Avoid “Get-Rich-Quick” Missions Strategies and Invest in Effective, Long-Term Ministry

Trendy new missions strategies are a dime a dozen, promising missionaries monumental results in record time. These strategies report explosive movements of people turning to Christ, but their claims are often dubious and they do little to ensure the health of believers or churches that remain. How can churches and missionaries address the urgent need to reach unreached people without falling for quick fixes?

In No Shortcut to Success, author and missionary Matt Rhodes implores Christians to stop chasing silver-bullet strategies and short-term missions, and instead embrace theologically robust and historically demonstrated methods of evangelism and discipleship—the same ones used by historic figures such as William Carey and Adoniram Judson. These great missionaries didn’t rush evangelism; they spent time studying Scripture, mastering foreign languages, and building long-term relationships. Rhodes explains that modern missionaries’ emphasis on minimal training and quick conversions can result in slipshod evangelism that harms the communities they intend to help. He also warns against underestimating the value of individual skill and effort—under the guise of “getting out of the Lord’s way”—and empowers Christians with practical, biblical steps to proactively engage unreached groups.

Contents:

Small Beginnings (Zechariah’s Hymn)

Foreword by Mark Dever

Series Preface

Introduction: “The “New Missions”

PART 1

WHERE SHORTCUTS HAVE LED US:

SURVEYING THE PROBLEM

• Professionalism and the Use of “Means”
• Movements and Rumors of Movements
• In the Scales of the Scriptures

PART 2

CORRECTING OUR COURSE

• Ambassadors for Christ
• New Testament Missionary Communication
• Communicating Clearly Today
• Credibility and Boldness Today
• A Long-Term Path for Missionaries

Equipping and Sending

Work and the Holy Spirit

Conclusion: Words from William Carey

No. of Pages: 266

Dimensions ‎5.75 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches