Sources: Various
We’ve written about full-on classes like Perspectives, Pathways, and the Kairos Course, as well Bible studies like God’s Heart for the Nations (by Jeff Lewis), Missions: God’s Heart for the World (by Paul Borthwick), and Xplore, and missionary training books like Mission Smart (David L. Frazier) and Cross-Cultural Servanthood (Duane Elmer). Each has its uses, emphases, and limitations.
Now we want to let you know about a couple of helpful and fairly new small group studies on missions that almost slipped past us.
Journey to the Nations: A Greater Vision for Your Greatest Mission, by Mark Sigmon. Credo House Publishers, 2017. 40 pages.
- This workbook offers six 45-minute sessions you can do on your own or with a group, with ideas for several additional sessions.
- It’s mostly a Bible study but pulls in other material as well.
- I like that it’s designed for senders and goers alike and highlights but doesn’t exclusively focus on the priority of the unreached.
- There’s a video element, but the lessons aren’t built around the videos (which come from a variety of sources; YouTube links provided).
- Although a few of the suggestions feel dated, the study is solid overall. It’s enough to lay a good foundation without overwhelming and it provides next steps for those who want to learn or do more.
» You can get it on Amazon for US$11.99, or from Global Impact Services, the author’s ministry. Bulk discounts available.
The Path Series
Discovering Global Missions: Explore God’s Heart for the Nations, by Dave Guiles. Encompass World Publishing, 2017. 60 pages.
- Four chapters can be used for four sessions to do on your own or with a small group.
- With Matthew 28:18-20 as a starting point, the study covers the need to make disciples, the command to go to all nations, and how you can get involved.
- This booklet is not designed as a workbook; it has discussion questions but not much white space. All the scriptures are printed in the text. This gives it a more contemporary, professional look but may be overwhelming.
- Sessions are, in part, built around a series of videos from Global Frontier Missions. Anyone is free to use these whiteboard teaching videos; they seem to be very popular.
- Considering using this study? You can sign up to get a free copy.
Discerning Your Calling: Discover Your Place as a Global Worker, by John Ward. Encompass World Publishing, 2018. 70 pages.
- The booklet has six chapters plus an introduction and conclusion.
- The content covers questions of calling, setting direction, building a relationship with your church, finding an agency, and overcoming obstacles.
- Each chapter includes a story about someone else’s journey.
- Each chapter also includes questions and scriptures to consider for going deeper. You could go through this with a group; it might work just as well one-on-one with a mentor.
Although these materials includes a few references to the mission agency that published them, Encompass World Partners, I didn’t pick up on anything that would keep the rest of us from being able to use them.
The series also include a volume about setting up a mobilization team in your church. I haven’t seen that one. You can request a sample chapter from the publisher.
» Learn more about or purchase materials in the Path Series.