Mission Design: Leading Your Ministry Through Organizational and Cultural Change

by Aaron Abramson

Overview

Navigating Change in Complex Ministry Environments

Mission Design by Aaron Abramson is a timely guide for ministry leaders navigating the challenges of a volatile and rapidly changing world. With technological growth, societal shifts, and economic instability reshaping the landscape, traditional five-year plans feel out of touch. Yet, even amidst uncertainty, opportunities for meaningful kingdom impact abound.

Drawing on principles from design thinking, user experience design, and service design, Aaron Abramson provides a step-by-step approach to help pastors, church planters, nonprofit leaders and mission entrepreneurs adapt and innovate ministries to reach the shifting world around us. This book provides the tools and insights you need to adapt, pivot, navigate, and kickstart change for your ministry. Whether you're clarifying your vision, understanding your community’s needs, or testing new strategies, Mission Design equips you to lead your organization into a flourishing future.

With relatable examples and case studies, Abramson doesn't just show you how to launch impactful ideas—he also teaches you how to pivot, evaluate, and grow through the learning process. No matter where your ministry is in its organizational life cycle, God can do new things in and through you for the good of those to whom you are called.

Mission Design features:

• Step-by-Step Approach: Learn how to lead your organization through change with strategies drawn from experience and the principles of design thinking.
• Practical Tools: Clarify your vision and design tangible solutions to adapt to a shifting world.
• Real-World Case Studies: Explore examples from real-life ministries that show how to implement changes effectively and learn from the results.
• Focus on Community Impact: Develop a deeper understanding of the people you serve to ensure your ministry reflects their needs and God’s calling.
• Expert Guidance: Gain insights from Aaron Abramson, CEO of Jews for Jesus, who has led impactful innovations in ministry and mission strategy.

Why Read Mission Design?

If you’re a ministry leader looking to adapt to evolving dynamics, navigate cultural shifts, and lead with impact, this book is your trusted guide. Abramson’s thoughtful approach combines experienced wisdom with practical tools that can give you confidence as you step into uncharted territory in your own ministry. Get your copy today and get equipped to lead more effectively through changing ministry dynamics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514013069
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	10/14/2025
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Aaron Abramson (MPA, New York University) is the CEO of Jews for Jesus. He was raised in a Jewish home, studied in a religious Jewish seminary, and served in the Israel Defense Forces. Since having a life-changing encounter with Jesus, Aaron has been instrumental in helping Jews for Jesus revitalize recruitment, redesign mission processes, and develop the ministry's performance measurement system. He and his wife, Victoria, have three children and reside in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: The Need for Mission Design
1. The Life Cycle of an Organization
2. Reactions to Change
3. Getting Unstuck

Part 2: The Stages of Mission Design
4. Launch Stage Part 1: Mission—What Is Our Purpose?
5. Launch Stage Part 2: Vision—Where Are You Going?
6. Launch Stage Part 3: Identity—Who Are We?
7. Launch Stage Part 4: People—Who Do We Serve?
8. Explore Stage: Empathize and Understand
9. Reentry Stage: Design and Develop
10. Land the Ship Part 1: Refine and Implement
11. Land the Ship Part 2: Evaluate and Measure Impact

Part 3: Putting It All Together
12. Build and Sustain a Mission Design Culture
13. The Importance of Telling Your Story
14. Course Correction
15. Conclusion: The Mission Ahead

Appendix A: Gospel Messaging Workbook
Appendix B: Identifying Your Key Audience
Appendix C: Prototyping Guide
Appendix D: Design Thinking Terminology
Notes

Editorial Reviews

"Fresh, insightful, and practical. Aaron Abramson—with over two decades of on-the-ground experience as a change agent in Jews for Jesus, one of the most innovative mission organizations today—draws on what he has come to understand about making missions happen on the ground to provide a clear blueprint for mission management that works. Abramson's insights have not only enabled him to give strategic guidance for his mission, but his applied wisdom has also earned him the promotion to international executive director of this culture-impacting Jews for Jesus mission. Mission Design breaks down into accessible bites of insight that will help any mission practitioner move forward in their assignments from God. Plus, Aaron Abramson is a wonderful friend and colleague whom I've admired and trusted for many years. Mission Design is an investment you won't regret, and one you most likely need to make."

Byron Spradlin

"Aaron Abramson is an experienced, strategic leader with gifted insight into this topic. I believe his book will help you to fulfill the vision God has put in your heart!"

Jonathan Bernis

"I met Aaron Abramson in my home office and was immediately struck by his sharp mind, humility, and the joy that lit up his face when he spoke about his vision. That spirit is evident in Mission Design, in which Aaron offers what he has learned about missions that make a kingdom impact. Through his experiences with Jews for Jesus, Aaron provides practical wisdom for any leader navigating the seismic changes in our world. Aaron is a listener, and his words will help you listen to God and those you seek to serve."

Leighton Ford

"The graveyards of history are littered with organizations that pioneered one way of doing things but failed to transition to the next model. Innovation is critical to creating thriving, sustainable ministries, and Aaron Abramson's Mission Design is a clear guide to the methodologies and practices that every leader should have in their toolbox."

Dave Raley

"Aaron Abramson's thoughtful integration of design thinking with biblical mission offers a fresh way forward for leaders who want to stay faithful while staying effective. I've seen him lead with vision, empathy, and courage—Mission Design is a reflection of that same spirit and will serve any leader navigating change with conviction and grace."

Lawrence Tong

"In Aaron Abramson's work at Jews for Jesus, he has led the kind of change that shows innovation and creativity. I believe that ministry innovation is harder than innovation in other areas because it is change aimed at the less tangible. This book will direct you to deeper levels of mission innovation, opening doors to new and more relevant ways to communicate with the kingdom."

Ted Esler

"Aaron Abramson's Mission Design is an essential resource for leaders, missionaries, and organizations navigating the complexities of modern mission work. Rooted in practical insights and strategic thinking, the book provides a road map ensuring mission efforts remain relevant and impactful in a constantly evolving world. As a mentor to Aaron, I have witnessed firsthand his passion for innovation and commitment to equipping others with practical tools for transformative impact. This book is a testament to his dedication and expertise, offering a clear and actionable pathway to engage with our fast-changing world."

Carson Pue

"It is my pleasure to enthusiastically endorse this wonderfully insightful and inspiring book. I have been a close partner with Aaron Abramson as he developed the ideas presented here. He is not only my colleague; he is my successor. I have been privileged to work together with him to implement these ideas in Jews for Jesus. I have seen firsthand how this process has powerfully transformed the work of our ministry and brought us into a new season of innovation and fruitfulness."

David Brickner