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3 of My Favorite Missiological Books – Have You Read Any of These?

Books That Shaped My View on Missions

Author

David Ta
September 15, 2025

One of my favorite spots in Bangkok to grab a good book and green tea ice cream with Reagan.

Dear Missionaryish Family,

Over the years of doing ministry and preparing for the mission field, I went through many moments when life felt fast, uncertain, and full of a unique mix of exhilaration, sleepless nights, and lots of prayer!

One thing that God used to anchor me during that season of transition was a good book. Actually—several of them.

If you’re in a season of transition, looking to deepen your walk with God, or simply want a meaningful read, I encourage you to check these out. There are so many great titles out there, but these were especially impactful for me. (And just for the record, I receive no compensation for the links—just wanted to share them with you!)

Book 1: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen

Do you have friends or kids who aspire to be missionaries someday—or who are preparing for their very first mission trip? This little book was foundational for me when I started out in ministry. I’ve recommended it to everyone I’ve mentored for the field.

I know firsthand how daunting it can feel to invite others to partner with you, but what a joy it is to see God provide and to bring others along for the journey He’s leading you on. One of my own ministry mentors recommended this book to me, and I’ve revisited it almost every year since.

What stood out most wasn’t the methodology of fundraising, but the heart and calling behind it. One of my favorite passages is this:

“In prayer we seek God’s voice and allow God’s word to penetrate our fear and resistance so that we can begin to hear what God wants us to know. And what God wants us to know is that before we think or do or accomplish anything, before we have much money or little money, the deepest truth of our human identity is this: ‘You are my beloved son. You are my beloved daughter. With you I am well pleased’ (see Luke 3:22). When we can claim this teaching as true for us, then we also see that it is true for all other people. God is well pleased with us, and so we are free to approach all people, the rich or the poor, in the freedom of God’s love. Whether people respond to our fundraising appeal with a yes, a no, or a maybe is less important than the knowledge that we all are gathered as one on the holy ground of God’s generous disposition toward us.” — Henri Nouwen

Book 2: The Church by Edmund P. Clowney

This was a book I studied early in seminary, and it made a big impact on me. Sometimes I forget what the church is really about. It’s not just a place to show up every Sunday and do religious things—or to feel like if I miss, I’m somehow cast out. Rather, it’s the place where God invites me in week after week, reminding me of the continual process of being made new in Him—the means by which He cleanses us and keeps pointing us home.

One of my favorite quotes from Clowney’s book is this:

“Some suppose that a church may feature worship and nurture, leaving gathering as a minor role. More often, Christians shrink from affirming such a position, but implement it in practice. Mission is reduced to a few offerings, the visit of several exhausted missionaries on fundraising junkets, and the labours of an ignored missions committee. Such a church is actively involved in scattering, for the congregation that ignores mission will atrophy and soon find itself shattered by internal dissension. It will inevitably begin to lose its own young people, disillusioned by hearing the gospel trumpet sounded every Sunday for those who never march.” — Edmund Clowney

Book 3: Perspectives on the World Christian Movement edited by Ralph Winter

This was my very first missions book, and it completely opened my eyes to what God is doing around the world. I remember out team leader Brian, took us through it when I went to Nicaragua. Even today, it remains deeply relevant. Yes, our global systems have changed dramatically, but the beauty of cultural diversity and the need for faithful contextualization are still essential.

One of my favorite passages from this book is:

“The gospel must be distinguished from all human cultures. It is divine revelation, not human speculation. Since it belongs to no one culture, it can be adequately expressed in all of them. The failure to differentiate between the gospel and human cultures has been one of the great weaknesses of modern Christian missions. Missionaries too often have equated the good news with their own cultural background.” — Ralph Winter

These books anchored me during my own seasons of transition into missions, and I hope they encourage you too.

What about you? What are some of your favorites? I’d love to hear them—especially if you’re walking through a season of change. Email or Reply!

Now let’s go love our neighbors.

Much Love in Christ,

David & Reagan

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