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Living on Mission: A Review of Send by Jim Essian

Writer's picture: Amber ThiessenAmber Thiessen


"What would change if you saw where you live, what you do, and who you are as part of God's great plan to build his church?"

With that perspective—seeing with fresh clarity—would your attitude shift? Your relationships? Your courage? How would it change your drive to work or your walks through the neighborhood?


Perhaps, like the moment the ugly duckling realizes he’s actually a swan, recognizing whose we are and the mission we’re part of could transform our confidence, identity, and purpose—allowing them to flourish.


God’s vision for His church is clear, but our love for the world, along with the busyness and distractions of life, can quickly cloud our view. In Send by Jim Essian, we’re invited to consider what it truly means to be both goers and senders—because this is the calling of His church.



Living on Mission: A Review of Send by Jim Essian


Content

Purpose of the Book

Table of Contents

Summary

My Take

My Recommendation

Quick Stats

RESOURCE: How to Pray for Those We've Sent

More Like This

Scriptures About Being Sent

Follow Along



quote from Send by Jim Essian

Content

Purpose of the Book

From the Publisher: “This book will show you that wherever and whoever you are, you are sent. Discover how to play your part in God’s plan of redemption—whether by praying, giving, or going. And get excited about building a kingdom that is constantly expanding, scattering, and sending for the sake of the lost.”


Table of Contents

1. God's Vision for the World

2. God's Vision for Us

3. Church Planting

4. The Global God

5. A Redemptive Presence

6. Finding Your Place

7. Gospel Goodbyes

8. Dream Big

Conclusion


Summary

In eight short chapters, Jim Essian leads us to see God’s plan and purpose for both us and the world. Despite the troubled times we face, he urges us to step back and remember that God has called us to be his hands and feet, his aroma to those around us. Even when we perceive a spiritual desert, God sees the potential for a superbloom. Though we live as exiles, foreigners in this world, we are scattered here with a purpose.


Essian emphasizes that church planting is the primary biblical strategy for spreading the gospel. He highlights the value of new church plants in engaging the surrounding culture and meeting local needs—both in our home country and across the globe. While some are specifically called to go, the entire church is called to pray, give, and care for those who are sent. Local churches must foster a sending culture, recognizing that our redemptive presence in communities happens not only through proclaiming the gospel but also through doing good and seeking the welfare of our cities. He points to Martin Luther’s words: “God doesn’t need your work, but your neighbor does.”

Essian also explores how we can discern our role in God’s mission by acknowledging his providence in our current circumstances and recognizing the gifts he has given us to serve.


Inevitably, a sending culture means facing goodbyes. As local churches, we cannot cling too tightly to our brothers and sisters in Christ but must instead honor their faithfulness by affirming and sending them out. Finally, the author calls us to dream big and follow with bold prayers for revival, a grand vision, and a lasting legacy.



quote from Send by Jim Essian

My Take: Sent and Sender

Globally

I’ve been the one sent, and now I’m a sender.


I was about eight years old when I first told my family I was going to be a missionary in Africa someday. About fifteen years later, that dream became reality. It happened during a season of deep closeness to the Lord, as I served faithfully in our local church and felt the call stirring in my heart. A time of prayer and discernment followed, and as the Lord brought our hearts into unity in marriage, we stepped forward in obedience. We were blessedly naïve—four years into our marriage, we embarked on the humbling journey of learning a new language and culture, uniting with a team, and witnessing God’s hand at work in miraculous ways.


For seven years, we served with Africa Inland Mission on a church-planting team in East Africa, among a people group unreached with the gospel. After returning to Canada, we now have the privilege of serving on AIM’s national board—leading, casting vision, and caring for our members. Though this role looks different from being on the field, it is a fulfilling way to stay connected to our missionaries, their needs, and the incredible work God is doing.


Locally

We live in a fairly rural area on the Canadian prairies—the Bible Belt, so to speak. I’ll admit, I once carried a bias against new church plants, seeing them as unnecessary. After all, there’s a church on nearly every block in town. But while reading Send, I was challenged by the idea that new church plants are often more attuned to local culture and needs. Because they must be purposeful and intentional in reaching the community, they naturally adapt in ways that established churches sometimes struggle to do.


Not that older churches lack mission-mindedness, but I can see how our own—over 100 years old—can lean toward “doing things as we always have.” This book has made me reflect on how we might better maximize the gifts and passions within our congregation. How can we fan the flames of those already serving? How can we inspire courage in others to live faithfully in their calling? And how can we cultivate a true sending culture among us?


I remember a season when several families in our church opened their homes to billet junior hockey players—one family was even the team’s chaplain. It was exciting to see their love for both hockey and these young men, inviting them into their homes, opening the Bible at breakfast, and including them in family devotions. We prayed for the gospel witness of these families. I think of the teachers who encourage and pray for their students, the business leaders who mentor younger men, and those who serve on local ministry boards, from Bible camps to pregnancy care centers. Looking around our congregation, I see the beauty of uniqueness—each member playing their part, the body of Christ working together to serve the Lord.


Reading Send has made me reflect on what it means to live with a sending mindset, whether that’s across the world or right where we are. So I leave you with this question: How is God calling you to be part of His mission—whether by going, sending, praying, or serving right where He has placed you?



quote from Send by Jim Essian


My Recommendation

Our cultural climate leans heavily toward a “me-first” mindset. This isn’t new—it’s part of our sinful nature to prioritize our own welfare over the needs of others. As we engage in our local churches, we should seek to grow in our understanding of the gospel and God’s mission in the world. Send is an excellent resource to help us think more deeply about God’s purposes and how we can be part of them. It’s a five-star book that will both inspire and challenge you!


Quick Stats

# of Pages: 144

Level of Difficulty: Easy

My Rating: 5 stars


quote from Send by Jim Essian

RESOURCE: How to Pray for the One We've Sent

Check out my free 10 day guide to praying for our missionaries.

More Like This




Scriptures About Being Sent

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Rom. 1:16)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19)
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matt. 24:14)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” (Is. 52:7)
Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. (1 Chr. 16:23)

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*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review

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All Content © Amber Thiessen, 2017-2024 | All Rights Reserved. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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