For those of you who have heard my story, you know that books have been a huge part of my journey. I’m a reader. I love to digest information through reading. Because books have often inspired me, a booklist is my first place that I go when I’m trying to inspire or mobilize others. Books are my favorite gift to give…some of you may have received a book or two off of this list from me.
Here is a list (it got really long as I thought about it more) of books that have inspired me along my journey. I hope that they inspire you as well. If you have books that have inspired you in the area of kingdom work that you think I should read, please mention them in the comments!
Bible Studies
Scripture should always be our starting point, but sometimes it is hard to know where to go to learn about a topic (in this case, outreach). That is why Bible studies are very helpful. Here are a few I’ve encountered that have been very helpful for me.
Xplore (from the Center for Mission Mobilization)
This study is a great introduction to the need and methods of missions. This is a wonderful catalyst book and was one of the things that spurred my best friend on to think and pray more seriously about missions, and now she is serving in the Philippines! It is a seven-lesson study. The first two lessons lay the foundation of God’s work (by looking at his purpose and story in scripture) and his world (looking at the state of the world and how much work is left to be done). The next five lessons springboard off of that with practical ways to get involved: going, sending, praying, welcoming, and mobilizing. Each week has specific action steps and prayer points and is formatted perfectly for group discussions.
Go Mobilize (from the Center for Mission Mobilization)
This book is a good study tool if you have a passion for ministry and want to ignite that fire in the hearts of others. It is seven-week study and it describes what a good mobilizer is like and how you can go about being effective to mobilize others for the kingdom. Even more than Xplore, Go Mobilize is a good study for discussions. I haven’t used it yet, but I read through it enough to realize that one would gain much more from the study in discussion with others. I recommended this book to the mission team at my church as they seek to mobilize our congregation to go.
God’s Heart for the Nations (Jeff Lewis)
This is another FANTASTIC Bible study. The focus of this study is on God’s story and God’s heart. There isn’t so much practical in this study, as in how we can get involved. But it is an excellent deep dive into scripture from Genesis to Revelation to see God’s heart and his plan to bless the nations through his people. One can glean much from this book as an individual study, although I am sure there is also much more to gain from the study when completed in community and discussion with others. If you are new to the idea of missions or would like a refresher on why it is important, I would highly recommend this study as a place to start.
Note: the link above is to a free PDF download version. If you prefer paperback, here is an amazon link.
Biographies
A huge part of my story is the influence of biographies of great heroes of the faith. These stories are what first captured my interest in going overseas. Hearing their stories continues to inspire me as I serve for the kingdom. Here are some of my favorites:
Christian Heroes Then and Now (Janett & Geoff Benge)
This series is absolutely amazing. While they are written for kids, they are 100% for adults as well. I usually listen to the audiobook version, and I so enjoy them. They are concise, enjoyable, and really allow you to connect with the person you are learning about. Some of my favorites I’ve read about in this series…Adoniram Judson, Brother Andrew, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Gladys Aylward, Ida Scudder, Klaus-Dieter John, Lillian Trasher, Lottie Moon, Mary Slessor, and Paul Brand.
I Dared to Call Him Father (Bliquis Sheik)
This is the inspiring story of a Muslim Pakistani woman who risked EVERYTHING to follow the Lord. I don’t know what else I can say about this book except… GO READ IT RIGHT NOW!
The Insanity of God (Nik Ripken)
Oh my goodness, you guys, this book was AMAZING. I’ve heard wonderful things about the movie too, but I can’t actually speak from experience. Why do people do crazy things like give up their life or their position or their comfort or their wealth for God? This book tells the stories of many such people and explain the Why behind their life choices. It is engaging and just beautiful.
Vision Shapers
I don’t know what else to call this category… these are the books that have impacted me and shifted and shaped my life and vision and mission. They are in order from most impactful for me personally.
Do Hard Things (Alex and Brett Harris)
After the Bible, this may in fact be THE MOST impactful book I’ve ever read. I read it around age 13, and everything I’ve done after that has been motivated and shaped by this book and what I learned there about doing the hard thing no matter what others are doing. Why did I go overseas at age 17? Because that’s what God was calling me to do as my “hard thing.” Why did I speak up about the importance of missions through my time in high school even though no one seemed to listen or care? Because that’s what God was calling me to. I love this book and I 100% recommend that every teenager reads this book.
Let the Nations Be Glad (John Piper)
Many people would say that this is THE top book on missiology, and I would have to agree. The vision that Piper casts for the purpose of our ministry is captivating and powerful. “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” The goal of missions is not adventure, not to experience new cultures (though those are great things we enjoy along the way). The goal of missions is not personal glory for making the most converts. The goal of missions is that the Glory of the Lord would be proclaimed across the globe and that all Nations would rejoice in him and would worship him forever. This is a perspective changer, and a book I would recommend every Christian read at least once a year.
It’s All Backward (Claude Hickman)
This book is especially formative and poignant for those who are on the crux of choosing a college and career path. That’s the stage of life that I was at when I read this book, and it reminded me of what I should be working toward with my life and my decisions. The goal is not to get a well-paying job and enjoy life until retirement…no, the goal is to be part of God’s story, God’s plan. This is a really, really short book, so even those who don’t enjoy reading it can digest it with no problems. Short, yes, but also very, very powerful.
Missions (9Marks: Andy Johnson)
This book isn’t so much about mission strategy for on the field folks, but it is really great food for thought for the sending and supporting church or church members. If you support (financially or through prayer) at least one overseas worker, you should read this book. If you are an elder or pastor at a church at supports at least one overseas worker, you should read this book. The insights given here are very helpful in thinking about how to do a good job at being part of God’s work through sending and supporting.
The 3D Gospel (Jayson Georges)
This short book is an introduction to shame, guilt, and fear-based cultures. It gives insight into how each of these worldviews colors and shapes the way the gospel is understood and presented. It helped me to see more clearly the beauty of having different perspectives when studying scripture.