Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology

by Matt Rhodes, Wesley Layton Walters (Narrator)

Understand Why God Allows Suffering and How That's Good News for Christians Facing Hardships

For more than a decade, Matt Rhodes has been a church planter in unreached Muslim countries. In that time, he's risked illness, difficult living conditions, and physical danger. He's also stood with new believers who were attacked for their faith in Jesus. Scripture tells Christians to expect trials in life. For missionaries, knowing God's good purpose for pain is essential for enduring harsh conditions on the field.

Persecution in A Practical Theology presents a scriptural view of suffering, including its role in the Christian life and in the missionary task. Rhodes tackles challenging topics, such as when to flee or face risk, how to minister to those suffering for Christ, and the dangers of downplaying or romanticizing persecution. Reassuring listeners with God's promises of redemption, this compelling study equips missionaries to face suffering and endure with joy.

A Biblical Theology of Explains why it's necessary for believers to suffer and how God redeems pain for his glory Written for Missionaries, Pastors, and New Supports listeners as they fulfill the Great Commission, provide pastoral care, and pursue personal spiritual growth Offers realistic, gospel-centered answers to the issues missionaries face

Audible Audio

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Garrett Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

How should we think about suffering for the gospel of Christ? How does our perspective on suffering affect our perspective on missions? This little book is biblically grounded and eminently practical. Absolutely a worthwhile read.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Why does God allow missionaries to suffer?
Why does God allow persecution of Christians?
How do we minister to those who are suffering for Christ?
Do you encourage a persecuted Christian to flee or stay?
Does the church always grow under persecution?

This book is absolutely incredible and, honestly, I wish that it had been written long ago. We’ve needed a book like this.

Not only does this book tackle persecution for the Christian faith, it tackles suffering more generally as well. The author goes straight to Scripture and explains the role of suffering in missions and in the lives of persecuted believers. The author has a lot of personal experience as well, which I believe greatly enriches the message of this book. Not only does the author work to explain the roles of suffering and persecution, but he also seeks to teach others how to minister to those who are suffering for Christ.

Here’s what I really, really loved about this book: This book does an excellent job not glamorizing Christian persecution and suffering. I think this is so important, because these things have been incredibly glamorized by missiologists in the past and some bad advice has permeated on this topic as a result. I could actually talk extensively about this, but alas this is merely a book review. The author acknowledges the kindness and sovereignty of God and His grace in redeeming pain and suffering and using it for good and His glory, but he is faithful to remember that suffering itself is never good. Persecution is always evil. We should never desire these things. Yet, simultaneously, we can rejoice in knowing that God is able to use these things for good if they do become unavoidable–and they often will! After all, we’re promised that the world will hate us as we follow Christ.

This book will help you hold a biblical viewpoint of suffering and persecution in missions and help equip you to suffer well and minister to those who are also suffering.

Highly recommend!

[Neil Burleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thought-provoking, challenging, and thoroughly Biblical look into the topic of suffering and persecution of believers, specifically in the context of cross-cultural missions. It looks at the topic theologically, from the perspective of both missionaries as well as those whom they are attempting to reach, and also its impact on missiology. People may not agree with all of Matt's conclusions, but they must grapple with the Scripture he argues from. We need more biblical books like this one that force us to think deeply about trends and popular ministry approaches that may be unduly influenced by an unbiblical theology of suffering.

The first four chapters develop a Biblical theology of suffering in general which is applicable to all believers in any context. Chapter 5 looks at issues faces by ministers of the Gospel who may face suffering and persecution in bringing the Gospel to another land, especially those who might be hostile to the Gospel. Chapter 6 looks similarly at suffering from the standpoint of those who come to Christ in lands where persecution is common. Finally, the last chapter examines approaches to alleviating poverty in cross-cultural situations and some of the pitfalls that can accompany well-intentioned efforts.

Especially in the later chapters, Matt looks at topics such as these:
- how an unbiblical view of "extraction" can lead to unnecessary suffering
- how these views can be fueled by placing church growth strategies above Jesus's commands
- how a theology suffering relates to "insider" missiological strategies
- patronage and giving in developing nations
- business as mission or NGO platforms and considerations in societies of patronage and poverty

I highly recommend this thought-provoking book whether you agree with all of Matt's conclusions or not. It is definitely to reflect on how our missions' practice conforms (or fails to conform) to biblical models.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging book on a topic in need of more helpful resources like this