
No Shortcut to Success
A Manifesto for Modern Missions
Matt Rhodes(Author)
Crossway Books (Publisher)
Published on 15. February 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-4335-7775-8 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Biblical Ministry Advice: Examines the work of respected missionaries throughout history
Encourages Professionalism in Missions: Rhodes teaches missionaries to invest in theological education, communication, and technical skills
A Great Resource for Ministries: Includes specific advice for singles, parents, and other groups
Insightful: Examines strengths and weaknesses of recent missionary movements
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.
Biblical Ministry Advice: Examines the work of respected missionaries throughout history
Encourages Professionalism in Missions: Rhodes teaches missionaries to invest in theological education, communication, and technical skills
A Great Resource for Ministries: Includes specific advice for singles, parents, and other groups
Insightful: Examines strengths and weaknesses of recent missionary movements
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Wheaton, IL
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4335-7775-8 (9781433577758)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2021
Crossway
€12.10
Available for download
Persons
Matt Rhodes grew up in San Diego, California, and has lived in North Africa since 2011. He and his wife, Kim, serve as part of a church-planting team to a previously unengaged people group.
Content
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
Chapter 1: Professionalism and the Use of "Means"
Chapter 2: Movements and Rumors of Movements
Chapter 3: In the Scales of the Scriptures
Part 2: Correcting Our Course
Chapter 4: Ambassadors for Christ
Chapter 5: New Testament Missionary Communication
Chapter 6: Communicating Clearly Today
Chapter 7: Credibility and Boldness Today
Chapter 8: A Long-Term Path for Missionaries
Chapter 9: Equipping and Sending
Chapter 10: Work and the Holy Spirit
Conclusion: Words from William Carey
Acknowledgments
General Index
Scripture Index
Foreword by Mark Dever
Series Preface
Introduction: The "New Missions"
Part 1: Where Shortcuts Have Led Us: Surveying the Problem
Chapter 1: Professionalism and the Use of "Means"
Chapter 2: Movements and Rumors of Movements
Chapter 3: In the Scales of the Scriptures
Part 2: Correcting Our Course
Chapter 4: Ambassadors for Christ
Chapter 5: New Testament Missionary Communication
Chapter 6: Communicating Clearly Today
Chapter 7: Credibility and Boldness Today
Chapter 8: A Long-Term Path for Missionaries
Chapter 9: Equipping and Sending
Chapter 10: Work and the Holy Spirit
Conclusion: Words from William Carey
Acknowledgments
General Index
Scripture Index