The Symphony of Mission: Playing Your Part in God's Work in the World

by Michael W. Goheen, Jim Mullins

This book argues that God's mission is broad and that all of us can live with missional intentionality by understanding the many facets of missions and focusing on a particular calling. Just like different instruments of a symphony harmonize together, each aspect of human participation in mission--evangelism, justice initiatives, poverty alleviation, faithful work in the marketplace, art--helps us play our part in God's work in the world. Combining expertise from a mission scholar and a working pastor, the book includes practical examples and tools to help readers imagine their part in God's mission.

Genres: Theology

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2019

About the author

Michael W. Goheen (PhD, University of Utrecht) is professor of missional theology, Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco, and Jake and Betsy Tuls Professor of Missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also minister of preaching at New West Christian Reformed Church in Burnaby, British Columbia, and is the author or coauthor of several books, including The Drama of Scripture, Living at the Crossroads, A Light to the Nations, and a work on Lesslie Newbigin's missionary ecclesiology.

Reviews

[Luke McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way that I view work. God created work and He created us to do it for His glory. Whether it be a garbage man, accountant or pastor, all forms of work are for His glory. The most applicable Christian book I have ever read. I could not recommend this book more. 10/10

[Andy Littleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich biblical theology crash course by a preeminent scholar (Mike Goheen) followed by pages of insightful and creative missional and gospel shaped application by a pastor far more of you should be listening to, Jim Mullins. Highly recommended!

[Jordan Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this book was so practical. I would really love to go through it again during any changes in life seasons/stages because it is full of practical ways to think through how to use your life position strategically. It moved through 3 different focuses of missions - working well, loving sacrificially, and speaking the Word, and how to hone in on a tangible, realistic focus within your sphere of influence and integrate as much of your life as possible into that one focus. Very easy to follow the symphony metaphor throughout the book and the examples were so encouraging! I felt like the language was so loving and mindful, constantly pointing out that we share Jesus because we love Him and it’s an OVERFLOW of our love for Him that causes us to share.

[Callahan McIlnay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read every chapter, I liked a select handful, but if you’ve read others of his books, it can feel a bit repetitive.

[Austyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most holistic and practical book on mission I have come across. Great read!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is thorough, the most important idea that I needed to hear from it is the idea of missional focus. Staying focused on one problem/point of pain/people group in which to spend my time and energy. I've been guilty of going here and there, getting caught up in different missions. Through the exercises in the book along with the Surge curriculum exercises, I've been able to narrow my focus and I feel not only is it more impactful for the mission, but it will prevent me from burning out. I can't do everything. But I can learn my one instrument and play it my best.

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book. The authors do a good job showing the richness and depth of the gospel to reach into everyday life through mission.


“We need to stop thinking about evangelism as “bringing people to God” and realize that God is bringing us to people instead, already working in their lives and inviting us to harmonize with the Spirit.”

[SB Blomstrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being in a season of part-time vocational ministry and looking to my next career, this book came at the right time in my life. I've been considering what it means to really press into living all areas of my life for Christ, even when it feels insignificant, and this book was both challenging and encouraging.

[Bethany Benesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthwhile read, while some mission/Christian books may inspire you or be motivating but leave you without a way forward, this book helps those looking for practical instructions, and gives many examples of attainable yet important ways to live mission-oriented.

[Nisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A call to all Christians to display God's love to all of creation. This was a fantastic book filled with relatable stories, actionable tasks, and real life questions! A good read if you're questioning your purpose in this season of life or to redirect your path!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read. Jim has a true gift to help take God out of the neat little box we like to put him in and challenges us to think bigger and more creatively about how to live into the gospel story. Biblically rooted and approachable, this is a great book.

[Ainsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read for seminary class but genuinely one of the most helpful books I have read. Ever. I recommend it to everyone!! Very well thought out ideas turned into practical applications. Clocked me in so many ways.

[Kat Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

A better review on this is coming once I write my critical book review paper, but this was an awesome read!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It is does a good job giving a balanced approach providing both inspiring stories and practical instruction. It’s a great book for mobilizing Christians toward ministry with a bent toward missions.

[Ethan West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will have to re-read this book at a later time in my life. The practices in here are fantastic but I was unable to focus during most of the reading due to my fourth kid being born.