In Making Your Partnership Work (2002), author Daniel Rickett has presented the “collective wisdom” that Partners International has gained over the years “in a way that others can use it” (2002, p. xiv). The short and practical book is written particularly with missionaries in mind, but more broadly for “anyone else who would say, ‘I […]
The book Leading Across Cultures: Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church by James Plueddemann (2009) is an excellent resource for missionaries, pastors and all working cross-culturally. Pleuddemann hopes “to foster mutual understanding, cooperation and enhanced ministry as leaders from around the world work together more effectively” (2009, p. 12). Throughout the book, Pleuddemann […]
Author Chip Sweney has been the community outreach pastor since 2002 at Perimeter Church (2011, p. back cover), which is located in John’s Creek, an “affluent suburb” just North of Atlanta, Georgia (Wikipedia, 2016). Sweney also serves as the director of Unite!, “a diverse group of more than 200 churches whose leadership believes our best […]
The book Shared Strength: Exploring Cross-Cultural Christian Partnerships (Birmingham & Todd, 2010) is an excellent compendium of 10 chapters contributed by leaders from various international institutions. A Compassion International sponsored conference in 2009 brought these leaders together to share their perspectives on key principles of Christian partnership in a cross-cultural context, illustrating these with real-life […]
True to the book’s subtitle, in Work Matters, author Paul Stevens (2011) provides the reader with a biblical perspective on labor. Stevens surveys the major sections of the Bible (Pentateuch, historical books, wisdom books, prophets, and New Testament) and draws out the theology of work presented by the numerous stories and characters. With 26 short […]
A few years ago I visited King of Kings Community in Jerusalem (www.kkcj.org) during a trip to meet with international churches in Israel and Lebanon. At that church I met with Missions Pastor named Phil from New Zealand. This guy had some amazing stories to tell how God had used him in some real divine […]
In Doing God’s business, author Paul Stevens (2006) aims not to write “a ‘how-to’ book on leadership or management,” but “a ‘how-come?’ book” that helps the reader discover the answer to the “why” questions (2010)(2006, p. 12). “We deal with meaning and motivation rather than method,” writes Stevens, “If we have a ‘why,’ we can […]
In Kingdom Calling, Amy Sherman (2011) puts the cookies on the lower shelves when it comes to exploring and practicing theology of work. Though Sherman writes primarily to an audience of missional pastors and ministry leaders (Sherman, 2011, p. 21), the book is well suited for any Christian wanting to learn more about their calling […]
By David Young Summary: To be a diaspora Christ-follower is a liminal experience with all of the tensions of being in-between, inherent instability, and heightened levels of stress. It’s common for such people to seek stability, or a place of cultural adjustment, for their own well-being. ICs need to understand their context—not necessarily to bring […]
Rest/Counsel/Care Resources for International Church Leaders This is a sampling of retreat/counselling/vacation/guesthouse venues/services available for retreat/restoration/vacation for cross-cultural workers and people in ministry. I hope you find it helpful. Compiled by Melanie Driedger Counselling/Coaching Eric & Rachel Dufour have lived and ministered cross-culturally. “We have been counseling pastors and missionaries since 2008. Our goal is […]