Member Care Resources - books for the emotional transitions of missionary life

To you who are preparing to serve as missionaries!


Know this:

During your preparation, you may be tempted to focus on the cognitive/academic/intellectual preparation that you need. But, there are significant emotional aspects of going into missions that you need to consider as well.



Missions = stress on steroids. How will YOU cope?


Member Care is the part of missionary agencies that cares for the well-being of its missionaries. Most mission organizations have some sort of Member Care services.


Also, take a look at these helpful books:






Books about General Missionary Life, Work and Career Progression

Career-Defining Crises in Mission: Navigating the Major Decisions of Cross-Cultural Service by Paul Keidel (William Carey Library, 2005), 209 pages.



On Being a Missionary by Thomas Hale (William Carey Library, 1995), 422 pages.



Give Up Your Small Ambitions by Michael C. Griffiths (Moody Press, 1971), 160 pages.





Books about Member Care in General



Missionary Care: Counting the Cost for World Evangelization by Kelly O’Donnell (William Carey Library, 1995), 360 pages.



Caring for the Harvest Force in the New Millennium, edited by Tom Steffen and F. Douglas Pennoyer (EMS Series Number 9, William Carey Library 2001), 261 pages.






Books about Crossing Cultures, Bonding and intercultural relationship and Re-Entry


Bonding, and the Missionary Task by E. Thomas and Elizabeth S. Brewster (Lingua House, 1998), 27 pages.



Language Learning IS Communication – IS Ministry by E. Thomas and Elizabeth S. Brewster (Lingua House, 1998), 18 pages.






Books for Sending Churches about Caring for their Missionaries


The Home Front Handbook: How to Support Missions Behind the Lines by Woodrow Kroll (The Good News Broadcasting Association, 1994), 69 pages.



Serving as Senders by Neal Pirolo (Operation Mobilization, 1990), 207 pages.









Books about Missionary Stress, Adjustment, and Attrition


Too Valuable to Lose; Exploring the Causes and Cures of Missionary Attrition edited by William D. Taylor (William Carey Library, 1997), 380 pages.



Psychology of Missionary Adjustment by Marge Jones (Gospel Publishing House, 1995), 172 pages.



“Have We No Right –“: A Missionary Asks Some Questions by Mabel Williamson (Moody Press, 1957), 126 pages.



Honorably Wounded: Stress among Christian Workers by Marjory F. Foyle (Monarch Books, 2001), 288 pages.









Books about Missionary Kids and Family Issues of Missionaries


Compendium of the ICMK (International Conference on Missionary Kids) - New Directions in Missions: Implication for MKs edited by Beth A. Tetzel and Patricia Mortenson (ICMK, 1984), 488 pages.



Children of the Call: Issues Missionaries’ Kids Face by Charlene J. Gray (New Hope, 1995), 118 pages.



Deprived or Privileged by Marilyn Schlitt (OMF International, 1995), 76 pages.



Raising Resilient MKs: Resources for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers, edited by Joyce M. Bowers (Association of Christian Schools International, 1998), 510 pages.