Some say that the Reformed doctrines of election and God’s covenant with believers and their children discourage or even impede missions and evangelism. Though those claims are erroneous, the reality is that some in Reformed circles have often inadvertently given them credibility by neglecting evangelism and maintaining a self-focused church culture.
But that does not have to be so.
In Go Into All the World, Daniel Holstege demonstrates that, far from impeding missions, a proper understanding of the doctrine of God’s covenant actually encourages evangelism. Go Into All the World starts from the inner life of the Triune God, who sent His Son into the world as the chief missionary, and ends with the final consummation of God’s covenant with His people. While waiting for that final day, not only ministers but all Christians are called by the Lord to bear witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their neighbours. The task can be difficult and intimidating. But whether you need doctrinal clarity, practical advice, encouragement for personal or church witness or a combination of these, Go Into All the World will help you grow in your ability and zeal to be a witness of Jesus Christ, according to your gifts and calling in life.
Daniel Holstege is the pastor of Wingham Protestant Reformed Church (Wingham, ON). He was a missionary in the Philippines for five years.
What others are saying about this book:
“Daniel Holstege has written an important book on the importance and necessity for every church to be engaged in outreach and evangelism. Every church would benefit from reading through, absorbing, and putting into practice what is here written.” — Paul T. Murphy, pastor of evangelism, Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship (New York)
“I read Daniel Holstege’s book with appreciation and joy. He ably shows how the covenant of grace, even if one sees that covenant differently than him, should inspire us to preach the gospel to the nations. Too often we limit the covenant to discussions of parents and their children, when in fact the covenant is about that and so much more. The covenant demands that we also be outward-focused, preaching the gospel to those who are ‘far off.’ Holstege connects all these dots and urges Reformed churches to develop a culture of missions. Any Reformed reader (and beyond) would benefit from the well-researched and well-presented argument of this book.” — Eric Onderwater, pastor of Grace Canadian Reformed Church (Brampton, Ontario)
“With a passion for both covenant theology and the Great Commission, Daniel Holstege offers a compelling call for churches to embrace their ‘covenantal mission mandate.’ Drawing from Scripture and the Reformed tradition, he challenges believers to see that God’s covenant is not only for our children but also extends to the nations through the preaching of the gospel. Even where readers may differ on certain covenantal nuances, they will find this book to be a biblically grounded and stirring reminder that the church must proclaim Christ to all people, trusting that God will gather His own. A valuable and timely encouragement for those who long to see missions thrive in a covenantal framework.” — Tim Bergsma, pastor of Living Hope Free Reformed Church (Chatham, Ontario)
“Here is an important book on missions that is scriptural, doctrinal, practical, personal, and concise. What a unique and important work! God’s people will be blessed as Daniel Holstege recounts his experiences as a missionary to the Philippines and his own personal development in love for the mission mandate of the church, all while carefully expounding that mandate for our benefit. Avoiding an imbalanced position, Rev. Holstege has developed a mature and holistic view of God’s purposes that can be of great help to the church and the individual child of God. May God use it to grow many in love for Him and the fullness of His covenant!” — Cory J. Griess, Professor of Practical Theology and New Testament Studies Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary (Wyoming, MI)
“Go Into All the World by Daniel Holstege is proving to be a wonderful book. The questions after each chapter provoke further study and deeper cconsideration. The book is very gripping and carries a freshness on doing evangelism biblically! This is the best book I’ve read on missions. God willing in the future I can buy further copies.” – England
