Today’s guest post comes to us from Jack Lee for Patheos.com.

In the 1700’s, there was a book published that produced a ripple-like effect of evangelism that could be felt for centuries. It has inspired countless missionaries to persevere through intense adversity, for the sake of bringing the gospel to the lost. It’s a brilliant book that is as equally compelling as it is eloquent. Yet sadly, it is rarely spoken of by modern-day Christians; if nothing changes, I fear an entire generation may miss out on a classic.

The book I speak of is The Life and Diary of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards.

You might be surprised to learn that despite Edwards’ many works, The Life and Diary of David Brainerd is his most reprinted. In fact, it has never been out of print since it was originally published in 1749. Still, you are 10 times more likely to overhear strangers in a coffee shop discussing the latest Rob Bell book than this one. While few would contend against its rightful place among other Christian classics, it may be the most under appreciated book in western Christianity today.

Click here to read the full article.

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Nelson

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About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.