Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home
So, you’re passionate about missions?
Maybe you’re actively involved in your church’s sending program, or perhaps you’re simply looking for ways to better support those who are called to the field.
Neal Pirolo’s Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home is a must-read for anyone invested in cross-cultural ministry.
This comprehensive guide offers practical advice and biblical wisdom for churches and individuals desiring to effectively care for their missionaries through every stage of their journey.
Overview of Serving As Senders
Serving As Senders tackles a frequently overlooked aspect of missions: the crucial role of the sending church and supporting community.
Pirolo meticulously explores the multifaceted needs of missionaries, from pre-field preparation and on-field support to the often-challenging reentry process.
He emphasizes the importance of intentional care, practical assistance, and spiritual encouragement throughout the entire missionary lifecycle.
The book’s aim isn’t just to inform but to equip readers with the tools and understanding needed to become effective senders.
It’s a call to action, urging us to move beyond passive support to active engagement in the lives and ministries of those serving cross-culturally.
Structure and Highlights of Serving As Senders
Serving As Senders is thoughtfully organized, progressing logically through the different phases of a missionary’s journey.
Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of missionary care, providing practical advice and real-life examples to illustrate key concepts.
Pirolo’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the information easily digestible for readers of all backgrounds.
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on the spiritual and emotional well-being of missionaries.
Pirolo doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenges and stresses that often accompany cross-cultural ministry, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating these difficulties.
While the book offers a comprehensive overview of missionary care, a deeper dive into the specific cultural nuances and challenges faced by missionaries in different regions could further enhance its value.
Content Discussion of Serving As Senders
Pirolo masterfully weaves together biblical principles, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to create a compelling narrative that underscores the vital role of senders in missions.
He explores the biblical mandate for supporting missionaries, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the shared responsibility of spreading the Gospel.
Serving As Senders provides a practical framework for developing a comprehensive missionary care strategy, addressing everything from financial support and communication to emotional and spiritual encouragement.
Pirolo doesn’t just tell you what to do; he explains why it matters, emphasizing the profound impact that intentional care can have on the effectiveness and longevity of missionary service.
The book’s insights into the reentry process are particularly valuable, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by returning missionaries and offering guidance on how churches can facilitate a smoother transition back into their home culture.
This book really makes you think about how to best care for your missionaries.
Pre-Field Preparation: Equipping for Success
Serving As Senders emphasizes the importance of thorough pre-field preparation.
This includes not only practical matters like visa applications and language acquisition but also spiritual and emotional readiness.
Pirolo stresses the importance of providing comprehensive training and support to equip missionaries for the challenges they’ll face on the field.
This preparation sets the stage for a successful and fruitful ministry.
On-Field Support: Sustaining Through Challenges
Once missionaries are on the field, ongoing support is crucial.
Serving As Senders outlines practical ways to maintain regular communication, provide encouragement, and address the unique needs of missionaries serving in different contexts.
This consistent support helps missionaries navigate the inevitable challenges of cross-cultural ministry and maintain their focus on their calling.
Returning Home: Navigating Reentry
The return home can be a surprisingly difficult transition for missionaries.
Serving As Senders dedicates a significant portion to this often-overlooked phase, offering valuable insights and practical advice on how to support returning missionaries as they readjust to their home culture and process their experiences.
This support is essential for helping missionaries reintegrate into their home communities and find their place within the sending church.
Financial and Logistical Support
Serving As Senders provides practical guidance on managing finances, organizing fundraising efforts, and ensuring that missionaries have the resources they need to effectively carry out their ministry.
This includes not only meeting basic needs but also providing for unexpected expenses and supporting special projects.
Emotional and Spiritual Care
One of the key takeaways from Serving As Senders is the importance of addressing the emotional and spiritual well-being of missionaries.
Pirolo offers valuable insights into the stresses and challenges of cross-cultural ministry and provides practical strategies for providing emotional support, fostering spiritual growth, and promoting overall well-being.
Check out this helpful resource on missionary care from the Barna Group: [https://www.barna.com/research/five-trends-shaping-global-missions/](https://www.barna.com/research/five-trends-shaping-global-missions/).
Conclusion: A Valuable Resource for Sending Churches and Individuals
Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in supporting missionaries.
Whether you’re a pastor, a missions committee member, or an individual passionate about global missions, this book will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively care for those who have answered the call to serve cross-culturally.
It’s highly recommended for churches seeking to strengthen their missionary care programs and individuals desiring to play a more active role in supporting those serving on the front lines of global missions.
Serving As Senders is a powerful reminder that missions is not a solo endeavor but a collaborative effort that requires the active participation of the entire body of Christ.
By embracing the principles outlined in this book, we can better equip and empower our missionaries to effectively fulfill their calling and advance the kingdom of God around the world.
