Twenty things I would do as a long-term missionary
In my missionary experience in Australia, we did some things right with good results. But we also made mistakes that we could have avoided with better training. I learned some of the lessons below the hard way: trial and error – success and failure. Other lessons were learned by observing the success and failure of others. I hope they will be of benefit to you as you embark with Christ on the magnificent adventure of bringing the gospel to the corner of God’s world you have chosen.
- Become part of a well-trained and psychologically screened team which includes persons with a wide range of ages, abilities and spiritual experience.
- Raise enough money to take advantage of local mass-media.
- Learn the language and the colloquialisms. Be careful to learn what words not to use!
- Primarily focus on persons with no active religious affiliation.
- Develop and utilize prayer as an evangelistic tool.
- Study groups (both religious and otherwise) who are reaching large numbers of people. I would then adapt any methods I found scriptural and ethical.
- When dealing with other religions take a persuasive, rather than confrontational, approach.
- Strongly focus on children and their families.
- Strive to evangelize all socio-economic levels in my area of focus.
- Ensure that each new convert was discipled by a mature Christian.
- The concept of spiritual reproduction would be thoroughly ingrained in each new convert.
- Emphasize integration into the fellowship and life of the body.
- Use every effort to surface and train local leaders.
- Utilize the gifts, talents and abilities of spiritually mature women.
- Connecting with those who are seeking would be a priority. This would be a matter for serious prayer and creative thought.
- Become involved in my community as a leader and volunteer. Join a service club and participate in school and community organizations.
- Concentrate on my own work and area instead of being a critic of the work of others.
- Create and participate in brotherhood gatherings (camps, lectureships, seminars, etc.).
- Live on an economic level commensurate with the people I am trying to reach.
- Be careful not to reproduce the American church model. I would strongly endeavor to plant a church that effectively engages its cultural context.
Dwight, It occured to me as I was reading that this is applicable in any church work. An established church in the heart of the bible belt would do well to incorporate many of the suggestions here. A mission field like the one here in Montana can surely benefit by utilizing the wisdom of your experience. Thanks for the insight.
Amen to Larry. Good stuff.
Dwight, once again you have distilled great wisdom into a few well-selected words. God bless you, my brother.
I don’t think we need to reproduce the “American church” in America or even the Bible Belt. The culture in which that model SEEMED to work, sadly is no longer the culture in which we live. I say SEEMED because I grew up in that model during the 60′s and 70′s. I was the preachers kid, and I saw a lot. It didn’t work. If you don’t believe me, ask the 80% of the kids like me who grew up during that time period who no longer are part of our fellowship (with a lot of them not part of any fellowship).
Dwight,
I recently read a book that made this comment: “We have stopped being a church that is on mission, to a church that supports missions.” I believe the comments you make above shows the heart of a body of Christ-Followers on mission. We need to get back to that heart, the heart of God!
Dwight,
As I read your points I remember the days we worked together and the effort we put into practicing so many of things you mentioned; some worked, some failed.
In the years since then I have revisited many of your points and put only one or two into practice continually for I have learned the following principals from scripture that now serve me well.
1. Jesus said, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” And so I work as closely as I can with anyone of any denomination, looking for the opportunity to teach them or preach among them those things they have overlooked in the word of God; things that we are so familar with but too often agressive in presenting them to others.
2. I wait for the Lord to open an effectual door, as Paul did when he went down to Troas, 2 Cor. 2:12. This may require weeks or months of prayer.
3. I seek the lost in all ways possible, using every medium my limited budget can cope with. When I find them responding, I pray for the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgement John 16:8. It is His business to do that and mine to preach, teach and share the good news.
4. I seek to be being filled, led, empowered and anointed with the Holy Spirit daily that I may do His business in partnership with Him as the Father wills and so through faith live in the context of Hebrews 6:3-5, Ephesians 5:18.
Blessings
Bob
good stuff. you ought to teach this kind of material to future/current missionaries
Dwight,
You are just in time to inspire our High School Bible Class Sunday morning. We will be studying the call to missions in class and discussing what it takes to be successful as we share Christ both at home and abroad. With your permission this is going to be placed in the hands of each teen in attendance Sunday am.
Thanks, Gracias, Mercé and Yaddung jee
Dwight,
Your list of suggestions for missionaries is right on target. I am forwarding your article to Bob Jackson with the suggestion that we publish it in the next Lifeline.
Truitt