Over the past few summers, we’ve run a ‘HQ recommends’ series on our social media, where various members of our EMF HQ staff have shared what they’ve been reading or listening to.  A theme that has recurred again and again as we’ve done this is, unsurprisingly, mission.  

So, as we head into a new academic year, with church activities getting going again and routine recommencing, we thought it was a good time to collate and share our Top 10 mission-related resources, in the hope that they might be helpful to you in your personal life, but perhaps also in your family and church life, as you seek to learn more about what God is doing beyond our own context, and perhaps to inspire others to become involved.  

And if nothing else, there are definitely a few good gift ideas here!

The Temple and the Church’s Mission (GK Beale)

Recommended by our NI Representative, Bryan Kee, this book is part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology series.  It’s a comprehensive study of the tabernacle and temples of the Bible, tracing them through to Rev. 21 which states: ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man’, and showing how God’s presence, once found only in the Holy of Holies, is now extended across the earth.  

Prioritizing the Church in Missions (John Folmar and Scott Logsdon)

Allie Bygrave (Operations Director) has suggested this book as important reading –and its theme ties in wonderfully with EMF’s ethos on the important of the local church.  Both writers have been pastors in Muslim countries, and they relate their own experiences to their understanding of Scripture’s call to missionaries – that they be those who start and strengthen churches.  This book is short and easy-to-read, but very helpful.

MissionsToday (Brooks Buser)

https://youtu.be/MJsfI1_VBSM?si=g7Q9Qh3bD6r1t-8F

Buser is a former missionary to the Yembiyembi, currently involved in training new missionaries for the field (Radius International). Joy McCain (EMF Ukraine Lead) mentions his talk from The Missionary Conference 2024, where Buser outlines the importance of speaking the language, adopting the culture, patient Christ-centred teaching and perseverance. He emphasises that 'the goal of the Great Commission is church planting'. Disciples must be gathered into a church, and 'it is through the Church that the glory of our God is proclaimed' following the example of Ephesians 3:8-10. An encouraging, humbling, inspiring watch.

MISSIONARY (YouTube channel)

The above talk is featured on the YouTube channel MISSIONARY, and this channel is highly recommended by our NI Youth Development Lead, Sam Hamilton.  Along with its accompanying website, this is a one-stop shop for inspiring and thought-provoking mission content.  With podcasts, short videos, longer talks and series episodes, it’s a great resource for anyone needing great, modern, well-made mission content.

Raising kids with a heart for mission (Daniel L Akin)

In the first of two family-related resources, Comms and Engagement Manager Ali Woodrow recommends this short but helpful book to parents and grandparents.  ‘Growing up in a family where mission was always a huge focus had a great impact on me, and I hope to provide my children with the same’, she writes. This book provides helpful principles on how to raise ‘Great Commission families', believing that a heart for mission must be ‘caught not taught’ from parents who prioritise it in their walk, talk, and worship.

Around the world with 80 missionaries (Linda Finlayson)

Following on from her previous recommendation, Ali also shares this beautiful book for children aged 8 and over. Superbly presented and illustrated, and with plenty of maps and fact and diagrams, this book starts with the apostle Paul and then takes us through history and round the globe with inspiring stories of how God uses ordinary people to reach the nations.  Perfect for inspiring an interest in mission in the younger reader (or even the older reader!)

From Every Nation (website)

FROM EVERY NATION: World Christianity, World Church, World Mission.

This suggestion comes from Phil Jones, EMF’s acting Mission Director.  Run by a missionary, the site aims to collate and provide access to a range of mission-related content and resources, with the option to sign up for more.  Podcasts, articles, sermons, journals…  There’s a lot here for those seeking to find out more about world mission, or for someone searching on a specific topic.

Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission (Glen Scrivener and Justin Schell)

Phil Dunn, Field Director, shares this book, which lays out the Biblical foundation for mission work. From Genesis and throughout the Bible, we see God’s mission in creation and in redemption, and his heart for the world. A book that can also be used as part of a small group or a training programme, it is accessible but full of theology – great as a starting point, but also for the theologian.

Overflow (Michael Reeves)

The subtitle of this book, which also comes recommended by Phil Dunn, is ‘How the Joy of the Trinity Inspires our Mission’.  Haven’t considered the doctrine of the Trinity in the light of missions before (or vice versa)?  You’re not alone – but according to Michael Reeves, it’s central.  He unpacks how our understanding of the three divine persons should change our perspective on and enthusiasm for mission work.  Phil says ‘This one's for anyone whose view of mission has started to feel like duty rather than delight - beautifully written and deeply moving, Reeves' picture of the Trinity's overflowing love reframed mission, for me, as something we're swept up into rather than something we grit our teeth to do’.

Holiday Evangelism: Top 10 UK Holiday DestinationsSpecial (10ofThose article)

HolidayEvangelism: Top 10 UK Holiday Destinations Special | 10ofThose UK

Holiday season might be over for many of us, but it’s also the time when some start to plan for next year! At EMF, we always encourage people to find a local church when on holiday, and are happy to help travellers within Europe to find one.  And this helpful article gives lots of interesting and helpful advice to better understand the context of the ten most-visited countries by UK travellers. EMF’s former director, Andrew Birch, is one of the knowledgeable contributors!  Even if you’re not planning to travel to one of these places, this is still worth a read to whet your interest and inform your prayers for the world, where the fields are white and ready for harvest.

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