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Missions Disrupted: from Professional Missionaries to Missional Professionals

Missions Disrupted Book Review Cover

If you have ever felt that to truly serve God, you need to be in ‘full-time ministry’, this is a book for you. Missions Disrupted: From Professional Missionaries To Missional Professionals by Larry Sharp addresses the importance of professionals living out their faith through their work.

The book is not about reforming missions. It is not a new missionary method but rather an expression of God’s mission to bring his kingdom on earth. Our work is an expression of our calling to live a holy life, serve others, and bring them to do the same. Sharp argues that the traditional notion of a “professional missionary” is becoming obsolete and that the future of the Great Commission lies with “missional professionals” – those who integrate their faith with their work. He asks, “Could we simply live the incarnational gospel in everyday work and life?”

The author begins the book by referencing a quote from Dale Losch, lamenting, “The very notion that there is such a thing as ‘full-time ministry’ is one of the great disservices we in the West have done to the body of Christ. We have marginalised the vast majority of believers from actively participating in the Great Commission by essentially saying, ‘You can pray, you can give us money, and you can even take a short-term trip. But leave the full-time missionary tasks to us professionals.” Sharp goes on to explain the concept of Disruptive Innovation, and how that describes the changes in missions today.

Sharp uses real-life narratives of Christians who have successfully combined their gifts, talents, and work experiences with their faith to support his argument. Although the book is written in an academic style, it offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the integration of faith and work. The author presents a balanced perspective, acknowledging that while traditional professional missionaries have a place, missional professionals should not be overlooked. The book includes a chapter on “next steps” as well as a guide to discovering what you have to offer in the local or international workforce.

Review by Gwenda-Mari le Grange

 

Contributor profile image of Gwenda-Mari le Grange

Ziwani Team

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