Jerry Rankin

I have rated this book a 2 because I expected much more from it. Rankin's book on Spiritual Warfare (without missions in the title) is much more focused on spiritual warfare and includes probably more examples related to missions. This book seems to be confused about its audience - sometimes implicitly addressing missionaries, sometimes laity and sometimes pastors. It is also overly negative in blaming Christians for not acting as they should. Given the positions that both these men have held surely the finger needs to be pointed at the leadership of the SBC and IMB? Is it satan's activity or a lack of leadership that results in the apathy against which they rail?… (més)

Over all this is a decent book but a little dry at times. This book is specifically written for those who are contemplating going on the mission field, but aren't sure if they are supposed to or not. The premise behind this book is that Satan is doing everything in his power to thwart the Gospel from being spread to the nations. He does this by setting up oppressive governments and regimes, and by closing off borders so missionaries cannot come in to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Satan has also infiltrated the church by spreading the lie that only a select few are called to missions... those special people with a special calling. This is contrary to the fact that as Christians, we are ALL called to missions. There is no deciding, no waiting for some special moment or calling. We must GO! And, this is the primary message of the New Testament to all believers, and the message of this book.

There were many places that I glossed through the book as there seemed to be many dry spots and ramblings. And, I was taken a bit back by the president of the IMB and co-author of this book, Jerry Rankin whose explanation that many missionary agencies don't qualify or allow some people into missions because they don't fit a particular criteria (page 205). The IMB does the very same thing themselves. I know. I was one of them. Thankfully, Pioneers extends grace where the IMB doesn't.

Needless to say, this is a good book overall. And I highly recommend it to those who feel led to go into missions, but are also a bit apprehensive for whatever reason.… (més)