--- description: Discover how to cultivate a missionary mindset and embrace God's mission with David Joannes' insightful book, The Mind of a Missionary, and its accompanying devotionals. title: Book - The Mind of a Missionary image: https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/1-1.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-the-mind-of-a-missionary#main-content) [![WRG-Logo-white](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/WRG-Logo-white.png) ![WRG-Logo-black](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/WRG-Logo-black.png)](https://withinreachglobal.org/?hsLang=en) - [Why the unreached](https://withinreachglobal.org/why-the-unreached?hsLang=en) - Get involved ##### [Mission trips Come as an individual or bring your team to Thailand for 7-14 days on the front lines.](https://withinreachglobal.org/trips?hsLang=en) ##### [Apprenticeship Three months of discipleship and hands-on ministry in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 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In *The Mind of a Missionary*, David Joannes explores the motivations, expectations, sacrifices, and rewards that shape a life fully surrendered to God’s mission. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and the lives of missionary pioneers, this compelling guide will challenge you to live with greater courage, clarity, and Kingdom purpose. **"*The Mind of a Missionary* by David Joannes is a future missions classic."** — Nik Ripken, author of *The Insanity of God* [Buy the book](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Missionary-Kingdom-Workers-Thriving/dp/1737094487) Look inside ## Get a free chapter Enter your contact information, and you’ll receive a free chapter of David Joannes’ book, *The Mind of a Missionary*, sent to your inbox. The promise ## What You’ll Gain from The Mind of a Missionary Learn how to cultivate a missionary mindset, overcome obstacles to obedience, and find your place in God’s redemptive story through the wisdom of missionary heroes and modern-day Kingdom workers. ![tmoam-woman](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tmoam-woman.jpg) ![tmoam-airport](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tmoam-airport.jpg) ![tmoam-oldwoman](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tmoam-oldwoman.jpg) ![tmoam-man](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tmoam-man.jpg) - Discover your unique role in God’s global Kingdom story - Cultivate a missionary mindset for everyday obedience and lasting impact - Draw wisdom from legendary missionaries and modern-day Kingdom workers - See how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary Kingdom work - Rekindle your passion for the Great Commission and the unreached - Let history, Scripture, and powerful storytelling reshape the way you live for God’s mission - Step into a bigger vision of your life as part of God’s redemptive plan The missionary guides ## Historical and modern-day Kingdom workers In each chapter, a missionary “guide” shows you how to thrive on mission today. The lives of Jim & Elisabeth Elliot, C. T. Studd, Nikolaus Zinzendorf, Robert Moffat, Jackie Pullinger, David Eubank, Nik Ripken, William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Don Richardson, and Heidi Baker merge with modern-day global Kingdom workers serving around the world. ![Jim-&-Elisabeth-Elliot-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Jim-%26-Elisabeth-Elliot-3.jpg) ### Jim & Elisabeth Elliot Jim & Elisabeth Elliot display Christ-like compassion for the lost. ![CT-Studd-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/CT-Studd-3.jpg) ### C. T. Studd C. T. Studd shows unswerving obedience to Christ's commands. ![Nikolaus-Zinzendorf-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Nikolaus-Zinzendorf-3.jpg) ### Nikolaus Zinzendorf Nikolaus Zinzendorf demonstrates a passion for God's global glory. ![Robert-Moffat-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Robert-Moffat-3.jpg) ### Robert Moffat Robert Moffat shows how to conquer the negative internal monologue. ![Jackie-Pullinger-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Jackie-Pullinger-3.jpg) ### Jackie Pullinger Jackie Pullinger exposes the fallacy of negative social influences. ![David-Eubank-2](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/David-Eubank-2.jpg) ### David Eubank David Eubank exhibits an expectant mindset established on God. ![Nik-Ripken-2](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Nik-Ripken-2.jpg) ### Nik Ripken Nik Ripken proves that faith outlasts any kind of physical difficulty. ![William-Carey-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/William-Carey-3.jpg) ### William Carey William Carey models resilience amid strenuous emotional struggles. ![Hudson-Taylor-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Hudson-Taylor-3.jpg) ### Hudson Taylor Hudson Taylor illustrates the power to overcome spiritual adversities. ![Amy-Carmichael-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Amy-Carmichael-3.jpg) ### Amy Carmichael Amy Carmichael displays heavenly joy despite challenging obstacles. ![Don-Richardson-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Don-Richardson-3.jpg) ### Don Richardson Don Richardson showcases ministry breakthrough in daunting places. ![Heidi-Baker-3](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/Heidi-Baker-3.jpg) ### Heidi Baker Heidi Baker reveals God’s Kingdom established in broken settings. The missional pathway ## Four dimensions of a missionary mindset Motivations define why we go, expectations prepare us for what we’ll face, sacrifices reveal what it costs, and rewards remind us why it’s worth it. ### Motivations A missionary mindset begins with the right motivation. It is fueled by love for God, compassion for the lost, and a desire to see Christ made known among the nations. True mission flows not from guilt or adventure but from worship and wholehearted obedience. ### Expectations Mission requires a clear understanding of both its joys and its challenges. A healthy missionary mindset embraces the reality of hardship, spiritual resistance, and perseverance, while also expecting God to move in power, transform lives, and sustain His people with grace. ### Sacrifices Following God’s call often means laying down comfort, convenience, security, and personal ambition for the sake of the gospel. A missionary mindset recognizes that obedience is costly yet gladly surrenders everything in view of Christ’s worth and the urgency of His mission. ### Rewards The rewards of mission are not rooted in ease or earthly success but in eternal impact, deeper intimacy with Christ, and the joy of seeing lives transformed by the Gospel. A missionary mindset keeps its eyes fixed on the lasting reward of faithfulness to God and participation in His redemptive work. Discover your role in God's global mission [Get The Mind of a Missionary](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Missionary-Kingdom-Workers-Thriving/dp/1737094487) × The Mind of a Missionary collection ## Browse all related books ![The Mind of a Missionary Devotional](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tmoam-devotional-001.png) ### The Mind of a Missionary Devotional ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 Thirty-one inspiring readings that draw from missionary heroes to strengthen faith and ignite courage for God’s calling. [Get the book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D38DMXCZ) [Get 2 free chapters](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-the-mind-of-a-missionary-devotional/#free-chapter) ![Faith for Firebrands](https://davidjoannes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fff-front-and-back-1024x1024.png) ### Faith for Firebrands ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 A bold 31-day devotional inspired by C. T. Studd that calls readers to radical faith, wholehearted surrender, and passionate mission. [Get the book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVL4XYVF) [Get 2 free chapters](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-faith-for-firebrands/#free-chapter) ![That Lasting Joy](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tlj-final.png) ### That Lasting Joy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 A 31-day devotional inspired by Amy Carmichael that invites readers into deeper joy, devotion to Christ, and a heart for the nations. [Get the book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVHQDKJ6) [Get 2 free chapters](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-that-lasting-joy/#free-chapter) ![The Mind of a Missionary](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/The-Mind-of-a-Missionary-2nd-edition.png) ### The Mind of a Missionary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 A practical and inspiring guide to developing the mindset, endurance, and passion needed to thrive in God’s mission. [Get the book](https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Missionary-Kingdom-Workers-Thriving/dp/1737094487) [Get a free chapter](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-the-mind-of-a-missionary#free-chapter) ![A mente de um missionário](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/amdum-small.png) ### A mente de um missionário (Portuguese) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 Um guia prático e inspirador para desenvolver a mentalidade, a perseverança e a paixão necessárias para prosperar na missão de Deus. [Get the book](https://www.amazon.com/mente-mission%C3%A1rio-Mind-Missionary-transculturais-ebook/dp/B0FWRMLP2S) [Saiba mais](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-a-mente-de-um-mission%C3%A1rio?hsLang=en) ![La mente de un misionero](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/lmdum-small.png) ### La mente de un misionero (Spanish) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2025 Una guía práctica e inspiradora para desarrollar la mentalidad, la perseverancia y la pasión necesarias para prosperar en la misión de Dios. [Get the book](https://www.amazon.com/mente-misionero-Mind-Missionary-transculturales-ebook/dp/B0FYX6K4MZ) [Más información](https://withinreachglobal.org/book-la-mente-de-un-misionero?hsLang=en) ![tmoam-devotional-001](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tmoam-devotional-001.png) 31-day devotional ## The Mind of a Missionary Devotional Following the acclaimed *The Mind of a Missionary*, David Joannes returns with a powerful companion devotional featuring 31 inspiring stories of Christian pioneers like Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot, and many more. **Each short reading is filled with adventure, sacrifice, and hope** — designed to strengthen your faith, stir your courage, and awaken a deeper passion for God’s mission. *The Mind of a Missionary Devotional* will challenge and inspire you to follow Christ boldly wherever He leads. [Buy the book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D38DMXCZ) ![fff-final](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/fff-final.png) 31-day devotional ## Faith for Firebrands Following the acclaimed *The Mind of a Missionary*, David Joannes returns with *Faith for Firebrands*, a 31-day devotional inspired by the life and voice of missionary C. T. Studd. Through bold, seven-minute daily readings, this powerful companion challenges you to embrace radical faith, pursue God’s mission with passion, and live fully for the nations. If you long to become a modern-day firebrand for Christ, this devotional will stir your heart, sharpen your calling, and ignite your courage.   [Buy the book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVL4XYVF) ![tlj-final](https://withinreachglobal.org/hubfs/tlj-final.png) 31-day devotional ## That Lasting Joy Following the acclaimed *The Mind of a Missionary*, David Joannes returns with *That Lasting Joy*, a 31-day devotional inspired by the life and voice of missionary Amy Carmichael. Through heartfelt seven-minute daily readings, this companion invites you into deeper love for Christ, greater joy in God’s mission, and a growing passion for the nations. Let Amy Carmichael’s example challenge your faith, awaken your calling, and lead you into the lasting joy found in wholehearted devotion to Jesus. [Buy the book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVHQDKJ6) What they're saying ## Endorsements & reviews ★★★★★ "David Joannes shapes this book through various lives who have followed Jesus from the streets of their birth to the ends of the globe. The Mind of a Missionary is filled with the truth and grace of the Great Commission command. Here, crucifixion and resurrection meet in the lives of real people and families who have determined to carry their cross to faraway places. Joannes reminds us that the rolled-away stone—the power of the resurrection—can become all peoples’ eternal possession and reality." NIK RIPKEN, author of The Insanity of God and The Insanity of Obedience ★★★★★ "The Mind of a Missionary is a compelling read. This book is a must for anyone who wants to last long and finish strong in their missional calling. As much as David is a masterful storyteller, he is also a practical guide. He lays out both the triumphant highs and challenging lows of life on the mission field, while always pointing to Jesus as the enabling Source and eternal Hope. Anyone who reads this book will surely be encouraged and better equipped to fulfill the Heavenly call on their life!" PASTOR HOW & PASTOR LIA, Senior Pastors of Heart of God Church Singapore and authors of GenerationS ★★★★★ "In the contemporary Church, there’s little difference between having a fleeting ‘burden for missions’ and starry-eyed wanderlust. The call for long-term missionaries willing to lay aside their lives for the cause of Christ found in past generations is mysteriously absent today. The missions enterprise is taking on the flavor of a microwave culture aimed at scratching our consumeristic itch. David Joannes exposes the need for more missionary grit; he plunges the depths of past missionary mindsets to pull out gems for this generation to learn from. " ALEX KOCMAN, host of The Missions Podcast and Director of Long-Term Mobilization at ABWE ★★★★★ "In The Mind of a Missionary, David Joannes takes us on a virtual adventure spanning centuries and continents with his latest book. His story-telling is a feast of verbal delights as he transports you into the minds and hearts of some of the most profound risk-takers for the sake of spreading the Gospel message!" RON LUCE, founder of Teen Mania Ministries, Acquire the Fire, and Generation Next ★★★★★ "The Mind of a Missionary is a timely reminder that if we don’t learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. Joannes brings a helpful, new perspective on timeless lessons from missionary legends. You’ll be inspired and encouraged." CRAIG GREENFIELD, founder of Alongsiders International and author of Subversive Jesus ★★★★★ "It’s been said that when it comes to missions, followers of Christ have three options: Go, send or disobey. If you are a goer, read this book. If you are a sender, read this book. If you are disobedient, read this book. I believe The Mind of a Missionary by David Joannes will help you find your place in the greatest movement in history." MATTHEW ELLISON, president of Sixteen:Fifteen and co-author of When Everything is Missions ★★★★★ "The Mind of a Missionary by David Joannes includes a wonderful balance of teaching, scripture, and examples—both contemporary and from church history. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a tempted-to-grow-weary missionary!" DONNA PARTOW, best-selling author of numerous books, including Becoming the Woman God Wants Me To Be ★★★★★ "In The Mind of a Missionary, David challenges all of us to live with a fervent and sacrificial love for people and a fire for God’s purposes. If you want to stir up more passion for the Great Commission and unreached people, and seeing the glory of God proclaimed to the ends of the earth, get this book!" ANN DUNAGAN, co-Founder of Mission Minded Families and author of The Mission Minded Family ## Reach the unreached with us. 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