First of all I would check that the new member care worker has read basics such as:

• Families on the Move by Marion Knell
• Burn-Up for Splash Down by Marion Knell

Next, I would recommend they read the books used as resources for cross-cultural workers.

Lastly, I would arrange for all members of your member care team to have access to the books listed below as resources for them to consult as needed. Books that I have found most helpful are those about general member care, risk, spirituality, abuse and pastoral theology.

General

• Doing Member Care Well edited by Kelly O’Donnell
• Worth Keeping: Global Perspectives on Best Practice in Mission Retention by Rob Hay

Families

• The Grief Tower: A Practical Guide to Processing Grief with Third Culture Kids by Lauren Wells
• The Family in Mission: Understanding and Caring For Those Who Serve edited by Leslie Andrews
• Bear Cards: Feelings by John Veeken (not a book but a set of cards)

Identity

• Belonging Everywhere and Nowhere: Insights Into Counseling the Globally Mobile by Lois Bushing

Risk

• Facing Danger: a Guide through Risk by Anna Hampton

Spirituality

• Spirituality in Mission by Amalraj J. et al

Abuse

• Child Sexual Abuse in the Churches by Patrick Parkinson
• Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

Pastoral Theology

• Skilful Shepherds: An Introduction to Pastoral Theology by Derek J. Tidball

Have you any suggestions of other books to recommend for new member care workers? Please comment below.

Updated: July 31, 2023