Our national ministry partners held a mission strategy session without us. We were surprised; and now they had something to share with us.
At the Beginning
We had all worked closely together for about five years reaching into an unreached area in Asia. There was an American church partner, some foreign on-site missionaries and the national Christians. We had become friends and co-workers in the Gospel.
Up until this day, the strategy was developed together though it was mainly orchestrated by the foreign missionaries. We all felt ownership for the mission all along, but this moreso by the American church and foreign mission partners.
This arrangement was natural since the national Christians were younger, and younger in the faith when the work was started. The original vision was carried by the foreign Christians, and the initial ministry attempts were mobilized by them.
A Message of Change
It turned out to be a simple message. Our friends felt it was time for a transition of roles. They presented their vision of what they considered would be most effective in moving the mission work forward.
They took ownership of the mission, its strategic vision and the doing of the ministry. They would do a better job at all of this because they were from a similar near culture, but also because we had been partnering together for a while and had learned much from one another about ministry effectiveness.
The Americans would continue to be very useful, especially by providing ministry tools and ongoing training. On occasion they could provide access to certain areas and help establish new and influential relationships. Their personal encouragement, ministry coaching and life mentoring were desired above all.
The Shift in Roles
We were thrilled at what God had done in our partners’ hearts and in their meeting without us. In truth it was an answer to an often prayed prayer for national ownership and leadership. We are so thankful our partners sensed it was time for a transition.
After that day, we learned it is one thing to rejoice and thank God together over new plans; it is another thing to move ahead and make them a reality. The question before us all was this: “Could everyone make the shift and play their new roles well?”
It can be quite challenging for those used to leading to move into supportive roles, even ones of great significance. And it can be just as challenging for those used to following and advising to become the primary movers of the mission endeavor.
When the time comes for mission roles to change, be prepared. Some will not want to make the transition, whether it is about maintaining strategic control, or whether it is wanting the safety and security of letting others lead. Yet, others will be delighted at the new developments and eager to figure out their new roles.
Help everyone and pray with everyone to embrace the future. This can be a time of experiencing the joys of new partnership, new togetherness and a whole new mission!
At the Beginning
We had all worked closely together for about five years reaching into an unreached area in Asia. There was an American church partner, some foreign on-site missionaries and the national Christians. We had become friends and co-workers in the Gospel.
Up until this day, the strategy was developed together though it was mainly orchestrated by the foreign missionaries. We all felt ownership for the mission all along, but this moreso by the American church and foreign mission partners.
This arrangement was natural since the national Christians were younger, and younger in the faith when the work was started. The original vision was carried by the foreign Christians, and the initial ministry attempts were mobilized by them.
A Message of Change
It turned out to be a simple message. Our friends felt it was time for a transition of roles. They presented their vision of what they considered would be most effective in moving the mission work forward.
They took ownership of the mission, its strategic vision and the doing of the ministry. They would do a better job at all of this because they were from a similar near culture, but also because we had been partnering together for a while and had learned much from one another about ministry effectiveness.
The Americans would continue to be very useful, especially by providing ministry tools and ongoing training. On occasion they could provide access to certain areas and help establish new and influential relationships. Their personal encouragement, ministry coaching and life mentoring were desired above all.
The Shift in Roles
We were thrilled at what God had done in our partners’ hearts and in their meeting without us. In truth it was an answer to an often prayed prayer for national ownership and leadership. We are so thankful our partners sensed it was time for a transition.
After that day, we learned it is one thing to rejoice and thank God together over new plans; it is another thing to move ahead and make them a reality. The question before us all was this: “Could everyone make the shift and play their new roles well?”
It can be quite challenging for those used to leading to move into supportive roles, even ones of great significance. And it can be just as challenging for those used to following and advising to become the primary movers of the mission endeavor.
When the time comes for mission roles to change, be prepared. Some will not want to make the transition, whether it is about maintaining strategic control, or whether it is wanting the safety and security of letting others lead. Yet, others will be delighted at the new developments and eager to figure out their new roles.
Help everyone and pray with everyone to embrace the future. This can be a time of experiencing the joys of new partnership, new togetherness and a whole new mission!
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