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Pastor Chris Lazo of the church Reality Santa Barbara explains the opportunity before the Church for engaging the unreached and what we can do about it. Powerful video; could you use it in a presentation?
When Everything Is Missions, by Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison. BottomLine Media, 2017, 144 pages.
This book address the problems that arise when, as churches and the Church, we put the “missions” label on all the good things we do and support. It’s written for church and ministry leaders and all who look to clarify their own answers to questions like these:
Denny Spitters is Vice President of Church Partnerships for Pioneers USA, while Matthew Ellison is the founder of Sixteen:Fifteen, where he serves as President and Church Missions Coach. I should mention that I (Marti) edited the book and that it’s published by the same ministry that keeps Missions Catalyst running. Take a look.
» Pick it up from Amazon for about US$10.00. Also available on the Pioneers website. Books should ship October 1.
The New Odyssey: The Story of the Twenty-First Century Refugee Crisis, by Patrick Kingsley, Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2017 (American edition). 368 pages.
In the begining of 2015, before migration became the year’s defining issue for much of Europe, editors at The Guardian newspaper appointed award-winning journalist Patrick Kingsley to be their first-ever migration correspondent. Though they didn’t realize it at the time, this role would give him an amazing opportunity to be a first-hand witness of the depth and breadth of the European migration crisis.
This book, based on interviews and encounters in seventeen countries across three continents, brings to life stories of refugees and other immigrants who cross the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas as well as the great expanse of the Sahara seeking hope in Europe.
Kingsley does not write from a biblical perspective and some may object to his political critique, but he does a great job blending story and analysis to paint a fascinating picture of the crisis, particularly as it unfolded in Europe in 2015.
» Learn more or purchase from Amazon (or elsewhere) for US$10-15, depending on the format. Also check your public library. A Pioneers colleague blogged about this book and another top pick on the topic, Seeking Refuge. See also A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea. The website Faith and Forced Migration published a review.
» Our friends at The Mission Table recently launched a new episode in their ongoing conversation about the American church and missions. This one deals with our response to the global refugee crisis (28-minute video).
Source: Catalyst Services Postings, August 2017
Shortcuts are so tempting. We all like to find easier ways to get things done. But shortcuts often don’t deliver what they promise. Some shortcut failures are harmless; others are devastating.
Missions shortcuts can be dangerous, too, and harm may come despite our best motives.
» Read about seven missions shortcuts and how to avoid them. We appreciate these excellent, balanced, and constructive insights from Ellen Livingood.
» You might also want to browse the Postings archives or subscribe to this free monthly publication.
Source: Missions Catalyst Events Calendar
October 2 to February 11, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement Course (online). Provided by the Perspectives Study Program.
October 4-7, Christian Community Development Association National Conference (Detroit, MI, USA). Annual conference.
October 5, Data Is Your Ally: Key Research Analysis for the Modern Missions Movement (online). Webinar from Missio Nexus.
October 8 to November 3, Equipping for Cross-cultural Life and Ministry (Union Mills, NC, USA). Offered regularly by the Center for Intercultural Training.
October 8-22, 15 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World (global).
October 13-14, People Raising Conference (Oak Brook, IL, USA). Be equipped for raising personal support.
October 13-14, Missions Fest Seattle (Bellevue, WA, USA). Free, annual, community missions event.
October 15-20, ABIDE (Joplin, MO, USA). Re-entry and debriefing for singles, couples, and families provided by TRAIN International.
October 16-18, Crisis Management Seminar (Lake George, CO, USA). Provided by Crisis Consulting International.
October 17 to November 14, Mobiles in Mission: Using the Tool in Everyone’s Pocket (online). Mentored course on using mobile devices in ministry to unreached people. Offered by Mission Media U.
October 18-21, COMMA Consultation (Chicago, IL, USA). Annual gathering of the Coalition of Ministries to Muslims in North America.
October 19, Resources and Relationships in Missions: Navigating the Minefield of Dependency (online). Webinar from Missio Nexus.
October 23-29, Recalibrate! (Gull Lake, MI, USA). Debriefing and renewal retreat for missionaries sponsored by Paracletos.
October 23 to November 18, COMPASS (Palmer Lake, CO, USA). Language and culture acquisition training regularly provided by Missionary Training International.
October 26-27, Support Raising Bootcamp (Waynesville, NC, USA). Provided by Support Raising Solutions.
October 27-28, Reaching the Nations in North America (Wake Forest, NC, USA). Sponsored by the (Southern Baptist) North America Mission Board and others.
October 31 to November 3, Thrive Retreat (Madang, Papua New Guinea). For North American women serving cross-culturally.
» View the complete calendar. Please let us know about mistakes or omissions. For more about a specific event, though, you should contact the event organizers.