No Shortcut to Success

Avoid “Get-Rich-Quick” Missions Strategies and Invest in Effective, Long-Term Ministry

Trendy new missions strategies are a dime a dozen, promising missionaries monumental results in record time. These strategies report explosive movements of people turning to Christ, but their claims are often dubious and they do little to ensure the health of believers or churches that remain. How can churches and missionaries address the urgent need to reach unreached people without falling for quick fixes?

In No Shortcut to Success, author and missionary Matt Rhodes implores Christians to stop chasing silver-bullet strategies and short-term missions, and instead embrace theologically robust and historically demonstrated methods of evangelism and discipleship―the same ones used by historic figures such as William Carey and Adoniram Judson. These great missionaries didn’t rush evangelism; they spent time studying Scripture, mastering foreign languages, and building long-term relationships. Rhodes explains that modern missionaries’ emphasis on minimal training and quick conversions can result in slipshod evangelism that harms the communities they intend to help. He also warns against underestimating the value of individual skill and effort―under the guise of “getting out of the Lord’s way”―and empowers Christians with practical, biblical steps to proactively engage unreached groups.

Biblical Ministry Advice: Examines the work of respected missionaries throughout history Encourages Professionalism in Missions: Rhodes teaches missionaries to invest in theological education, communication, and technical skills A Great Resource for Ministries: Includes specific advice for singles, parents, and other groups Insightful: Examines strengths and weaknesses of recent missionary movements

1. Opening Credits
2. Small Beginnings (Zechariah’s Hymn) by Matt Rhodes
3. Foreword by Mark Dever
4. Series Preface
5. Introduction: The “New Missions”
6. Part 1: Where Shortcuts Have Led Us: Surveying the Problem | Chapter 1: Professionalism and the Use of "Means"
7. Chapter 2: Movements and Rumors of Movements
8. Chapter 3A: In the Scales of the Scriptures
9. Chapter 3B: In the Scales of the Scriptures
10. Part 2: : Correcting Our Course | Chapter 4: Ambassadors for Christ
11. Chapter 5: New Testament Missionary Communication
12. Chapter 6: Communicating Clearly Today
13. Chapter 7: Credibility and Boldness Today
14. Chapter 8: A Long-Term Path for Missionaries
15. Chapter 9: Equipping and Sending
16. Chapter 10: Work and the Holy Spirit
17. Conclusion: Words from William Carey
18. Closing Credits