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What we put into our minds matters, especially for young people whose minds are still being shaped. Particularly instrumental in forming our thoughts are the books we read, and as Christians we should desire to form our thoughts towards God. We must feed our minds with books that are beneficial to our faith life, encouraging growth in love, trust, and obedience, amongst other things. Missional topics are often overlooked when encouraging young people, especially young Christians, to read books that will help their walk of faith. To aid young people and the growth of their obedience to the Great Commission, we have put together a list of book recommendations aimed towards those wishing to develop their beliefs on missions. It is not a comprehensive list, but it is a good starting point for those who wish to learn more about biblical views of missions.

John G. Paton: The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebrides (Vanuatu)

John G. Paton

This moving autobiography outlines the struggles and triumphs of a missionary sharing the gospel with cannibals. Though Paton underwent many struggles, he lived his life for Christ, furthering His kingdom. Find the book here.

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To the Golden Shore: the Life of Adoniram Judson

Courtney Anderson

Adoniram Judson was a missionary in Burma, one of the first missionaries from North America. This biography is extensively researched from letters and church records, delving into the hardships the Judsons experienced on the mission field, and their faithfulness throughout. You can find the book here.

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Don’t Waste Your Life

John Piper

Time is precious, and as Christians we ought to live it for God. John Piper examines the meaning of life and how we can live a life that is glorifying to God. Read it here.

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History of Christian Missions

Stephen Neill

An in-depth timeline of the expansion of Christianity, this book explores the impact of missionaries on the spread of the gospel. This book is a useful overlook of missiological efforts. It can be found here.

Let the Nations be Glad

John Piper

This book focuses on God’s supremacy as a foundation for missions, and how the church’s goal is worship. Drawing on biblical passages as proof, Piper looks at Christ-centered missions and what it is. Find it here.

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No Shortcut to Success

Matt Rhodes

Missions takes time, months, years, sometimes even decades. Rhodes looks at the common short-term approach to modern missions and entreats Christians to take theologically solid and historically proven approaches to missions. Get it here.

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Amy Carmichael: Beauty for Ashes

Iain Murray

Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, lived her life for Christ. Iain Murray examines her Christ-centered life, faithful through suffering, loving and caring for those who had not heard of her beloved Savior. You can find the book here.

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Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God

JI Packer 

God is in control of all things, so why must Christians evangelize? JI Packer develops a biblical view of God’s sovereignty and how it connects to the spread of the gospel.

Read it here.

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What is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission

Greg Gilbert and Kevin DeYoung

What is the goal of missions? Gilbert and DeYoung help define various missiological terms to help Christians best go forward in obeying the Great Commission. Find it here.

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Missions by the Book: How Theology and Missions Walk Together

Chad Vegas and Alex Kocman

Theology and missions are often wrongly separated, but they must go together. How must we handle the relationship between missions and theology? Vegas and Kocman discuss the importance of having both and how they walk together. The book can be found here.