Whoa… I just finished reading Greg Carter’s new book, “Skills, Knowledge, Character: A Church-based Approach to Missionary Candidate Preparation.” There’s just one major flaw in this book: I didn’t write it first. Honest… I read it cover-to-cover, word-for-word, because it’s that good. He analyzes the typical preparation track (at least for USA-sent workers; other countries’ mileage may vary), picks apart the process, and helps figure out how to improve it. I *love* it that he blends the agency’s role with the church’s role. (He notes that some churches back in the nineties were previously heading in a direction of ditching agencies. “Big mistake,” he concludes. My kinda’ guy. ) (Course, I lead a missions agency on the side, in addition to my role of editing Brigada. ) He also blends in special training agencies *and* formal college/university training experiences. Actually, the appendix and his “dashboard” are worth the price of the book all on their own.

But I’ll point out just one more fault: In the pre-release version I read, he doesn’t even mention Brigada in the entire publication! (He’s since promised to fix that error, he says.

Seriously, all kidding aside, you’ll want this book… if you’re involved in local church missions.

The cost is $19.95, but because he felt so bad about not including Brigada on the pre-release version (kidding again), he’s dropping the price for Brigada participants. Use PayPal to send $17 to

– and he’s even throwing in shipping for that price. Reason to celebrate. The *appendix* is worth that. You can also mail a check made out to:

Turtle River Press

153 Bedford Court

Valparaiso, IN 46383

for $17 as well.

So hats off to Greg. This book is a keeper.