Much of what we see expressed in the church today is built on more than just the New Testament. It's built mostly on the Old Testament, Church culture, and Paganism. If we are to succeed in making disciples of all nations then we must go back to the "template" we find in the Bible. Let the reformation begin!

A church planter in Cambodia seeks to help Christians reach for greater discernment in missions. He wrestles with some of the difficult issues we face in pursuing the great commission on pioneer fields. Using Scripture and personal experience from fourteen years of cross-cultural ministry, Forrest engages us all in a task that demands thoughtful methods from those going and sending. This book will challenge you to see the link between theology and practice in missions. It will also give you a window into the heart of missionaries serving in unreached places around the world. Be prepared to be challenged and blessed. Endorsements: "Pastors, read Forrest McPhail's book, and then read it again! Future missionaries, memorize it! For this old missionary, Forrest's book was written about 20 years too late. But even old dogs can, by God's grace, learn new tricks, and I've profited greatly from the humble wisdom, practical insight, and gentle rebukes of a man that I consider one of the finest missionaries I know." J.D. Crowley J.D. grew up in Japan and Hawaii. He pastored in Hawaii for 12 years before leaving for Cambodia in 1994. He has served there under EMU International doing linguistic work and training pastors among the indigenous minorities of NE Cambodia. He is the author of The Tampuan/Khmer/English Dictionary and Khmer commentaries on Matthew and Romans. J.D. has also co-authored the book Gospel Meditations for Missions "Forrest McPhail is a first-rate pioneer missionary who has written a compelling work that comprises what he has learned, lived, and taught others. The book unpacks complex cross-cultural issues with clarity and time-earned wisdom, and demonstrates how to interact intentionally with culture in order to be both relevant and faithful to the gospel. Although set in the context of Southeast Asia, this boots-on-the-ground work is a must read for pastors and missionaries everywhere." Kevin Oberlin Kevin is Associate Professor Theology and Cross-Cultural Studies, Bob Jones University and Seminary "Missionaries, pastors, and all believers will benefit immensely from your work. Why? It will give Pastors a great understanding of the minefields of ministry in third world nations. It will give greater focus to churches that take short term mission trips. It will be useful in helping missionaries lay a foundation for their ministries that will be able to stand the test of trial. The writing is bold and filled with principles rooted in Scripture. This book reflects a wrestling with the issues both written in the Word and those experienced in the villages and marketplace. This will help many now and in the future if they would take your counsel to heart!" Matthew Recker Matt has served Christ in church planting ministry in New York City since 1984, establishing churches in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Matt has published three books, including Behold the City! and Living on the Edge of Eternity. Missionaries who "leave maps laying around" for those who are starting their mission journey are commendable. Forrest McPhail did just that--he created a map based on his journey as a missionary in Cambodia for pioneer missionaries (those going to the unreached people groups of the world). His map is as much about understanding the lay of the land and the critical points of the journey as it is about the destination. In other words, through personal stories, biblical observations. and practical insights, Forrest invites his readers to consider strategic elements and issues, such as syncretism, persecution, church discipline, poverty, and much more before they start building a foundation. Thank you Forrest for daring to share. Jean Johnson Formerly a missionary in Cambodia, Jean currently serves as Missionary * Coach * and Executive Program Director for World Mission Associates. She has authored "We Are Not the Hero: A Missionary's Guide for Sharing Christ, Not a Culture of Dependency"

Some time ago, Ralph Winter brilliantly identified three eras of modern missions: Era 1: William Carey focused on the coastlands; Era 2: Hudson Taylor focused on the inlands; Era 3: Donald McGavran and Cameron Townsend focused on unreached peoples. With all the fast and furious changes swirling around us today in twenty-first century missions, have we entered a Fourth Era? If so, who are the people primarily involved? How are they selected? How are they trained? How long do they serve? Has the Third Era ministry focus--reaching the unreached--changed? If so, to what? Are there any successful case studies out there? Have McGavran and Townsend passed the baton to a new leader(s)? If so, to whom? This book seeks to answer these and related questions. Contributors: Dr. Ben Beckner Dr. Monroe Brewer Dr. Don Finley Mike Griffis Dr. Gary Hipp, MD Jerry Hogshead Kaikou Maisu Judy Manna Kenn Oke Dr. A. Sue Russell Dr. Robert Strauss Peter Swann Bryan Thomas Diane Thomas Dr. Mike Wilson Dr. Sherwood G. Lingenfelter