Prioritizing Missions in the Church: A Review

Menikoff, Aaron, and Harshit Singh. Prioritizing Missions in the Church. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2025.

Missions are the heartbeat of the church, yet their true nature is often misunderstood. In their book, Prioritizing Missions in the Church, Aaron Menikoff and Harshit Singh offer a compelling, biblically grounded vision for reorienting the local church toward its God-given role in global missions. Published as the inaugural volume of a series on church-centered missions, this work challenges prevailing assumptions and provides a robust framework for pastors, church leaders, and congregations seeking to align their priorities with the biblical mandate for missions. Through clear exposition, theological depth, and practical application, the authors remind us that missions are not an optional add-on but the very lifeblood of the church’s purpose.

A Biblical Foundation for Church-Centered Missions

From the outset, Menikoff and Singh anchor their argument in a foundational truth: “Christianity is church-shaped” (p. xiii). The local church is not a peripheral player in God’s mission but the primary vehicle through which He advances His redemptive plan. The authors pose a critical question in the opening chapter: “What happens when this gospel (message) is separated from the local church (medium)?” (p. 22). This question sets the tone for the book, urging readers to consider the consequences of divorcing the gospel from its divinely ordained context. The church, they argue, is both the means and the end of missions—a community of believers called to proclaim Christ and embody His kingdom.

The book unfolds in seven well-structured chapters, each building on this premise with theological clarity and practical wisdom. Chapter 2 underscores the centrality of biblical expository preaching, arguing that a church’s mission must flow from the faithful proclamation of Scripture. Chapter 3 explores how corporate worship cultivates a mission-minded culture, shaping the congregation’s heart for global outreach. Chapter 4 offers practical strategies for prioritizing missions locally and internationally, while Chapter 5 dismantles the myth of the missionary as a spiritual superhero, presenting missionaries as ordinary Christians called to extraordinary obedience. Chapter 6 emphasizes the power of collaboration among churches, and Chapter 7 provides actionable guidance for identifying, training, and sending qualified missionaries. Together, these chapters weave a cohesive vision that is both theologically rich and practically accessible, making the book an invaluable resource for churches seeking to faithfully engage in God’s mission.

Key Insights: Reframing Missions

One of the book’s most compelling contributions is its critique of modern mission practices, particularly in Chapter 4, which addresses the stewardship of mission trips. The authors challenge the popular notion that mission trips are primarily about personal experience or evangelistic zeal. They note, “Most people think of evangelism when they hear the words missions” (p. 108), yet they boldly assert that “many evangelistic mission trips are actually unhelpful” (p. 108). This counterintuitive claim is rooted in their observation that mission trips are often treated as spiritual retreats or summer camps for young or immature Christians, rather than strategic opportunities for advancing the gospel. Drawing from Scripture, they argue that missionaries should be mature, faithful believers—those who reflect the qualifications of church leaders rather than those seeking personal growth. This perspective is a much-needed corrective to the romanticized, experiential approach that dominates much of contemporary missions.

Equally impactful is Chapter 5’s discussion of missionaries as ordinary Christians. Menikoff and Singh reject the notion that missionaries are spiritual superstars, emphasizing instead that they are faithful church members called to obedient service. They advise aspiring missionaries to “be the church member now you’d like to pastor tomorrow” (p. 122), a principle that resonates deeply with those who value the local church as the training ground for ministry. The authors underscore that “the most fruitful pastors and missionaries tomorrow are the most faithful church members today” (p. 123). This emphasis on faithfulness over charisma or extraordinary giftedness democratizes the call to missions, making it accessible to every believer while upholding the biblical standard of maturity and character.

A Call to Faithfulness

What makes Prioritizing Missions in the Church so effective is its refusal to chase novelty. There is nothing revolutionary in its message, but its clarity and conviction are refreshing. The authors call the church back to a biblical understanding of missions, challenging the pragmatism that has crept into modern practices. They remind us that God’s ways are better than ours, and that the church’s role in missions is not optional but essential. The book’s closing lines encapsulate its importance: “The church of the living God must preach the gospel. We must plant churches. As we said at the start, prioritizing missions demands being a missionary-sending church—a congregation that joyfully owns its God-given role to make disciples of all nations” (p. 198).

Strengths and Considerations

The strength of Prioritizing Missions in the Church lies in its blend of theological depth and practical application. Menikoff and Singh write with the heart of pastors, addressing real-world challenges while grounding their arguments in Scripture. The book is accessible to a wide audience, from lay members to seasoned pastors, and its clear structure makes it an excellent resource for group study or church leadership training. If there is a critique, it is that the book could delve deeper into certain topics, such as navigating cultural complexities in cross-cultural missions. However, this minor limitation does not detract from its overall impact.

Conclusion

Prioritizing Missions in the Church is a timely and convicting call to re-center missions on the local church. Menikoff and Singh offer a vision that is both biblical and practical, challenging churches to move beyond superficial mission experiences and embrace their role as the instrument and goal of God’s redemptive plan. For any church leader or member seeking to align their congregation with the Great Commission, this book is a must-read. It is a reminder that missions are not about personal fulfillment but about the faithful proclamation of the gospel and the planting of churches for the glory of God.

Soli Deo Gloria.