September 6, 2026

The SEND U Blog

Reflections and Resources for Lifelong Learning for Missionaries

All Blog Posts

Church, Books, Resources, Training, Book Reviews, Pre-field Training

Book Review: Well Sent

I have frequently been asked about resources for local church missions programs. In 2015, Steve Beirn, Global Ministries Pastor at Calvary Church in Lancaster, PA, published Well Sent: Reimaging the Church’s Missionary-Sending Process. Steve served at our sending church in Holland, Michigan before going to Calvary so I know him well. He writes with passion and experience. In the introduction he writes:             This book seeks to elevate the role of the local church in the sending effort. The trend in missions today is to place the individual at the center of the sending process. Sometimes the agency is placed at the center. This book places the local church at the center of the sending process. – Well Sent, p. 17. Related Posts:Meditation on the ChurchManaging Leadership Anxiety: a reviewThe Prodigal Prophet: a reviewFiguring Out Which Needs are My ResponsibilityDeveloping a Strategy for Missions: A… Read the whole post
Gary Ridley1 min read
Is facilitating better than teaching for disciple-making?
Disciple-making, Training, Adult Education

Is facilitating better than teaching for disciple-making?

Is facilitating better than teaching for disciple-making? In my opinion, both are essential for disciple-making. An online search on the difference between facilitators and teachers found the following: Traditionally, teachers are the ones with knowledge and expertise in a particular field. They impart knowledge through a variety of means to their students. Facilitators build on the knowledge base of the group of students to find the answers to questions. Both methods of instruction serve a purpose and allow students the chance to grow. Difference between Facilitators and Teachers Related Posts:A Time for Teaching?Online training: sharpening your skillsFacilitating Relational Learning Among WomenTeaching is a Spiritual GiftChurch Planting is DiscipleshipThe Vine Project: A review… Read the whole post
Gary Ridley1 min read
Bridging the Divide Network
Islam, Theology, Christ, Insider Movements, Bible

Bridging the Divide Network

In the October 2017 issue of Missio Nexus’ publication, Anthology, the article “Transforming Perspectives” caught my attention. The article reflects on the five consultations that have taken place since 2011 organized by the Bridging the Divide Network (BtD). This network has brought together people with different perspectives on Insider Movements to increase understanding in a safe environment. The article describes the consultation: Nearly two hundred scholar-practitioners have been involved at some point, scores of papers have been presented and responded to, and dozens of group discussions have covered a range of topics related to ministry approaches among Muslims. Anthology October 2017 vol. 5 no. 2, 22. Related Posts:Insider Movements: Understanding the IssuesValuing ConflictEffective Discipling in Muslim Communities - a reviewFruit to Harvest: the key is abidingCan Jesus followers still call themselves Muslim?Review: From Seed to Fruit, 2nd Edition… Read the whole post
Gary Ridley1 min read
Book review: Stubborn Perseverance
Hardship, Islam, Training, Book Reviews, Books, Church Planting, DMM

Book review: Stubborn Perseverance

Stubborn Perseverance: How to launch multiplying movements of disciples and churches among Muslims and others (a story based on real events) by James Nyman with Robby Butler. How-to manuals are generally difficult to read, and those who purchase them are not often motivated to read them from start to finish. Stubborn Perseverance is a different sort of how-to manual. Now in a second edition, the book explains a step-by-step process of starting a church planting movement among an unreached Muslim people group. But it is presented as a story, a novel that walks through the experience of a small group of Indonesian believers who work together to start such a movement among their own people group. The story is based on real events.  The characters and their experiences were created by combining various people and their situations, both to protect their identity and to better illustrate a number of principles… Read the whole post
Ken Guenther2 mins read
Back To Top