You Will Be My Witnesses: Theology for God's Church Serving in God's Mission

“By arguing convincingly that ‘bearing witness’ is both the central aspect of the church’s mission and the identity of God’s people, DeVries helps correct a number of mistaken notions about mission and opens up new avenues for embracing our own calling as witnesses. This book is a tremendous resource: careful, clear, confessional, biblical, hopeful, inspiring, and practical. This will be one of the first books—if not the first book—​on missions that I recommend to pastors, students, and church members.”

“In this book, Brian DeVries helps us to see that we as Christians are called to be witnesses of what we have come to know of God’s saving purpose in Christ. He shows this across the Bible and across history since the days of the apostles. I love the fact that he wrestles with how we can carry out this task in light of today’s challenges. I am grateful for this warm and informative book!”

“Brian DeVries has put together a wonderful arching overview of God’s redemptive plan throughout history and the role of his people, through the church, in seeing his glory made known among all peoples. The quality of research, historicity, and biblical rooting make this book a must-read for serious students of missions. May its impact be felt by those in the academy but even more by those faithful Christians in the pew, who through persevering witness will see the gospel of Jesus Christ reach the ends of the earth.”

“This book is itself a witness. It’s a witness to a mature understanding of a discipline refined by years and years of teaching and ministry. A rich confessional depth coupled with crystal clarity and concision will surely make You Will Be My Witnesses a standard missiology textbook relevant to both seminaries and local churches around the globe. Highly recommended.”

“You Will Be My Witnesses should be the default introductory textbook for classes in missions, laying the theological groundwork carefully and thoroughly. But it also deserves to be read by a multitude of pastors and ordinary Christians who will be stimulated and encouraged to pray for and to participate in the task of bringing the gospel to all nations.”

“You Will Be My Witnesses is an essential work for all who long to understand and effectively participate in God’s mission. This book not only captures the essence of the divine mission but also translates it into practical terms, solidly grounded in Scripture. DeVries, with erudition and theological depth, guides the reader on a journey that spans from the biblical call for faithful witness to its contemporary application in the local church. This book is a valuable resource that encourages and equips the church to obey Christ’s great commission.”

“For years I have been waiting for a book to recommend that helps Christians think biblically about their place in God’s glorious mission today. This is it. Brian DeVries has drawn together in one accessible book an appreciation of the biblical foundations, historical development, and contemporary challenges of Christian witness. This is a book that lifts our gaze, warms our hearts, and provides practical steps that we and our churches can take to be more faithful witnesses wherever we find ourselves in God’s world.”

“At its heart, this fresh reflection on witness and mission in the Scriptures, church history, and the world today is a book about the sort of piety that truly honors God. It shows how love for God and obedience to his command to bear witness to the great acts recorded in his holy word results in what DeVries rightly calls ‘missional piety’: a spirituality marked by passion and intentionality when it comes to sharing one’s faith. All in all, an important reminder!”

“We are not ‘building’ but ‘receiving’ a kingdom. Brian DeVries shows from Genesis to Revelation that God’s mission in Christ is center stage. Instead of bearing this mission on our shoulders, we get to be ambassadors of this good news! This paradigm-shifting message from a veteran in missions should be at the top of any reading list on the subject.”

“Drawing from years of personal engagement in God’s universal mission and enriched by insights from church history, Brian DeVries challenges us to reexamine the local church’s role in God’s mission. With a balanced blend of biblical theology of mission, historical perspective, and practical wisdom, this book inspires us to move into a deeper, more fervent commitment to Christ’s kingdom. It is a call to rediscover the passion for missions within our church communities as we align ourselves in God’s sovereign plan for the world. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to ignite a renewed zeal for God’s mission.”

“If you seek to respond faithfully to the redemptive work of Christ, I urge you to read this book. It will embolden you to proclaim the gospel with confidence, recognizing that without mission, there is no church; without evangelism, there is no advancement of Christ’s kingdom; and without witness, there is no growth. Brian DeVries’s work can add a relatable and impactful dimension to the recommendation for those who have missionary zeal. May the Lord’s saving grace permeate our society through our faithful witness.”