1) New Book on Church’s role in Candidate Prep is a Winner —

Whoa… I just finished reading Greg Carter’s new book, “Skills, Knowledge, Character: A Church-based Approach to Missionary Candidate Preparation.” There’s just one major flaw in this book: I didn’t write it first. Honest… I read it cover-to-cover, word-for-word, because it’s that good. He analyzes the typical preparation track (at least for USA-sent workers; other countries’ mileage may vary), picks apart the process, and helps figure out how to improve it. I *love* it that he blends the agency’s role with the church’s role. (He notes that some churches back in the nineties were previously heading in a direction of ditching agencies. “Big mistake,” he concludes. My kinda’ guy. :-) ) (Course, I lead a missions agency on the side, in addition to my role of editing Brigada. :-) ) He also blends in special training agencies *and* formal college/university training experiences. Actually, the appendix and his “dashboard” are worth the price of the book all on their own.

But I’ll point out just one more fault: In the pre-release version I read, he doesn’t even mention Brigada in the entire publication! (He’s since promised to fix that error, he says. :-) :-) :-)

Seriously, all kidding aside, you’ll want this book… if you’re involved in local church missions.

The cost is $19.95, but because he felt so bad about not including Brigada on the pre-release version (kidding again), he’s dropping the price for Brigada participants. Use PayPal to send $17 to

— and he’s even throwing in shipping for that price. Reason to celebrate. The *appendix* is worth that. You can also mail a check made out to:

Turtle River Press

153 Bedford Court

Valparaiso, IN 46383

for $17 as well.

So hats off to Greg. This book is a keeper.