The Missional Mom: Living with Purpose at Home & in the World [Paperback]

Helen Lee (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 17, 2010

We all must seek to be missional in our life journey.    Today's Christian moms come from a full range of personal and professional context, whether they are homemakers, full-time in the marketplace, or somewhere in between.  Numerous Christian mothers  are living missional lives, using their gifts and abilities to further God's kingdom by engaging the world around them.  They artfully, passionately, sometimes messily, juggle multiple callings and demonstrate in their modern day contexts how they are emulating the woman of noble character in Proverbs 31. 

The Missional Mom will affirm Christian mothers who desire to not only to build their homes in a Christ-like way, but engage the world with their skills, abilities, and interests.  It won't minimize the importance of a woman's role in her home but it will encourage her to not ignore the stirrings God has planted within her to extend her influence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"My mother was missional before anyone used the word, but I'm glad Helen Lee has described what mothers have done, are doing and will be doing with this word. This book is informed, laced together with timely and practical stories; the book is biblical and theological -- in other words, this book is a potent mixture that sketches radical, kingdom motherhood".- Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University

"Helen is exactly the kick in the pants I need as a mom. Just when I start to feel comfortable, settled, and dare I say stuck in my little life, Helen Lee comes along to remind me that I was created to be part of what God is doing in the world and I need to sit up and pay attention. By casting a vision of motherhood that includes little details of family life and the big picture of global injustice and suffering, Helen gives moms the encouragement we need to follow God wherever God might lead us". - Carla Barnhill, author of The Myth of the Perfect Mother, co-founder of themommyrevolution.com

“Helen Lee is not only a missional mom, she also is a clear and incisive writer. I’m not a mom, but as a Christian and a dad, I found myself marveling and motivated as I read this book. Now THIS is living!” - Marshall Shelley, editor Leadership Journal

"If you have ever felt your role as a mother is a forgotten one without purpose, this book is for you. The Missional Mom brims with practical examples of modern day heroes who are using their God-given roles as mothers to change the world. Helen Lee inspires all of us, whether or not we work outside the home, to think about how we can teach our children to become kingdom warriors and make a meaningful difference in the world. You will be inspired, challenged and energized to make your home a place of love and service to others. Don’t underestimate the power of women, especially the power of a cadre of mothers, who manage their homes as missional outposts for kingdom work."  -- Arloa Sutter, executive director, Breakthrough Urban Ministries

"I’ve known Helen for nearly two decades. I’ve always been impressed with her insights and reflections. She is a great learner, observer and writer. I’m glad she wrote a book for all of us to be inspired and moved to action! The Missional Mom is a book that challenges us (not just moms!) to embrace radical, counter-cultural followership especially within the environment of our homes. The wonder years of growing families shouldn’t be seen as a time we check out of following God. This is the time we’re in the thick of some of the most intense miraculous, spiritual activities (painful and joyful) of our lives both with God, our spouses, children and others. Helen stirs our imagination to go deeper into who we are called to be in our homes and beyond. She gently calls us out to be unafraid in pursuing purposeful living in practical ways." - Dave Gibbons, author of Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third Culture Church  and XEALOTS: Defying the Gravity of Normality (release date in 2011)

"The Missional Mom is a treat for any mom who believes that God has called her to serve beyond the reaches of motherhood. Helen shows us how we can at once be wonderful, loving moms while also serving our wonderful, loving God using the vast and divergent passions and gifts He's given us."-- Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira, author of Mama's Got a Fake I.D. and co-founder of The Mommy Revolution blog

"We are both convinced that in order to unleash the world transforming power of missional Christianity we are going to need to learn a whole lot more from women. As Helen states, "Women have been the secret weapon in the church since the beginning of its existence, contributing significantly to the progress the church has made in the world." This is an undisputed fact! We look forward to a time when men and women are released to be all they can be in God for the sake of his Kingdom. Helen's book is a wonderful gift to all of us." --Alan and Debra Hirsch, authors of Untamed - Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship.

.
"It is easy to understand why moms might lose sight of the purpose and meaning for their lives when life is going by at such a frightening speed. This is a book that reminds women of the adventure of missional living (amidst the daily grind) that God is calling all of us to". - Michael Wallenmeyer,  Missional in Suburbia

"Helen Lee has presented moms and families with a great gift in The Missional Mom. It is a great resource to help women understand and implement a missional life."  - Ed Stetzer, coauthor of Transformational Church

"There is no sphere of human life which cannot find its true end in God’s Mission. Helen Lee, in engaging yet powerful prose, helps us see what this might mean for mothers. Under her careful guidance, we see how the rhythms and struggles of being a mom become subsumed by God’s sovereign purposes for the redemption of the world. I encourage us all who have families (not just moms!) to read this book!" - David Fitch, Reclaimingthemission.com, B R Lindner Chair Evangelical Theology Northern Seminary

Review

"My mother was missional before anyone used the word, but I'm glad Helen Lee has described what mothers have done, are doing and will be doing with this word. This book is informed, laced together with timely and practical stories; the book is biblical and theological -- in other words, this book is a potent mixture that sketches radical, kingdom motherhood".- Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University

"Helen is exactly the kick in the pants I need as a mom. Just when I start to feel comfortable, settled, and dare I say stuck in my little life, Helen Lee comes along to remind me that I was created to be part of what God is doing in the world and I need to sit up and pay attention. By casting a vision of motherhood that includes little details of family life and the big picture of global injustice and suffering, Helen gives moms the encouragement we need to follow God wherever God might lead us". - Carla Barnhill, author of The Myth of the Perfect Mother, co-founder of themommyrevolution.com

"Helen Lee is not only a missional mom, she also is a clear and incisive writer. I'm not a mom, but as a Christian and a dad, I found myself marveling and motivated as I read this book. Now THIS is living!" - Marshall Shelley, editor Leadership Journal

"If you have ever felt your role as a mother is a forgotten one without purpose, this book is for you. The Missional Mom brims with practical examples of modern day heroes who are using their God-given roles as mothers to change the world. Helen Lee inspires all of us, whether or not we work outside the home, to think about how we can teach our children to become kingdom warriors and make a meaningful difference in the world. You will be inspired, challenged and energized to make your home a place of love and service to others. Don't underestimate the power of women, especially the power of a cadre of mothers, who manage their homes as missional outposts for kingdom work."  -- Arloa Sutter, executive director, Breakthrough Urban Ministries

"I've known Helen for nearly two decades. I've always been impressed with her insights and reflections. She is a great learner, observer and writer. I'm glad she wrote a book for all of us to be inspired and moved to action! The Missional Mom is a book that challenges us (not just moms!) to embrace radical, counter-cultural followership especially within the environment of our homes. The wonder years of growing families shouldn't be seen as a time we check out of following God. This is the time we're in the thick of some of the most intense miraculous, spiritual activities (painful and joyful) of our lives both with God, our spouses, children and others. Helen stirs our imagination to go deeper into who we are called to be in our homes and beyond. She gently calls us out to be unafraid in pursuing purposeful living in practical ways." - Dave Gibbons, author of Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third Culture Church  and XEALOTS: Defying the Gravity of Normality (release date in 2011)

"The Missional Mom is a treat for any mom who believes that God has called her to serve beyond the reaches of motherhood. Helen shows us how we can at once be wonderful, loving moms while also serving our wonderful, loving God using the vast and divergent passions and gifts He's given us."-- Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira, author of Mama's Got a Fake I.D. and co-founder of The Mommy Revolution blog

"We are both convinced that in order to unleash the world transforming power of missional Christianity we are going to need to learn a whole lot more from women. As Helen states, "Women have been the secret weapon in the church since the beginning of its existence, contributing significantly to the progress the church has made in the world." This is an undisputed fact! We look forward to a time when men and women are released to be all they can be in God for the sake of his Kingdom. Helen's book is a wonderful gift to all of us." --Alan and Debra Hirsch, authors of Untamed - Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship.

.
"It is easy to understand why moms might lose sight of the purpose and meaning for their lives when life is going by at such a frightening speed. This is a book that reminds women of the adventure of missional living (amidst the daily grind) that God is calling all of us to". - Michael Wallenmeyer,  Missional in Suburbia

"Helen Lee has presented moms and families with a great gift in The Missional Mom. It is a great resource to help women understand and implement a missional life."  - Ed Stetzer, coauthor of Transformational Church

"There is no sphere of human life which cannot find its true end in God's Mission. Helen Lee, in engaging yet powerful prose, helps us see what this might mean for mothers. Under her careful guidance, we see how the rhythms and struggles of being a mom become subsumed by God's sovereign purposes for the redemption of the world. I encourage us all who have families (not just moms!) to read this book!" - David Fitch, Reclaimingthemission.com, B R Lindner Chair Evangelical Theology Northern Seminary

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (December 17, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802437869
• ISBN-13: 978-0802437860
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been a Christian journalist and editor for nearly 20 years, writing or working for publications such as Christianity Today, Leadership Journal, Fullfill Magazine, and many more. I'm also a homeschooling mom of three young boys, a former and hopefully future entrepreneur, and someone who desires to write fiction as well some day. Thanks for visiting my author page! You can read more about me on my website, www.helenleeauthor.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @HelenLeeAuthor. I'm happy to hear from you with any comments or questions you might have!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Purpose-Filled Motherhood is Doable! January 7, 2011

By T. Bianchi

Format:Paperback

Thank you Helen for helping me, as a mom of 3, further sort out how to make a difference. I LOVED Helen's approach, the way she brought stories and journeys from others into the mix and the way she motivated my heart and soul toward action. AND, she did all this without making me feel guilty or anxious. Helen is a very gifted communicator and I am so thankful for this resource! I HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Missional Mom January 28, 2012

By threelogans

Format:Paperback

As a fairly new mother of a two year old and a one year old, I am always challenged by the "to-do" list. I am not talking about a to-do list which encompasses laundry, dinner, and pick-up, but the big to-do list which includes spiritual growth for my children. I am talking about raising my children to be God loving beings. I am not talking about cloth versus disposable diapers or breast-feeding versus bottle-feeding, something much more important.

How do I bring my children to understand God's love and grace, how to do I foster them to know Christ and accept Him as their Savior. But, beyond those things, how do I bring them up to know and do all those things and live a life that follows those steps? I want to be intentional in raising my kids to not just know and believe in Christ, but to act, think and do as Christ.

It is with Helen Lee's book "The Missional Mom" I have been able to grasp the idea of living with a purpose and raising my children with that purpose: to know Christ, make Christ known and to live like Christ. Because, for me it is clear that you can do each of those three things separately, but why would you want too? I want to live a life that constantly knows Christ; in other words, I never want to stop learning about Christ. I want to live a life that makes Christ known, to my children, to my neighbors and to strangers. And with those two things I should be incredibly challenged and encouraged to live like Christ. For me, it is not enough for my children to be good kids, it is not enough for them to know of Christ, it is so incredibly vital that they know Him, love Him, accept Him, talk about Him and of course, most importantly demonstrate Christ through their actions.

I don't just want my children to be saved by Christ, but I want them to have a relationship that demonstrates Christ in everything they do. Lee says,

"Anyone can be missional; everyone can be missional; everyone is called to be missional" (pg. 175).

That is what I gathered from Lee's book and I hope that maybe you will be inspired to be missional in your own family too.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging and Encouraging January 6, 2011

By Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira

Format:Paperback

I love what Helen's done in this book: she challenges moms who long to live out the Gospel to take the steps to follow that call. But she does it without diminishing motherhood and without heaping on more guilt. This is a must-read for any woman who sense God calling her to embrace a missional lifestyle.