The Mission-Centered Life: Following Jesus into the Broken Places, Study Guide

“This book contains a lovely family of reflections from the front lines of mission and ministry. They are artfully and honestly told with a tone of grace-filled discovery. Together, these reflections provide a gentle invitation to regularly examine oneself, opening oneself to discern the movement of the Spirit within oneself and in the world. I recommend these spiritual exercises to anyone considering or already deeply involved in the work of God's mission in the world.”

“Ferguson deftly weaves gripping stories of her life in South Sudan with eloquently expressed biblical truth, to give us an authentic basis for missional living. We glimpse her griefs and failures even as she points us to hope and Jesus. The format invites a communal journey to find that God 'will disrupt our expectations, and that is a gift.'”

“You've heard it said, 'Find out what God is doing in the world and join his mission.' But if, like me, you are asking how to do this, I recommend The Mission-Centered Life. Best of all, this is a group study. Read, discuss, meditate, pray, and reflect together as God shows you his heart for the world and your part in his mission.”

“This exquisite book is like having a trail guide walk you through a nature preserve, helping you see what often gets missed. Bethany Ferguson invites us to Scripture, her journey, and questions that illuminate our heart's search for how we are to participate in the kingdom of God. Bethany is wise to know that all service for God is kingdom labor, yet there are unique dimensions to a mission field that take you far from your home and family. This life-giving book is first and foremost for all who want their lives to participate in the joy of the King, and in engaging the wisdom needed to grow, you'll have an opportunity to imagine how and where our Father most wants you to play.”

“The Mission-Centered Life draws us to winsome and profound reflection on God's work in the world intertwined with God's work in us. Bethany Ferguson paints images of beauty and pain in her stories that show us the core of human experience. Joining in this model of group study and discussion will create space for deep relationship and personal development, grounded in both tears and laughter.”

“In the years I have known Bethany, I have found her to be a vibrant and imaginative speaker, who shares from her own experiences of God in the broken places. Reading The Mission-Centered Life is like having a conversation with my deeply insightful friend/colleague in which she shares authentically and challenges us to missional living. I look forward to sharing this book with every new appointee of AIM.”

“I have known Bethany for many years, even tried to persuade her to come to London, but God overruled and sent her into the dark, broken places of Uganda and Sudan. Out of her experiences comes this book. It is a group study, but woven through the pages is her own weaknesses, trials, difficulties, and the power of the gospel to change. She knew that grace truly understood moves us out into the world. This is a must for all who have been impacted by the gospel and need to hear God's call to families, neighbors, and into the market place.”

“This book delves into the various rhythms of missional living with practical insights into the biblical foundation for each and accompanied by thoughtful and engaging reflections by the author. Bethany grapples with the complexities of her experiences of missions in Africa whilst gently posing hard questions, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between life and death and ultimately encouraging the reader to taste God's unquenchable grace and join him in his redemptive work here on earth.”

“Bethany Ferguson has new things to say, and they are well worth hearing. However, the rarer and more difficult accomplishment is to say anew the things I already know but desperately need to hear again. This has been the great benefit of The Mission-Centered Life for my often dull ears and my often weary heart.”

“Bethany Ferguson has given us an invaluable introduction to living missionally. I was particularly encouraged to note that she cannot conceive of doing missions apart from our union with the risen Christ. Anyone will find themselves enriched by her insights and experiences, but I particularly commend this study to those who are considering a life of missions. Go through these studies with others so you can talk and pray about the realities and joy of what is before you. You may not be going to Africa, but if you are serious about going with Jesus on his mission, something of what Bethany has experienced will be part of your experience as well.”

“Bethany Ferguson guides us with candor and humility through the sometimes-rough terrain of missional living. When she encounters the complexities of life in East Africa and doesn't have easy answers, we are there with her. Then in a well-paced journey through Scripture and self-reflection, we are invited to the cross and the grace that heals us and those we long to help.”

“Bethany takes the grand idea of following Jesus into the beautiful brokenness that is mission and breaks it down into a discussion that feels conversational, realistic, and hope-filled. She does not shy away from the brokenness of our own hearts and the world around us, but she pushes the reader to find the grace of Jesus shining through precisely these places of darkness. I highly recommend this study to anyone looking for more grace and hope for more missional living.”

“Bethany weaves her own real-life, relatable and raw stories with a great depth of scriptural insight. I love the way she helped me integrate the brokenness as well as the intense joy of a meaningful life. She holds the paradoxes in a healing way. Her psychological insights are so powerful, and the study questions help groups get to a deeper level of intimacy that is natural and gentle.”

“Bethany Ferguson presents a balanced approach of mission-centered living, one that includes both our sin and God's grace, both the world's beauty and the world's pain. She effectively challenges the too easily accepted dichotomy of the missionary-as-hero and the missionary-as-villain by authentically telling stories from her years in Africa through the grid of God's grace and by inviting us into Bible-based discussions and prayer.”

“Through her life, and now her words in The Mission-Centered Life, Bethany points people to Jesus. As Bethany shares her personal journey of following Jesus into the broken places, she paints a picture of the joy that comes from living a life of mission. This is a study for all of us, no matter where we are on this journey ourselves, as we seek to love God and love others.”