I remember a cartoon with a group of rocket scientist sitting around a table trying to solve a problem. The caption read, “Guys, this should not be too difficult, it’s not like we are trying to do International Church Planting.” This joke might be an exaggeration, but I can say for sure, church planting is not easy, especially if one wants to do it well. One of the things which helped me greatly along the way were some of the books which God made sure I could not miss. Below is my list of “Good Reads” for overseas workers. Feel free to add some of your own and then share the list with people you know.
Note – “Must” read books are in bold
Topic:
History and Politics
Although you do not need to be an expert, everyone should know the history of their area of service. Historical events provide a window into worldview. In addition, you should have a basic working knowledge of the political landscape. Politics plays a large role in the people’s lives so being aware of the various parties and their major speaking points shows the local people that you care about their daily lives. Granted, you should remain politically neutral, even when you defend the weak, unborn, etc.
Missions:
Counterfeit Faith by Margaret Archibald
Archibald explores folk Islam in Bangladesh. The details in your country will be different, but folk religion is a world-wide reality.
A Missionary’s Journey Through Smooth and Rough Terrain by George Dalling
An intimate journey into my 9 years of life and ministry in Lucknow, India. I am completely honest about the highs and lows of missionary life. This might be the most helpful book you ever read on the topic.
Tea with Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
The two authors travel the world asking people from every religious group how they act out the Good Samaritan story. They also highlight real-life examples.
Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry by Duane Elmer.
Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping out and Fitting in around the World by Duane Elmer
Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility by Duane Elmer
Although there is some overlap of illustrations between the three Elmer books, each is well worth reading. The goal is to take share the gospel within the local culture.
Ministering in Patronage Cultures: Biblical Models and Missional Implications by Jayson Georges
I wish I would have learned this concept early in my missionary career. The book explains how local people see and relate to foreigners from the west. It is a most read.
Planting Churches Cross-Culturally: North America and Beyond by David J. Hesselgrave
Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally: An Introduction to Missionary Communication by David J. Hesselgrave
Anthropological Insights for Missionaries by Paul G. Hiebert, Paul G.
Although these books are a bit dated, they are still worth reviewing. No one will be able to apply all the concepts proposed, but it is good to be familiar with many of them.
Agents of Transformation by Sherwood Lingenfelter, Sherwood
Lingenfelter uses the Island of Yap as a backdrop for explaining differences in worldview.
“Sharing the Gospel in Bangladesh Using a Power and Fear Dynamic by Chris Mauger
In my DMin project (thesis), I explain the power and fear worldview and offer
culturally appropriate way to share the gospel in such a place. Approximately 2/3 of the world’s population incorporates this worldview, and yet, this is one of the only things written on the topic.
When Cobras Laugh by Don Ranney and Ray Wiseman
Everyone is on fire for God when they arrive on the mission field. However, as the years pass, the fire can wane. Ranney and Wiseman tell the story of two men who fell to Satanic temptations just before leaving the mission field. The point being: be careful.
When Charity Destroys Dignity: Overcoming Unhealthy Dependency in the Christian Movement: A Compendium by Glenn Schwartz
Schwartz grew up and served in Africa. Through personal experience, he became very careful and restrictive on how he used money in ministry. He emphasizes that the local church should completely fund all local ministry work.
“Discipling Oral Preference Church Leaders in South Asia.” by Dave Shafer
Shafer has worked overseas for more than twenty years. He is known for Biblical story telling methods. In his DMin project (thesis), he illustrated how to teach Paul’s Epistles via Bible storying.
Houses That Change the World: The Return of the House Churches by Wolfgang Simson
Simson is strongly advocates for house churches, saying that a 20-person group is the limit before it is time to form a second group.
Passing the Baton: Church Planting That Empowers by Tom A. Steffen
Steffen suggests that missions should starts with the end in mind. Each worker should lay a foundation that leads to them departing and local people taking over.
Communicating Christ in Animistic Contexts by Gailyn Van Rheenen
One can use the term Animism, Folk Religion, or Power and Fear Dynamic. Regardless of the terminology, this dynamic is prevalent in every country – even the USA. Van Rheenen provides insights on sharing the gospel in that environment.
Cross-Cultural:
Evangelical Missions Quarterly – April 2005
In the middle of this edition there is an article about reverse culture shock. The title might be, “Give the missionaries the old towels and 10 other offensive phrases you will hear” (Not the exact title). Sadly, our family heard more than 50% of the phrases listed. However, the article prepared us that we could handle the comments in stride. So, tell me, how was your 3-year vacation in ______. 😉
Hesselgrave, David J. “The Role of Culture in Communication,” in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader, 4th ed., edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, (Pasadena: William Carey Publishing, 2009), 425–29.
Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. Sherwood Lingenfelter and Marvin K. Mayers
Both these authors produce very helpful books on missions and culture.
Working with Muslims:
Sharing Jesus with Muslims in America by Abu Daoud
I co-wrote this book with a person from Anglican Frontier Missions. The book provides a very practical approach which can be adapted in most countries.
“‘Becoming Faithful’: Conversion, Syncretism, and the Interreligious Hermeneutical Strategies of the ‘Faithful of Jesus’ (Isa Imandars) in Today’s Bangladesh.” By Jonas Adelin Jorgensen and Richard Fox
Jørgensen and Young combined their intellect to produce an article which should be on the top of everyone’s reading list if they work with Muslims.
Muslims, Magic, and the Kingdom of God by Rick Love
This is a must read if you are working with Muslims. Every chapter has countless insights which directly related to every-day ministry.
Waging Peace on Islam by Christine Mallouhi
If you plan to approach Muslims with a “your religion sucks and your ancestors are in hell” approach, think again. Mallouhi shares a less confrontational approach that aids in getting and maintaining an audience.
Islam: Beliefs and Teachings by Ghulam Sarwar
Sarwar is a Bengali who wrote an instructional book for westerners, explaining how to behave and what to believe when they become Muslims. This is a good reference book into basic beliefs and practices of some Muslim people. I have used the book as a launching pad for understanding and conversations.
Theology:
The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn
Alcorn correctly states that everything we have belongs to God. He then provides 6 principles related to that truth.
Freedom from Fear: Overcoming Worry and Anxiety by Neil T. Anderson and Rich Miller.
Many are intimidated at living out and/or sharing one’s faith. The premise of moving overseas to do the same, makes some people shutter. Anderson and Miller address personal fear from multiple angles. However, God is greater than our fear.
3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare by Clinton E. Arnold
Arnold has written extensively about spiritual warfare. The two major battles each Christian experiences are the world around them and the sin within them. In both cases, Satan is on the attack. Arnold clearly explains the spiritual battle.
Christus Victor: An Historical Study of the Three Main Types of the Idea of Atonement by Aulén, Gustaf
There are several major views of the atonement. Aulén highlights one of those view as it relates to 2 others. People in animistic cultures and people dominated by a power and fear dynamic should resonate with this view more than the others.
The Heart of the Problem by Henry Brandt and Kenny Skinner
Whether large or small, all problems are rooted in sin. When we learn to forgive and live by God’s standards, problems take on a whole new perspective.
An Infinite Journey by Andrew M. Davis
Davis clearly explains the believer’s journey internally and externally. Every Christian will be on this journey until they are in God’s presence. Davis does an excellent job on the topic.
The Fear of God: A Forgotten Doctrine by Arnold L. Frank
Every believer should have a proper fear of God. It is wonderful to be able to use the terminology of the family when referring to God. BUT, there is more to God than being a BFF. God is holy and cannot be looked upon by human eyes. He is powerful and righteous, and we should never forget that.
The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Michael S. Heiser
If you are not familiar with Heiser and this concept, sit down before you start reading it. Based on Psalms 82 and many other passages, Heiser lays out a concept that you probably never heard before. It is worth listening too.
The Evangelical’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Charles H. Kraft
Like Clinton Arnold, Kraft has also written much about spiritual warfare. Every Christian participates in this battle, regardless of if they are aware or unaware of it. On the mission field, the battle is more obvious. Do not go through life and ministry without being aware of what is going on around you.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien
What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. Getting beyond our own cultural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ.
With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani
There are 4 popular but inaccurate ways to look at God. Jethani explains these 4 ways and then provides 4 proper ways to related to God. Ultimately, God is our treasure. Not what we do for Him or what we get from Him. This is a must read.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
A classic book well worth reading multiple times.
The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott and Alister E. McGrath
Stott explains the cross from more angles than I thought was possible. I used to read this book prior to every Easter. Each time, I learned something new.
Territorial Spirits: Practical Strategies for How to Crush the Enemy Through Spiritual Warfare by C. Peter Wagner, and John Dawson
Wagner, Dawson, and I believe territorial spirits still exist. They lay hold of an area and influence it negatively. This book establishes the belief and provides instructions on what to do about it.
Signs, Wonders, and the Kingdom of God: A Biblical Guide for the Reluctant Skeptic by Don Williams
In the book of Acts, miracles and gospel presentations overlapped 75% of the time. In other words, the gospel went out with the power of God. I believe that should still be the case. The gospel is more important than a miracle, but if a miracle grabs the attention of the audience, then why not allow it to happen?!?
Rumors of Another World by Philip Yancy
I like books by Yancy. He asks questions which are usually left unasked. In this book, he talks about the wonders of heaven on earth. In other words, people living out God’s call in their daily lives.
Working with Teams:
Boundaries Face to Face: How to Have That Difficult Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding by Henry Cloud and John Sims Townsend.
In short, Cloud and Townsend discuss the importance of saying “no” and of setting boundaries with one’s time and commitments. Being a “yes” man is not fun, fulfilling, or productive. Been there – done that.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
I do not know which is more frustrating, not seeing fruit from your missionary efforts or working on a difficult team. According to my company, team dynamics is the number one reason people leave the field. There is almost a 100% chance you will work on a team so avoiding the pitfalls listed in this book will be very helpful.
The Peace Maker by Ken Sande
This is another book on working within a team. More specifically, Sande lays out a plan for true restoration after things deteriorate.
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