightful and impactful book that every Christian should have access to.
August 24, 2018
I read an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher and gladly endorse this helpful guide to church missions. There are so many different organizations and ways to engage in the world that we might become overwhelmed! Mapping Church Missions can help congregations and individuals navigate this sometimes confusing landscape by addressing issues of evangelism, development, time, finances, energy, and more. I've read the book once for an overview, and plan to read it again to work through it more deliberately.
September 22, 2018
Reading MAPPING CHURCH MISSIONS: A Compass for Ministry Strategy by Sharon R. Hoover will benefit churches of all sizes and budgets, as well as individual Christians, in fulfilling the Great Commission. The author uses real life examples to illustrate each of the seven "conversations" which form the book's main chapters. In addition, each chapter includes questions for individual and group reflection. Two appendices and a detailed listing of notes round-out this down-to-earth, well written resource. I read a pre-release copy provided by the publisher.
April 4, 2021
This is a well written, thoughtful and helpful book, especially for pastors and those who lead or are a part of church missions teams. It also would be helpful for those who are considering what their role is in God's Kingdom work. This book helps us look at missions in a way that I have not seen before. I got the book because I heard Sharon share at a missions conference and the timing was perfect as we are just launching a church missions team. Her ideas will be helpful as we look into a strategy and what our specific role is. I recommend this book.
September 9, 2018
Sharon’s love for Jesus and the importance of sharing the gospel is spot on. So wonderful to read and learn from her thoughts and writings on how we the followers of Jesus can be faithful to him. This book is thought provoking concerning how we serve, who we serve and what fits personally for us and our individual church families. Must read for anyone dedicated to serving, the church, missions, or if you have a heart to serve.
September 18, 2024
This little book will be the go-to guide for anyone interested in church missions. Hoover presents seven topics which are most likely to cause disagreement and discusses the pros and cons on both ends of the spectrum. She doesn’t give any easy answers but instead asks questions to promote thoughtful discussion, adding lots of real-life examples, Scripture, and data. This is a must-read for every church missions team member.
October 14, 2018
Sharon has written an excellent book on how church’s can effectively be a part of the mission field. A church does not need massive amounts of resources to make an impact on others. A small church can have an impact using the guides that are outlined in the book. Thanks Sharon for this timely book on missions.
October 31, 2018
This is a book that will make you think about what mission work is both personally and your church community efforts. I know personally that the author,Sharon Hoover lives out her life through what she has learned over her more than 20 years in the field. I strongly recommend this book!
July 10, 2024
Helpful but not exceptional
June 7, 2020
Sharon Hoover's newly released "Mapping Church Missions" offers a nuanced yet purposeful approach to some of the most pervasive questions the church has asked with regards to missions over the last several decades: Should we emphasize good news (conversions) or good deeds (disaster relief)? When Jesus said "love your neighbor" did He mean those locally or globally? Is it more helpful to give of our time or financial resources? Should we respond to the immediate needs in our world (crisis relief) or develop a proactive, long-term focus? Is there any room for short-term missions or are they just a less guilt-ridden way to buy into national and global tourism?
Sharon's purposeful mix of storytelling and research causes readers to reconsider age-old questions surrounding the "right" way to serve our neighbors, while also encouraging all of us to develop an effective and sustainable missions strategy moving forward.
As a youth pastor, I found Sharon's "middle ground" strategy serves as a model for the ways we can purposefully engage adults and adolescents alike with difficult yet imperative questions surrounding what it means to connect with God, God's people, and God's purposes in the world. The questions at the end of each chapter off easy on-ramps to engaging with the material, regardless of an individual's age, knowledge, or experience with missions.
If you're looking for an AWESOME resource to equip your church for local and worldwide partnerships... THIS is it!
Sharon's purposeful mix of storytelling and research causes readers to reconsider age-old questions surrounding the "right" way to serve our neighbors, while also encouraging all of us to develop an effective and sustainable missions strategy moving forward.
As a youth pastor, I found Sharon's "middle ground" strategy serves as a model for the ways we can purposefully engage adults and adolescents alike with difficult yet imperative questions surrounding what it means to connect with God, God's people, and God's purposes in the world. The questions at the end of each chapter off easy on-ramps to engaging with the material, regardless of an individual's age, knowledge, or experience with missions.
If you're looking for an AWESOME resource to equip your church for local and worldwide partnerships... THIS is it!
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