General Introductions to Missions

These books are great resources for learning about the history of missions, the role of the Church, and missions today.

Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott
This is a great read for anyone interested in church planting in North America, developing a church that is focused on missions, and handling issues like spiritual warfare and contextualization. 

Missiology: An Introduction to the Foundations, History, and Strategies of World Mission by John Mary Terry
In this book, John Terry helps readers understand the biblical mandate of missions and how it is essential to living out an “abundant and impassioned life.”

Invitation to World Missions: A Trinitarian Missiology for the Twenty-first Century by Dr. Timothy Tennent
Another great read on a “biblically based approach to mission that addresses both spiritual and physical needs.”

Western Christians in Global Mission: What’s the Role of the North American Church? by Paul Borthwick
A great and challenging read regarding the role of the Western church in missions and how we can continue to serve God’s kingdom. 

The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity  by Philip Jenkins
Philip Jenkins illuminates how Christianity has affected the world and asks the difficult questions regarding how the Church will impact the globe in the future, and how they can contribute to those that are still suffering.