The Ordinary Missionary: Everyday Grace for an Extraordinary Work

By Elliot Clark

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Format: Paperback

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Availability: Forthcoming

Expected: Mar 16, 2027

Retail Price: $17.99

The Ordinary Missionary: Everyday Grace for an Extraordinary Work

By Elliot Clark

... Show All

9Marks Guide Helps Missionaries Lean Into the Local Church and the Ordinary Means of Grace for Everyday Life and Ministry

Missionary life is unique in many ways: leaving home, moving to unfamiliar lands, and even facing danger to fulfill the Great Commission. But even though the circumstances in the field are extraordinary, following God is fundamentally the same at home or abroad. If you view your calling as set apart from the common Christian experience, it can isolate you from the life-giving practices and support that help you thrive in ministry.
 
In this 9Marks guide, Elliot Clark explains that successful missions work begins by approaching the calling as ordinary, not extraordinary. He reminds readers that the key to overcoming trials in missions is to lean on the ordinary means of grace available to all believers, such as prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture. Finally, Clark urges missionaries not to stray from God’s word in an attempt to adapt to other cultures, making sure the fundamental, saving gospel message is taken to the ends of the earth.

  • Personal and Pastoral: Sharing his own experiences on the field, Elliot Clark equips missionaries and their sending churches for effective missions work
  • Practical Application: Offers valuable advice on contextualizing the gospel, training leaders, gathering as a church, making disciples, and more
  • Excellent Ministry Resource: Helps current and aspiring missionaries, seminary students, and missions committees prepare for effective ministry

Author:

Elliot Clark

Elliot Clark (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) travels around the world to equip church leaders and support residential missionaries. He has also served in Central Asia as a cross-cultural church planter along with his wife and children. He is the author of Mission Affirmed and Evangelism as Exiles.

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 160
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 6.5 ounces
ISBN-13: 979-8-8749-1229-1
ISBN-UPC: 9798874912291
Published: March 16, 2027

Table of Contents

Introduction
 
Part 1: Ordinary Missionary Struggles
Chapter 1: Doubt
Chapter 2: Loneliness
Chapter 3: Discouragement
Chapter 4: Pain
 
Part 2: Ordinary Missionary Sins
Chapter 5: Pride
Chapter 6: Fear
Chapter 7: Greed
Chapter 8: Discontentment
 
Part 3: Ordinary Means of Grace
Chapter 9: Meditating on Scripture
Chapter 10: Prayer
Chapter 11: Membership in a Local Church
Chapter 12: Hearing the Word
 
Part 4: Ordinary Ministry of the Gospel
Chapter 13: Gospel Proclaiming
Chapter 14: Disciple Making
Chapter 15: Church Gathering
Chapter 16: Leader Training
 
Conclusion