Input requested

[paul]

I would like some imput from my J2 family.

Having been in missions for many years now and traveling extensively I have worked with a varity of missionaries and groups.

I also have been concerned at what I preceive as ineffective approaches that are constantly gbeing used in the mission fields. cultural misunderstandings ( which is to be expected to some degree), but more so in the area of purpose.

Over the past few years the Lord has been moving on me to open a School of Missions. I have looked at resources from various groups and still see things lacking.

I would like for each one that would to list a few things that you would be lookg for in school that is preparing you for short term or long term ministry on the mission field. Also if you have time, why you think the area you listed is important.

I would like comments from as many as possible.
Thank you in advance.

[scooter]

I think one of the most important parts, other than being a strong christian with a solid understanding of the gospel, is breaking through those cultural barriers.

The way I see it teaching mission workers about the specific cultures they are going to would help in a big way.

In a few of the books I read concerning intercultural evangelism there always seemed to be a legend, or way of truth which successful missionaries would tap into to present the gospel in a way that would hit home with that specific people.

There were a few stories of that happening naturally.

Kind of like when Paul was snake bit.

Those indiginous people understood the deadly nature of that bite, Paul was presented with an awesome opportunity to share the gospel.

Research on the specific culture will produce those type of teaching opportunities.

[forestwalker]

Before method, spend time on expectation:

Get over your ego. Don't expect to be Billy Graham. You may see very few of the seeds you're planting sprout while you're there to see it.
The native non-Pentecostal Christians are the easy mark but should not be. Befriend and help them. Cooperate with them to reach non-Christians. Do not try to turn them into American Evangelicals. Most certainly do not be dishonest in dealing with them (infiltrating Sunday Schools, etc.).
Leave your politics at the border. You're there to share the Gospel and help build or build up a Christian community, not to spread American ideas of political liberty and individualism.

For short-termers, especially teens:
Understand that you're there as much to be ministered to as you are to minister.
You are both a help (maybe) and a burden to your hosts. Be more of the former and less of the latter.
You don't know anything. Don't pretend to. Your real gift is your presence and your love.
Eat what you're offered with a smile. Show genuine gratitude.

[MacUser]

Show them.. Galations 4:6

Explain to them how they are SONS of God and not Servants.
Explain to them how God has sent forth the Spirit of HIS SON into their hearts.

Let them know first that if they are doing this for some prize at the end.. then go home because they will burn out... BUT doing this because they LOVE GOD so much that they want to share the GOOD NEWS of what Jesus has done for them.

[dolfan]

Surviving and Thriving In ___________. The day-to-day expectations of life in that specific place and culture.

Language and Thought In _____________. The ways that ideas, knowledge and language work together in that place/culture, and how to adjust the mission worker's thoughts and expressive habits to leverage the culture for the Gospel.

History of Missions In _______________. A What-Not-To-Do and a What-To-Do course geared toward that specific place, learning from others' mistakes, building on theories of what may work best there.

A faculty of people who've done it and do it. Kind of like "publish or perish" in academic circles, gives those doing the work an outlet to share their perspectives and -- of course-- immeasurably beneficial wisdom to the missionary-in-training.

Just a few thoughts, FWIW.

[JohnDB]

How about some generalities in things that have worked (based upon biblical principles) and things that haven't worked.

then focus those things that have worked onto the culture that you are about to enter.

Most of the missions are focused on are Schools/orphanages, medical programs, clean water programs, and starter, plant churchs. There also seems to be a few that are focused on giving some a career to replace ones in sinful but accepted trades in other countries. Such as sewing instead of prostitution.

Also rescources for financing for these missionaries is something that is desperately needed. Where to go and how to "deputize" people/groups is needed. How to avoid the "gleaners" of fund raising...or if those guys are actually worthwhile or not. (people who raise money for missionaries for a fee)

Missionaries are somewhat cut off...usually not heard from due to a lack of communication and thereby forgotten alot. That isolation is destructive to many missionaries. They usually don't speak the native language of the place where they are serving as well as those that are native...making that isolation even more devastating. (mail, email, or telecommunications are not reliable in many cases)

[dbserv]

Show them.. Galations 4:6

Explain to them how they are SONS of God and not Servants.

Could you explain what you mean by this???

I believe that we ARE sons and daughters of God. But, I also believe that we are called to serve - give a cup of water, wash their feet, treat and salve their wounds, etc.

I don't want to disagree, so I'm looking for clarification or an expounding of your meaning.

Thanks.

[paul]

I firmly believe that in every educational approach, there are three areas that must at all times interact with each other.

1. Academics
2. Personal Growth and Development
3. Application/Opportunity

To often in mission training one usually dominates at the expense of the others.

I am taking note of the suggestions Thank you

[MacUser]

Show them.. Galations 4:6

Explain to them how they are SONS of God and not Servants.

Could you explain what you mean by this???

I believe that we ARE sons and daughters of God. But, I also believe that we are called to serve - give a cup of water, wash their feet, treat and salve their wounds, etc.

I don't want to disagree, so I'm looking for clarification or an expounding of your meaning.

Thanks.

Let's let Paul explain it.

Galatians 4

3. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5. to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

..28. Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. 30But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son."[c] 31Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

We are SONS.. not servants.

[dbserv]

Let's let Paul explain it.

We are SONS.. not servants.

I agree that we are the SONS and DAUGHTERS of God.


BUT, Paul is asking about preparing people for mission ministry.


IMHO, when we go to minister to people in other lands, we must go with a servants heart and attitude. Anything else will be rejected and will not bring forth the fruit that God desires.

We are talking apples and oranges here.

Our position in Christ before the judgement throne of God and in God's sight is one thing. We ARE His children with all of the rights and privileges that entails.

But, when we go, IMHO, we are to go as servants and NOT as lords or masters.


Maybe I have misunderstood what Paul is asking.

I would still like to clarify what your point is in regards to going as missionaries.

Thank you very much.

[MacUser]

Let them know first that if they are doing this for some prize at the end.. then go home because they will burn out... BUT doing this because they LOVE GOD so much that they want to share the GOOD NEWS of what Jesus has done for them.

I explained it completely if I can quote myself here again.

[dbserv]

?????????????????????????????

Oh well.

[Pastor Gary]

I firmly believe that in every educational approach, there are three areas that must at all times interact with each other.

1. Academics
2. Personal Growth and Development
3. Application/Opportunity

To often in mission training one usually dominates at the expense of the others.

Paul, in the program I am in now at Fuller there is a good balance, but currently I am in the segment focused upon personal spiritual development, character and integrity. Good stuff.

[MacUser]

?????????????????????????????

Oh well.

??