Send

What is the point of church plants today? In Send, Jim Essian challenges readers to engage in God’s mission through three key actions: praying, giving, and going. The book begins with a compelling vision for the glory of God and the urgent need for believers to actively participate in spreading the gospel.

Senders and Goers

One of the most powerful insights in Send is Essian’s emphasis on church planting as the primary biblical strategy for gospel expansion. He explains how planting new churches is essential not only to address the growing number of church closures but also to keep up with population growth and cultural shifts. Church plants are uniquely positioned to reach people in a rapidly changing society, contextualizing the gospel in ways that established churches often cannot.

Essian also makes a helpful distinction between “senders” (those who stay and support the church) and “goers” (those called to plant new churches or go to unreached areas). This distinction encourages readers to reflect on their own role in God’s mission and how they can contribute with their unique gifts.

Purpose and Intentionality

The book concludes with a thoughtful exploration of spiritual gifts and “gospel goodbyes.” Essian highlights how understanding our gifts can help us find our place in God’s mission. I thought how technology allows us to encourage those who leave a church while also welcoming newcomers—a timely reminder of the opportunities for connection in our digital age.

In the end, Send left me challenged to pray for revival and dream bigger for God’s glory. I was reminded of the importance of being ready to serve wherever God calls and to be a faithful team player in His mission. This book is an inspiring call to action for anyone seeking to live out their faith with purpose and intentionality.

I received a media copy of Send and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.