Searching to Serve

James Nelson with Carla Foote

Global Mapping International conducted a survey of around 400 missionaries as they searched online for mission opportunities. This short book is a summary of the findings of that survey. The book details five categories of people; Scouts, Stategists, Enthusiasts, Faith Matchers and Tourists, who all search and process information in a slightly different way to each other. The book then gives examples of people who fall into these five categories, backing the stories up by real results from the survey. It includes a whole chapter on the better use of Facebook to engage with searchers.

Searching to Serve is a useful resource for mission organisations as they consider developing their website or other online channels for enquirers. It's also useful for anyone looking to recruit kindgom workers, or help them find the right opportunities (mobilisers). In addition, if you're an individual looking for an opportunity, this book can help you evaluate the information presented to you by the huge array of mission organisations online.

Reviewed by Mike Frith

Mike Frith is the Founding Director of OSCAR. Prior to starting OSCAR, he worked as a pilot/engineer with Mission Aviation Fellowship where he spent time living in the USA, France, Switzerland, Madagascar and Uganda. He has been involved in working with, supporting, training and resourcing cross-cultural workers for over 25 years. He is married to Cheryl and they have two grown up children, Joanna and Will. Mike is also General Secretary of COST, a trust that gives grants to mission volunteers.