Book summaries
Leader’s Edge summaries: the argument of a book in a few minutes. Page 3 of 21 · 485 in all.
Meditations for the Missions Heart: a 40-day Journey to Renew Your Vision
The book Meditations of a Missions Heart by Gene Daniels is a 40-day devotional focusing on issues important to ‘the mission heart’ whether praying and serving abroad or at home.
Chosen for a Special Joy: The Story of Ted and Ruth Andrianoff
Ted and Ruth Andrianoff were missionaries to Laos, then part of French Indo-China. Ted, born of Russian immigrants from New Jersey, and Ruth, from a third-generation Swede family hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, both sensed a call to missions while they were young.
Author Interview: Werner Mischke and Kristin Caynor on One New Humanity: Glory, Violence, and the Gospel of Peace
The book argues that “Ephesians 2 offers a radical vision of human glory and peace that challenges cycles of shame and violence—from the Roman Empire to the contemporary world” (page xxi).
One New Humanity: Glory, Violence, and the Gospel of Peace
The book argues that “Ephesians 2 offers a radical vision of human glory and peace that challenges cycles of shame and violence—from the Roman Empire to the contemporary world” (page xxi).
Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel
Synthesizing Tim Keller’s (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, 1989-2023) work topic by topic, each chapter of this book highlights a key aspect of the Christian life―covering his views on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, intimacy with God, and more. Written and researched by pastor Matt Smethurst…
How Leaders Lose Their Way: And How to Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen to You
Peter Greer is president and CEO of Hope International, a Christ-centered economic development organization serving in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
The Sending Shepherd: Leading Churches to Disciple All Nations
The Sending Shepherd by Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison aims to transform the role of the church in missions.
Evidence Not Seen – A Woman’s Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II
Darlene Deibler Rose, a recently-married young missionary to Papua New Guinea, arrived on the field in 1938, not long before World War II.
The Bible in Culture: Reading the Bible with All the World Using Ethnohermeneutics
We recommend this book to hermeneutics ad missions professors and students, pastors and missionaries, who desire to study and teach the Bible in culture.
Author Interview: Larry W. Caldwell on The Bible in Culture: Reading the Bible with All the World Using Ethnohermeneutics
The book seeks to develop biblically grounded and culturally appropriate hermeneutical (or Bible interpretation) approaches that help interpreters to effectively communicate the Christian message (page xxvi) using ethnohermeneutics (i.e., “Bible interpretation done in cross-cultural, multicultural, and…
The Importance of Deeper Connections in Missions Leadership
Recently, I was invited to join a gathering of mission leaders in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. What I witnessed there was a beautiful reminder of how powerful simple connections can be.
Passing the Baton: Raising Up the Next Generation of Mission Leaders
In the Church Mission Leaders breakout sessions, the trend was even more noticeable. There were far more older leaders than younger ones.
A Good Question – w/ special guest writer, Ted Esler
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Lausanne presentation by Dr. Ralph Winter on “unreached people groups.” This missiological concept has had a huge impact on how we have understood and executed on mission.
The Accidental Billion-Dollar Invention
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Eccl. 4:9-10)
Stand Firm
As my family and I prayed and did our devotional, my 15-year-old son, whom you can hardly get more than 5 words out of -especially in the morning- prayed (insert dropped jaw here).
A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul
Living in an age dominated by screens, for many life is sedentary and it is increasingly difficult to prioritize physical activity. This book explores how stewarding our bodies can serve the soul, honor God, and serve others.
Shadow of Change: Leading in the Age of AI
S.C. Ross is a U.S. Army veteran and has served as a “Director of Operations… overseeing distribution warehouses for global partners.” His bio states that “he has led organizations through significant transformations while keeping servant leadership at the heart of his philosophy.”
Life Changing Mission: Devotions for Your Short-Term Trip
Life Changing Mission by Patric Knaak (editor) is a devotional book for short-term mission trip participants.
A Woman Set Apart: The Remarkable Life of Harriet Bedell
The beautifully written biography was done by a husband and wife team who met Harriet Bedell in Florida’s Everglades when she was in her 80’s and still active.
Why Evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church
The book “seeks to articulate some of the ways that evangelical theology ought to be influenced by the changing realities of the global church” (page 7).
Author Interview: Stephen T. Pardue on Why Evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church
The book “seeks to articulate some of the ways that evangelical theology ought to be influenced by the changing realities of the global church” (page 7).
The Steadfast Love of the Lord: Experiencing the Life-Changing Power of God’s Unchanging Affection
Most believers know that God is love. But whether through lies, false beliefs, or years of mulling over the tragedies of the world, it may be difficult to see the true, steadfast, and unchanging love of the Father.
Leadership Impact: How Leaders Develop Others and Create True Impact
Aaron Patience was born in Trinidad and is currently based in Miami. For over thirty years he served in various leadership positions in the financial services industry.
Author Interview: Ivan Veldhuizen on Far Off Saints
Far Off Saints by Ivan Veldhuizen is a four-week introductory study on missions that consists of five readings per week along with daily questions.