Synopsis
Missional Preparation and Implementation Joining the global mission movement means investing in people, seeking their well-being, and challenging them to grow. People are central to God's mission, and we must not exploit them for personal gain. Yet, if we're not careful, we can neglect the needs of the missionaries who serve around the world. It's easy to forget that missionaries are people too. High rates of attrition often signal that we've overlooked this point, that something is out of balance, and we need to look for better practices of missionary retention. Worth Keeping is a comprehensive resource on attrition, retention, and best practices in sending missions teams. It presents research findings from a two-year project conducted in 22 nations and offers a comparison between older and newer sending countries. The book includes case studies, addressing a range of mission challenges, and is designed to be a working tool for church and mission leaders, missionaries, and those involved in member care and mobilization. When we do not identify and promote best practices, we settle for second best and that may mean that people are lost unnecessarily! Worth Keeping examines the best strategies to ensure missionary retention. We not only want to discern between bad and good; we also need the courage to choose to go for the best rather than simply do what is mere customary.
Review
'Worth Keeping' stands in a line of very significant books produced by the WEA MC. This may well prove to be the most important of them all. It is rare to find such a combination of research rigor and practical application. Every person involved in mission and leadership, whether at national, field or international level, needs to read this vital book carefully. If you only read one book on mission this year, make sure it s this one. --Dr Paul Bendor-Samuel, International Director, Interserve, UK
This well researched study produced by the WEA Mission Commission reveals many shocking conclusions and suggestions for corrections. It can show us the way forward in missions with greater meaning as we both place and nurture great commission practitioners. I am grateful for Bill Taylor and Rob Hay for their hard work to awaken us to the realities of retention of our brothers and sisters who sacrifice enormously to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This book will become a benchmark of success in both attrition and retention as we look into the future of missions. --Dr. K. Rajendran, India Missions Association & Chair, WEA Mission Commission, India
Here is an elegant combination of serious research and deep reflection in a critical area. This is a book for all Christian leaders who are serious about sustained and effective cross-cultural mission. If you appreciated 'Too Valuable to Lose', you will value this new book, 'Worth Keeping'. --Patrick Fung, General Director, OMF International, Singapore
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