The Early Church Was Complex, Not Simple

Without noting it specifically, Schnabel (2004) described the spread of the early church throughout the mediterranean world in the first century under the direction of the Apostles along the lines of complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory. The new emergent churches self-organized in what might be termed regional networks with each church functioning along the lines of what CAS theory would describe as independent agents.

In contrast to traditional mechanistic and even more current organic and open systems organizations, leadership in CAS finds expression within a network structure of “non-hierarchical relationships comprised of human points of contact” (Hatch & Cunliffe, 2013, p. 281). Hatch and Cunliffe delineated how networks form in light of “fragmented, specialized markets” (p. 281) and end up developing unique “lateral relationships and partnerships” (p. 281).

From a CAS theory perspective, then, the early missional churches lived and thrived in states of disequilibrium. They co-evolved as a system and network along with their environment they were seeking to impact. The new logic of leadership in CAS theory is really old logic: “leadership is an emergent event, an outcome of relational interactions among agents” (Lichtenstein et al., 2006, p. 2).

From my work in assisting church planting movements in east and south Asia, and even central Europe, the CAS approach fits naturally; those doing successful church planting actually approach leadership and change from a CAS perspective without knowing the theory. Leaders build shared vision within the larger complex system, take a facilitative and empowering approach toward other agents (leaders and churches), and enable change rather than direct change.

Interestingly, church planting in the USA happens slowly compared to many places in the world. Might this be at least partially explained by the commitment to traditions and mechanistic models of formal education, church buildings, full funding, and using processes and employing leadership in ways that are non-adaptive?


Hatch, M. J., & Cunliffe, A. L. (2013). Organization theory: Modern, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives (3rd ed.). Oxford, England: Oxford University.

Lichtenstein, B. B., Uhl-Bien, M., Marion, R., Seers, A., Orton, J. D., & Schreiber, C. (2006). Complexity leadership theory: An interactive perspective on leading in complex adaptive systems" Emergence: Complexity and Organization, 8(4), 2-12.

Schnabel, E. J. (2004). Early Christian mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP.

Approved And Entrusted

The concepts of being “approved” by God and “entrusted” with His gospel played a key role in the Apostle Paul’s self-understanding of his mission, his relationship to God, and his relationship with all people including the Thessalonians. This approval and trust empowered him to minister boldly in the midst of great opposition, to remain committed to avoiding error, impurity, and deceit, and to stay focused on pleasing God rather than people. 

In the first chapter of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul recounted God’s powerful working among the Thessalonians in their radical conversion to Christ from idolatry and their immediate zeal for spreading the gospel throughout the region. Intense opposition followed Paul wherever he went and the Thessalonian church had already begun to experience it for themselves. And so, Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote this letter to encourage this new community of Christians in their faith and identity in Christ. They would need to be able to withstand, persevere, and triumph in their new life of adversity and persecution.

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4, English Standard Version)

Empowerment of the Apostle Paul and His Team

Motivation and empowerment increase when people’s work matches their values, when they possess confidence that they will be successful, when they can choose when and how they perform their work, and when they believe they can make a difference. God delegated to the Apostle Paul tasks of appropriate difficulty that related to his career as an Apostle. In his empowerment of the Apostle Paul, God delegated in a manner consistent with what is considered good delegation: (a) specifying his responsibilities clearly, (b) providing adequate authority, (c) monitoring his progress, (d) providing necessary information, support, and assistance, and (e) turning his mistakes into learning opportunities (Yukl, 2013).

God’s empowerment of Paul noted in 2:1-4 fits with psychological empowerment as a leadership theory. Paul referred to himself in 3:2 as a co-participant, sunergon, with God in the Gospel, and described the delegation of duties in 2:1-4 in various ways. God approved Paul and his team and entrusted them with the Gospel. Consequently, Paul ministered with great motivation to please God and appeal to people with the Gospel. 

The four elements of psychological empowerment are: (a) meaning, (b) self-determination, (c) self-efficacy, and (d) impact. Paul felt empowered because God changed his life and gave him a new mission (meaning), trusted him to develop his own strategies and methods (self-determination), infused him with confidence that he could be successful (self-efficacy or competence), and allowed him to witness the results of conversion and transformation of people, and the establishment of churches (impact).

Empowerment Continues for Us Today

As a public Apostolic epistle, 1 Thessalonians was meant to be read aloud to the faith community in Thessalonica and to all faith communities (5:27) for their encouragement. God’s empowerment of Paul extended to the empowerment of the Thessalonian believers, and it has continued to extend to His Church ever since and all throughout the world. From the Apostle Paul’s ministry model with the Thessalonian church Christian leaders and churches today can shape and re-shape their ministries accordingly, and by God’s Spirit and grace can expect similar results that will bring Him glory through increased effectiveness and spiritual joy. 

Christians should proclaim the gospel boldly and live out the gospel genuinely. The Apostle Paul served as an entrusted messenger, teaching Christ-followers how to live out the gospel they preach. Can Christians today likewise appeal to others to examine their lives as Christians, and ask God to do the same? Such transparency speaks volumes to the world about honesty, integrity, and authenticity. The world needs more Christians like this. This will further strengthen and empower the church as God keeps supplying a greater boldness and the grace to prove faithful as those “entrusted with the gospel” (v.4). 


Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Why Don’t We See More Of Our Missionaries?

A few years ago a fellow pastor and friend of mine asked me, “Why don’t we see more of our missionaries? Is there something wrong with our church?”

Perplexed and Hurt

This seemed strange to him because overseas missionaries who are on home assignment are usually eager to visit their supporting churches and reconnect with many friends in the church. This church considered itself very mission-minded, genuinely devoted in prayer and partners in the work. My friend was somewhat offended and hurt.

I happened to know this church and its approach to missions fairly well. True, it was somewhat of a mission-minded church, but the leadership and the congregation were not as committed to missions as they thought they were. It is safe to say that those outside the church would not describe the church as a mission-minded church.

3 Measurements of Commitment

So, I asked how much the church supported each of its missionaries.  It was a modest sum, probably a little too modest. Then we talked about the travel costs for the missionaries to visit the church. This cost was not reimbursed by the church, either. Their missionaries seemed to visit when their church was an easy add-on to a trip, but they were not the main destination.

Then we talked about what a missionary visit would look like. Were opportunities created for the missionaries to give an in-depth view of their work, and would they have freedom to ask others to become supporters of their ministry? It turns out that the church didn’t take the initiative to create such opportunities, or much else.

Then I asked about recent mission trips taken by the church. The last significant one was over five years ago. Occasionally people still talk about it and reminisce about its value and glory. However, in today’s world of inexpensive travel and easy to organize short-term trips of value, it should be routine practice to have church leaders and others visit a church’s missionaries. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage them, bless them, learn from them and be of value to them.

Making Necessary Adjustments

My pastor friend agreed that they were really a low mission commitment church. And their missionaries probably didn’t sense great commitment on the church’s part. The relationships had not been nurtured. Gladly, my pastor friend decided to make the necessary changes! 

Since our conversation a few years ago, the church has been steadily increasing their financial support of all their missionaries. The church leadership communicates much more and at a higher level of quality with their missionaries and their congregation. 

There is a new level of engagement that is obvious to all. Missionaries are highlighted and given greater access to people. Slowly, new trips are being organized, well-planned for added value, and they are being seen as a key investment for the advance of the Gospel!

Calvinists And Arminians On Mission Together

When determining who will make the best ministry partners on mission trips one consideration I take into account is whether they are Calvinistic or Arminian.

Most of the time I will pair them up with a partner holding the opposite viewpoint. My purpose is to build them into stronger disciples of Christ and more effective evangelists of the Gospel.

My History on Mixed Theological Teams

My own experience includes being saved within an Arminian perspective. Much of my early Christian growth was with organizations and from leaders who also held this viewpoint, although I didn’t understand much about these theological differences at the time. Nonetheless, I held strong Arminian opinions. A pastor and good friend at one church I attended challenged me to keep on digging deeper into the Scriptures, to take my time and learn.

It was a good number of years later while I was teaching through Romans and Hebrews, and during my formal theological training, that I became thoroughly convinced of the Reformed or Calvinistic perspective. The seminary where I studied had faculty from both perspectives, which made learning about this important matter all the more fascinating, valuable and a great blessing.

I strongly believe that the Calvinistic understanding most faithfully and accurately represents the biblical teaching on salvation. Yet, while serving in my first official ministry position in a local church, I was ministering alongside a fellow assistant pastor who attended the same seminary I did, but who was thoroughly committed to the Arminian view. We had great debates, challenged one another, and yet we still found ourselves able to love one another and one another’s families, and advance the Gospel together.

When the Lord led me into the role of a lead pastor it was with an association of churches that welcomes both viewpoints. Our particular local church was committed to the Reformed position on the doctrines of grace, but we were called to graciously work alongside other churches with different commitments on these matters.

Because of my personal experience I know mixed theological ministry teams can work, can work very well, and that everyone will grow in the process of doing ministry and mission together.

Conflicts on Mixed Theological Teams

A person’s theological position makes a really great difference in how that person ministers the Gospel. Some today try to minimize the value of theology and strongly held opinions, ignorantly thinking that theology makes little difference in doing ministry.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Once people are on a team having to strategize how to reach a group of people, deciding on how the Gospel will be presented, and then actually presenting the Gospel from a variety of biblical passages in multiple conversations with unbelievers, the truth can be easily seen and felt—doctrine matters a whole lot!

Here are some of the most important and defining questions separating the two theological systems: How depraved are people? How does this affect them and their ability to respond to the Gospel, or not? What does it mean that God is sovereign and that He choses some for salvation? How do we understand the role of the free will of humanity? What exactly did Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplish? For whom was it designed and how do we see its effects? Can people resist the call of God? What would this look like and how would we respond to real people in the midst of it? Can people fall away from the faith, and if so how do we explain this? What is the basis for a secure salvation?

Benefits of Mixed Theological Teams

Conflict will be inevitable between viewpoints and between us as people. We both want to serve the Lord whole-heartedly and faithfully. And here is one of the greatest benefits of being together, seeing the vitality and reality of one another’s faith in Christ though from a very different evangelical theological system. He or she is also a godly Christian believer!

John 13:34–35 ESV “[Jesus said,] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Serving this closely with others who hold the opposite view also helps us deepen our own convictions. We are driven to the Word of God to rediscover what the Holy Spirit wrote about Jesus Christ and the work of God in our salvation. This is a really good thing. We are also made better theologians, more humble theologians who can respectfully disagree and learn from one another. Who knows, we may convert the other to the truth of our own view!

Moreover, the debates and discussions we have are no longer only biblical and theological, but practical as well. We are serving on mission together at the same time, praying with one another, and declaring the Gospel to real people for the purpose of God’s glory being revealed!

My teams of mixed theological persuasions have proven my approach over and over. It has been a great blessing for them to work in such an environment and many have told me it was one of the best training and equipping experiences of their lives. They enjoyed being challenged to think more biblically, dialogue more honestly with others, and rejoice above all in the advance of the Gospel! In the end, they had even more confidence that regardless of their differences the basic truths of the Gospel were being proclaimed.

It is also good to be on teams that hold the same view as one’s own, just not exclusively. It is perhaps best to be in a church, or with a mission, that has a clear theological commitment so everyone can move in the same direction. Just make sure to get out once in a while and partner in some ways with those of the other viewpoint.

Ordinary Trainers Make Training More Accessible

When it comes to accessibility, there are less helpful trainers and there are more helpful trainers.

This overly sharp contrast will highlight how trainers who are current practitioners make ministry more understandable, easily applicable and lead to greater results.

Less Helpful Trainers

You have seen them. Although they are extraordinary people with inspiring ministry stories, most likely it has been a while since they have done the ministry for which they are providing training. Nevertheless, they are the recognized experts, ministry celebrities, and have a wealth of resources.

Their presentations are refined and their stage presence is polished. The systems and solutions offered appear simple and easy to use. However, at the book table the program details and pricing overwhelm. But people buy in because they want the grand ministry success promised. Or they sign up to learn how to become a certified system trainer themselves.

When the participants get back home to their own ministries they are frustrated the new system doesn’t work as easily as they thought it would. Some wisely dump the materials and do what they know works, while others keep signing up for more and more help from the ministry franchise.

More Helpful Trainers

You have met them. They are ordinary ministers and people doing the same type of ministry for which they providing training. They are current practitioners. They know well the needs and struggles of their ministry colleagues personally and identify with them as partners, even friends.

Their presentations are encouraging and they carry themselves with humble credibility. The participants leave knowing that they can improve their ministry on their own by what they have learned. The trainers share ministry tools freely and allow them to be modified to fit a variety of ministry contexts.

There are more of these types of trainers available because these people are the ordinary ministers who serve all around the world. This group has greater potential because of their sheer number, personable influence and much broader networks.

Still, many more of these types of trainers could be mobilized. Maybe some of them need to understand how much they really do have to offer. Maybe some of them just need a quality opportunity to get involved.

Certainly, the global Church needs many types of training and trainers, from the extraordinary to the ordinary, as the Lord gifts and provides. Pray that the Lord will move upon many more of His ordinary ministers with confidence in their gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit to train others.

These ordinary men and women are even more likely to make far greater and deeper impact on the way Gospel ministry is actually accomplished around the world than the few extraordinary ones.


[See a related blog entry: Customization Over Standardization]

What it Takes to Get in, and Why You Might Want to Stay Out

A pastor I know was eager to get involved in mission work in a particular country and had started educating himself and his congregation and taking trips. The pastor contacted his denomination about partnering in the mission.

He was told over and over how great that would be, but was never given the names and contact information of the mission leaders. So, he and his church just went ahead working on their own, with other grass-roots partnerships developing along the way.

For five years they labored successfully in the field, all the while trusting their denomination to make good on their promises for partnership. He eagerly wanted to get in on what they were doing and share in the larger work together. He kept receiving polite affirmation, but never trust and partnership.

Eventually, he was allowed to look inside the tent and meet a few of the leaders, probably because they saw that he was doing good things. They started listening to his strategic thinking and observing his results, which were much better than their own. This denomination’s cautious treatment of one of its own pastors is not uncommon and is sadly revealing.

Getting In

In order to get in one has to fit in with the existing structures and prevailing theories. One has to follow along with the established goals and strategies and manner of doing things. One has to be a follower for a long time before being considered worthy of making original contributions.

However, depending on your goals, this may not always be the worst option. If all that is desired is to support the current mission, then things are usually setup for just this kind of involvement. But, don’t expect to be allowed to contribute leadership gifts or even input from pastoral experience over the years. It can be perceived as too threatening.

Staying Out

By staying on the outside one is free to create new things and start new works. One can be active in setting goals and developing strategies. And then, developing relationships with those on the inside can be very helpful, once one is seen as reasonably legitimate.

Staying on the outside allows one to be a leader. Leadership by pastors within the organization is not often appreciated. After joining up, don’t expect to be called upon for expertise in preaching, biblical knowledge, leading people, starting churches or even caring for people. This, and a whole lot more, is what often has to be sacrificed to get in, and so one might want to consider staying out, and so being able to do what we do best and what we are called and gifted to do.

A Better Result

In reality, it might actually be better for the mission overall to have these pastors leading outside the existing structures and mission works. They are usually very good at forming new partnerships and forging ahead to multiply the ministry. Then, with mutual appreciation and respect, partnerships can be formed that have great potential for a much better result.

(See related blog entry, “We Are Just Pastors After All”)

If Pastors Would Just Show Up

Today I filled the pulpit for a pastor friend of mine who is in Africa on his first cross-cultural mission trip to train national pastors.  I was so surprised to hear he was doing this and can hardly wait to talk to him when he returns!

Churches Sharing Their Pastors

I commended that congregation today for their faith, selflessness and their broad vision for the advance of the Gospel in the world!  They are a future Kingdom oriented church!

Many churches are selfish and are unwilling to share their pastor with the world, even for a couple of weeks a year.  If their pastor wants to go on a mission trip he would have to use his vacation time and pay for it himself.  The truth is that mission work is no vacation, especially for pastors.  Pastors usually work harder on mission trips than they do in their regular ministry.

Instead, churches should consider setting aside ministry funds for their senior pastor to travel 2-4 weeks a year on cross-cultural mission work.  In today’s globalized world and globalized church the expectation of pastors becoming personally involved should be a given.  Some churches might need to give their pastor a little push (or shove) to get out the door because he might feel like there is too much to take care of at the church right now.

This investment will not only advance the Kingdom in various parts of the world, but will expand the world view of every pastor.  This in turn will expand the worldview of many churches.  And once this happens, who knows what awesome global church-mission partnerships will emerge!?

Pastors Doing What They Do Best

I am looking forward to my pastor friend’s return later this week and hearing his stories of how just two weeks in central Africa changed many people’s lives and ministries!  Also, I want to hear what he thinks God might have next for him and his church in His Mission!

There are countless way to be involved in world missions.  Yet perhaps one of the easiest, and at the same time most useful, way for pastors to be involved is as pastors.  The vast majority of pastors around the world would love to have quality practical training in preaching, shepherding and leading from those who have already done it or are currently doing it.

Pastors, think about how others have invested in you, your life and ministry.  You could do the same thing for fellow pastors in even more difficult and needier places in the world.  You are wanted and needed and will make a huge difference!

Can you set aside your excuses for couple weeks, and give it a try?  Pastors need encouragement from fellow pastors.  Just get on a plane and get over there and see how the Lord Jesus brings about the fullness of His blessing to them and to you!

And when you return, please tell me your stories.

Encouragement Is Underrated

Leaders are lonely. Some leaders are more lonely than others. This is more true in more isolated and unreached areas of the world.

Travel to Encourage a Fellow Leader

As soon as you show up, encouragement begins. Simply start by spending time together. Talk about family, life and the struggles and joys that are attached. Take time to talk about deeper matters of the heart and share together about your walks with God in Christ.

See their places of ministry. Watch what is going well with excitement. Observe what is not going well and share in the concerns and humbly offer your ideas. Ask good questions. Stay long enough to discuss many times over each of your visions and dreams for ministry.

Gather your friend’s colleagues together for an informal leadership forum. Learn from one another. Talk leaders to leaders about what God might have next for everyone and pray.

In doing these things we experience more of what our Apostle Paul was discussing in Romans 1:9–12 ESV “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Encouragement Changes Everything

“Is that all you did?!” People might say this to you. Or, you might fear people are thinking it, or you are thinking it yourself.

But you did more than show you care. Encouragement is severely underrated. This is because of our overly pragmatic approach to ministry, and our out-of-control desire for immediate and reportable results. In reality, planning for a profound future took place.

Encouragement changes everything because it changes perspective and builds long term relationships. The lives of leaders and the future of ministries change simply by spending time together thinking bigger and thinking about it out loud together. There is no need to worry about action, because leaders by definition will take action.

The Apostle’s letter to the Romans ends like it began with anticipation of the blessings that come from mutual encouragement. Romans 15:29 ESV “I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

Leadership can be a lonely calling. So, just get on a plane and get over there and see how the Lord Christ brings about the fullness of His blessing to them and to you!

Pray That Other People’s Prayers Get Answered First

Your friends might pray better prayers than you do.

The Praying Prayer Team

I have many friends who regularly pray for me, my family and my ministry.  Sometimes, I wish I could listen in while they are praying.  This is because I know them and how spiritually-minded they are.  I am confident they are praying for my best and for the advance of the Gospel of the Kingdom through me.

One reason I would like to listen is to hear how the Holy Spirit might be leading them to pray for God’s will for my ministry.  But, I don’t need to hear their prayers because I will see the results of their prayers soon enough!

Borrowing Their Prayers

Sometimes I have a hard time praying for myself.  The same is true for my ministry.  I might just be tired, or tired of praying the same things over and over.  And I am sure I don’t see all the things for which I should be praying.

Every so often I start by praying, “Lord answer the prayers of Dave & Beth, Bala & Carol, Tim & Lisa, Tim & Michelle, Raymy & Jennifer, Brian & Pearl, Bob & Pam, John & Debbie on my behalf.”  These dear friends form my core prayer team.  Other days, the Lord will bring to mind other prayerful friends.  Whatever these people have prayed is surely good.

A Really Good Solution

This kind of praying opens my mind to the broader purposes and workings of God in the world and our lives.  I end up praying for those who are praying for me, and our partnership in the Gospel is strengthened!

Have you ever noticed how the Apostle Paul truly valued the prayers of his mission partners?  He understood prayer to be a powerful means of support, encouragement and actually making a difference in his ministry.

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 

Colossians 4:3 ESV “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ . . ." 

Ephesians 6:18–19 ESV “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel," 

Romans 15:30 ESV “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,”

It is wonderful to know that we are co-workers through our prayers.  Pray for those who are praying for you, that God answer their prayers for your ministry even before He answers your own.

Churches Know Best How To Do Church

In the past few months, I have worked with two churches on two different paths toward developing their global mission focus. 

One church started right off with an exploratory trip to a specific region of the world to find a national ministry partner with whom they might work together for training other pastors and leaders.  Now they are figuring out what their partnership will look like over the next three years as they plan and execute trainings twice a year together. 

The other church started with a careful year-long in-depth examination of their opportunities, putting in a lot of thought in defining their future three to five year partnership.  Now they are excited to get over there with a team and get engaged with the official partnership.

The first church found a reliable guide and went overseas to see what would happen, and now is working hard on defining the partnership.  The second church found a trustworthy consultant to lead them through the discovery process, and now is going overseas with clear expectations to maximize their ministry.

There are many other ways for churches to begin and to develop global partnerships that contribute to the growth of the church around the world.  There are multitudes of variables to consider, but church partners are more desired and more valuable than they often realize.

More Desired than Expected

Church partnerships are crucial and highly effective for church planting and leadership development around the world.  For many churches this is news to them.  They are simply used to supporting individuals or projects.  

But, those they send often dream about a church who would partner with them in the work itself.  Mission agencies and other parachurch organizations are looking for churches to become significant players in cross-cultural contexts.  And national partners long for relationships with healthy churches that can help them accomplish even more with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for His Kingdom.

This is because the heart of the matter is relationships.  Individual missionaries can only do so much, even if they are part of a great team, and have deep relationships with those with whom and to whom they minister.  Agencies will relate at a different level and in more organizational ways, and they will be instrumental in a variety of unique contributions.  More is needed and it is something only churches can provide.

More Beneficial than Expected

National ministry partners might be planting new churches or strengthening existing ones, and on the side they are probably initiating a whole lot of other very good ministries.  What they so often need and want is a church, or two or three working together, to help them figure out their next ministry steps.

The most obvious reason is that a reasonably healthy and successful church must know how to do church well.  Resources and seminars are wonderful gifts, yet even more wonderful are relationships with other churches attempting the same things in their own context, who might be able to provide next level mentoring.

Church partnerships come with a lot of relationships:  pastors to pastors, leaders to leaders, members to members, men, women and young people.  Along with these ever growing number of relationships come more prayer, support, and encouragement from regular church people living regular lives.

Partnership takes on a much richer meaning because of these types and levels of relationships that crisscross throughout each of the churches and ministries involved.  This in turn makes all the training, coaching and mentoring all the more beneficial.  In addition, churches that make good partners are often well networked for access to further assistance.

When it comes to doing church, whether starting them, growing them or maturing them, churches know best how to do church.

How might your church develop a global mission focus, a partnership that will advance the mission in a less-reached area of the world?  Would such an approach capture the hearts and minds of your congregation?  In doing so, they will be launched into a previously unknown world of human need and the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Raiding Temples

Instead of raiding temples for their artifacts or valuables, our teams would raid them of their worshippers.

Temples in certain parts of Asia are a great place to find those people who are interested in spiritual discussion.  At the same time, this is where we have met some of the most materialistic people we have ever met.  We were surprised to learn that great prosperity seemed to be a standard motivation behind idolatry.

Greetings on the Pathway

Our teams have found that the most fascinating temples are the ones hidden far from the main city in Asia.  With a team of a few foreigners and a few national partners, finding them can be as easy as asking a few questions of friendly locals.

In the morning there are many people arriving to make offerings of food or money, to pray, some to take in the beautiful surroundings.  One young couple we met thought it was a good place to go on their first date.

Our team would all be praying as we walked the path and talked with people.  Religion would be the obvious topic at a religious site.  And this can go in so many directions when learning from people about their lives and their aspirations, and how it connects to being at a temple.

After making a few visits to different temples and talking with the pilgrims we soon discovered that many of them did not believe in the religion they were practicing.  Some would tell us they performed the worship because it was what their family did, but then quickly jump to the more common explanation that it might work in brining them more luck for a better future.

This desire for job promotion, being famous, deathbed healing, or coming into a financial windfall was extremely strong.  When asked if they really believed that worshipping the images helped bring greater prosperity into their lives, or health for their loved ones, they would usually pause and state honestly that they just didn’t know about such things.

A number of people would tell us about their hope to learn more about a true god they sensed must be out there.

Eating Lunch Together

Not everyone on the path was so friendly and open.  Some would dismiss us or just glare, others would curse and threaten with a half-hearted chase.  And then there were a few who were under the palpable influence of evil spirits.

In spite of these, from our experience about half of those we encountered were eager to talk, and continue the spiritual nature of the conversation.  So we would often go to lunch together with a small group of temple worshippers and our team, about 10-12 of us all together, after they finished their religious activities.

During a relaxing meal together we could get to know one another a little better.  And since we had already started the spiritual conversation, we could get right into more meaningful conversation.

We would continue to talk about personal relationships, success and happiness, about life and death, sickness and healing, spirits and the power to bless and curse, and such things.  Whatever seemed to be the most pressing concern is the topic we would use to introduce the Word of God and its wisdom from the only true God.

We would continue to share stories from our own lives, and each of us about our personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Gospel was new to all of them, having never heard about the Bible or its message of salvation, and a full and eternal life in Christ.

Some would shut down at Gospel answers, but still listen.  There would almost always be two or three people with great interest and many questions.  These individuals would want to introduce us to more people with similar spiritual interests and move further in our conversation.  And so, dinner plans for that evening were now underway.

Sharing before Believing

It was these next set of meals, questions and conversations that were the most lively, enjoyable and resulted in the most progress.  Everyone at these dinners was eager to learn and grow in spiritual ways.

We would have our new friends retell the story of Jesus Christ to their friends and relatives the best they could.  With our promise to help fill in the gaps they had confidence to share the Good News.  It was always fun to hear which part of the Gospel they chose to emphasize—most often it was the Resurrection of Jesus.

The free flowing conversational style allowed us to revisit all the topics from the earlier lunch, and even those discussed way back on the path to the temple.  Certainly, no one at that dinner, or anyone we met earlier that day, would ever see worship at the temple the same.

They would now have to consider the message they heard from the Bible about sin, salvation and hope in Jesus Christ the Lord.  Their enthusiasm for material blessings was challenged, and redirected to something much more valuable than previously thought about.

Our real hope and the plan behind all of this was to start a church with this final group of people, if the Lord chose to save among them.  Typically one of two would profess faith in Christ, a handful of others who were still considering Christ would commit to meet regularly to study the Bible.  All agreed to ask others to join the group that one of our national partners would lead.

That was all in a day’s work.  This scenario was being played out by two of three of our teams every day for a week at different temple locations.

That is why raiding temples is one of our favorite pastimes.

Mobilizing Near Culture Mission Efforts

It is not about who can do it best, or the quickest and easiest.  And it is certainly not about who can do it for the least amount of money!

It is about results.  It is always about results.  And the best part is that it is also about relationships.

So, Who is the Best?

Suppose there is an unreached people group somewhere in the world your church wants to reach.  Actually there are over 6600 of them as of today.  How might you reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Consider the fact that there are most likely Christians and churches in nearby societies who could reach them better than you.  This is because they look more similar, speak more similarly, and understand so much more than you.

Consider also, that it is probable that they might need and want some training in strategy and skills, or other foundational matters.  It is highly likely that you would be able to provide what is needed, or find it for them.

And be aware that there might be an enormous amount of history of which you are unaware.  This history is reality, and it comes with fears and misunderstandings.  It will take patience and perseverance to bring transformation with the Gospel.

What will you do to build relationships, and share a common vision?  What will you do to truly share the mission, not take it for yourself nor push it all on them?

It is Not Us or Them, but All of Us Together

Doing it alone, especially if you are well resourced, can accomplish a lot sometimes, but not most times.  What appear to be astounding results very often prove to be very short-lived, if you take the time to honestly examine the long-term results.

In the long run developing partnerships will have the greatest impact.  It is not about who is better equipped.  It is about equipping, and even more important, it is about empowering others!

There is one People of God spread out over the globe.  The key is working together in spreading the Gospel, planting churches, developing leaders and fulfilling the larger vision of the Kingdom of God.

The concept of working together is not usually worked on enough.  If it hasn’t become hard to do, then you probably haven’t yet attained real togetherness, real partnership or deep relationship.

Think Resourcefully

When considering reaching the unreached, let us consider how near-culture cross-cultural mobilization might be more effective in both the short-term and in the long-term.  And let us allow this to inform our strategy, correct our assumptions and channel our desires for the Gospel mission.

Let us not be quick to assume a solution.  Let not our first assumption be that we alone need to place our own residential missionaries to get the job done, or simply pay national workers to do it, or get them the best materials, or send the best short-term teams, or whatever sounds quick, easy and inexpensive.

Very often, most of the resources necessary are close by!

When A Missionary Has To Return Home Unexpectedly

Sending back a missionary is not an easy thing to do, neither is returning home early as a missionary; such situations can be really awkward.  There will be many questions and concerns.  

The Apostle Paul had to do it and we can learn from this example of Epaphroditus. 

Philippians 2:25–30 ESV “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.”

Epaphroditus quite possibly carried this letter to the Philippian church with him.  If not, both he and the letter arrived in Philippi about the same time. 

His Great Value in the Mission

The Apostle begins by stating the matter plainly and then commending Epaphroditus very highly.  He doesn’t want them to get any wrong ideas, but to hold him in high regard.


First, Paul says that Epaphroditus is “my brother,” speaking to the affectionate bond established by working closely together for the Gospel.  He was Paul’s “fellow worker,” part of his inner circle doing critical evangelism and church planting work.  He was a “fellow soldier,” which is a way of referencing the opposition, persecution and suffering he endured with Paul, perhaps even prison in this spiritual warfare.

Epaphroditus was also their apostle or “messenger,” sent into pioneering missionary work with the Apostle Paul.  Furthermore, he was sent to serve Paul’s needs as his assistant.  They likely heard about Paul’s imprisonment and sent off Epaphroditus to “minister” to the Apostle.  However, it appears that he ended up doing much more than this, as is often the case on the mission field.

The Apostle Paul had two main reasons for sending the missionary Epaphroditus back to his home church in Philippi.  Epaphroditus needed to be with them again.  And the Philippian church needed him for their own joy in the ministry.

His Need to Be Back Home


It was urgent that Epaphroditus return home to the Philippian church because of his longing for them and distress for them, and perhaps even because of the illness itself.  These are emotional reasons, but they should not be looked upon as negative reasons, for Paul does not present them in such a manner.  

It is not uncommon to write Epaphroditus off as homesick and emotionally frail, unfit for service.  However, his longing for them was not likely immaturity, or a mental illness, or something showing him abnormal and unsuitable for the mission enterprise.  More likely, this was an ongoing longing that was processed appropriately and spiritually.


The Apostle Paul validates and approves of him throughout this letter.  Now was the right time to send him back, having completed his work, and recovered from near death.  And it is possible that he would return again to Paul’s team sometime later after this trip home.


Epaphroditus’ anguish over his home church had to do with them hearing about his illness and wanting to communicate more clearly with them.  If they were in Ephesus this would be a relatively brief trip, taking just days; but if they were in Rome, then travel would take weeks.  

If he got sick on his way to see Paul, it could have been reported by a traveling companion, and Epaphroditus knew about their concern and wanted to get back soon.  If he got sick later while with Paul, then maybe a messenger told the Philippians about Epaphroditus, and after they send a message of concern it is decided to send Epaphroditus back immediately.
 


The Apostle further confirms the seriousness of the illness and so the distress over this.  Epaphroditus almost died for the Gospel!  Paul himself was very emotionally involved as he emphasizes God’s mercy to him and not having “sorrow upon sorrow,” in his death.  

God glorified Himself in healing and showing mercy to Epaphroditus, to Paul, to Philippians.  There must have been intense prayers, prayer meetings, efforts, emotions, energy, faith expended.  They were prepared for whatever God would do, but what a joy to have the mercy of healing!


Sometimes missionaries need to come home for periods of time for all sorts of good reasons, even retooling, and sometimes permanently.  This should not be seen as failure, but as part of the intensity of the mission of the Gospel.  Rather we are to rejoice in it all, especially as churches involved in sending and supporting!

The Church’s Need for More Joy

We don’t know the nature of the illness, extent of healing, or whether Epaphroditus would return to work with Paul.  Yet, it seems that he was sent home earlier than expected.

The Apostle Paul had two goals in mind for the Philippians.  First that they would see him and rejoice again; and second, that he himself would be relieved of the responsibility he bears for all of them.

The Apostle is eager to send Epaphroditus back to them that they may “rejoice again.”  Seeing him would be cause to rejoice yet again, certainly over his recovery, but really to rejoice with him over all the Gospel work accomplished.  So, Paul really wants to give them more joy, joy in the Mission!


Paul would no longer have to bear the burden of Epaphroditus not being where he should be right now and perhaps in his condition, and himself worrying about the Philippians’ concerns.  


Paul further encourages the church to celebrate together with Epaphroditus.  This would dispel any discouragement that might be lingering, or hesitancy on how to respond.  He certainly doesn’t want his main church partner in the Mission to lose any enthusiasm over a normal minor setback, which really shouldn’t even be perceived as such.  This is not a failure, but a success!  Rejoice!

They are to make a big deal about his return.  Welcome him, honor him, be filled with joy together.  To do so “in the Lord” is to take a spiritual view of matters, Christ’s view of the Gospel Mission.  Much has been accomplished, and their will be more to do, more sacrifices to be made!

Christ Himself had directed in it all—selecting him, sending him, returning him—through them.  Epaphroditus gave what the whole church cold not give—their physical presence and service.  If they all could have been there undoubtedly they all would have been.  Epaphroditus was an extension of them, and Paul was grateful. 

Epaphroditus served like Christ for Christ’s goals for the Gospel, risking and nearly giving up his life.  Epaphroditus courageously put himself in harms way for the work of Christ.  He did not play life safe.  The Mission is risky.  And this makes the joy all the more joyful!

Crafting A First Liturgy

This group of five friends and co-workers were filled with joy after receiving Jesus Christ.  They looked at one another and our team members, and asked with eager expectation, “now what do we do?!”  

They didn’t know any other believers in their small city in southeast Asia.  How were they to worship God together and grow in Christ together?  This is what they wanted to know.  What would you tell them?  How might you help them?

Worship 101

Here is what those creative team members of ours did.  They helped those new believers see themselves as the beginning of a church and helped them craft their first worship service.

The team had to think through all of this from the ground up, looking at Scripture again for themselves.  They were meeting with the new believers the next day in the afternoon  to answer their question, and they had to keep it simple.

They decided to teach on the most basic elements:  prayer, Scripture reading, singing praise to God, teaching the Word, caring and praying for one another.  More involved topics such as the Lord’s Supper, and matters of church life, would need to be covered by national partners later.

Nonetheless, this still would not be as simple a meeting as it might sound.  These new friends didn’t know anything about prayer.  What is prayer?  How do Christians pray?  And when it comes to reading Scripture, let alone studying it together, where should they start?  How will they understand properly?  Singing will be wonderful, but what kind of songs should they sing?  Where will they find the songs and music?

At least the part about sharing their lives, caring for one another, and praying for one another would be easy.

Worship Practicum

The biggest obstacle in all their meetings early that week was the constant distraction of mobile phones.  So, when they wrote out the liturgy for the group it began with the ritual of silencing mobile phones in order to focus on worshipping God and learning from His Word.

The mission team crafted a simple order of worship to follow for now.  They provided the group of new believers with many Scriptures to use and study, and of course Bibles for those who didn’t have one.  

They talked through all the worship ideas together, looking up Scripture passages and learning together by asking and answering questions.  It was a blessed time for all!

Then it was time to do it—how exciting this would be!  This was their very first experience of worshipping God and as a community of believers in Jesus!  So the group of eight, Asians and Americans, worshipped God together for a long time.  

When the afternoon came to a close, the new Christians asked how often their group should get together and worship the Lord and study His Word?  What they really wanted to know was how soon they could do it again!

More to Come

For all that was accomplished that day and that week with this small group of believers, there was so much more for them to learn about worship and living life together in Christ.  They had many more questions.  And our sub-team of three had hearts full of so much more to share.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”

There is so much more to this story that could be told.  Likewise, there are many similar stories to tell coming out from this region of the world, both of success and failure.  One final valuable lesson to highlight is that working alongside local Christians and under the vision of local churches is a great honor and comfort.  

It would be up to our trusted partners to nurture this group of believers, and help them grow into a thriving young church.  Ultimately, we must entrust new believers and young churches to the Lord’s care in whom they have believed.  And He will care for them!

Sam, Our Bodyguard

He picked us up each morning at our hotel, and returned us safely each evening.  Most mission trips don’t include bodyguards, but this one did.  And Sam was our favorite.

Tough Job from Day One

A number of years ago, our church partnered with a local Christian congregation in a Muslim-dominated country.  The goal of our national partners was that together we would establish about a dozen cell churches in a series of apartment buildings by the end of the week.

On the first day we held a large church meeting before heading out to do mission work.  When the meeting ended the fifteen teams scattered in all directions.  Sam, our government-assigned bodyguard, was distraught.  There was no way he could keep track of all the crazy Americans going every which way.

So I took Sam aside and told him it would be okay.  I bought a couple of Cokes and we sat together on plastic chairs in the dusty alley and talked for a while.  I assured him that the people would be wise and that God would protect them.  He said he believed in God.

I told him to relax and stay cool, we would all be back in a few hours.  And then I left.  Since we all returned as promised, he was much at ease the following days.

Friendship Beyond Religion

Sam’s job was to protect us each day as we traveled.  He was even ready and willing to shoot others for our safety.  Sam was a Muslim man, but by God’s design, ironically ended up making a way for our team to share the Gospel more freely.  Apparently, ensuring national tourism dollars was more important than religion in this religious land.

Sam really had no choice but to listen to our Christian messages and meetings.  And we would share Christ with him, and share stories from our lives with one another.  He enjoyed being with us and our national partners, and we enjoyed having him with us.  We all learned a lot from one another.

After three days with us, Sam was transferred to a different detail, and our group was assigned another bodyguard.  Maybe Sam was listening too sympathetically to Gospel.  Or, maybe it was simply a routine change.  We never saw Sam again on that trip, but many of us still pray for him and what he heard.

God’s Glory in Hard Places

Much progress was made toward the goal of starting apartment-based call groups.  Our partner church put a lot of the line to make this happen.  This is because they firmly believed that the Lord wanted them to reach out more boldly and share hope with their community.

It would cost them a lot in the coming years.  The loss of a building and property by unethical means.  And even one of their leaders would be martyred.  This is a difficult place to be a Christian, and moreso to spread the faith.

Their courage and risk-taking was inspiring, humbling and empowering.  They assumed the cost without reservation, even when it came time to pay it.

Hebrews 10:32–39 ESV “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

God sets up our relationships, those with partner congregations and mission opportunities, and those with bodyguards such as Sam.  We need to be ready for whomever and whatever God brings our way.  We must be intent on bringing glory to Him by our faithful Gospel witness, by our our honorable actions and in pursuing the relationships in front of us, without fear.

Customization Over Standardization

A growing number of mission trips and mission events involve training.  This is a wonderful development since quality training is greatly needed almost everywhere in the world.  

But then, how should we decide what to teach?  Generally, there are two types of approaches, the standardized and the customized. 

Standardization:  Focus on Content

When a church or mission team becomes involved in training events one of the first concerns is what content should be taught.  Attention is given to what the the pastor or mission leaders know how to teach, are good at teaching, or something about which they are passionate.  Favorite topics are theology, methods for evangelism and discipleship systems.

Once curriculum is found or developed that teaches the needed information, the next concerns are its accessibility, reproducibility and, additionally, how to perpetuate it as a program, especially if multiple trips and events are planned.  Standardized curriculum works well for this and can easily gain supporters and advocates.

If everything goes according to hopes and plans, the material becomes widely used and appreciated.  A successful program will be a tremendous help to thousands of people.  And for this we are truly thankful to the Lord!

Even so, might there be a more valuable approach to training, in certain contexts?  What would the national Christian leaders identify as their most crucial training needs?  How do desires for relationship, and expectations of resources, impact acceptance or rejection of our training materials and events?  Where does the standardized content fit well, and where does it miss the mark?

Customization:  Focus on Context

What if, instead of focusing on the content we are able to deliver, we focused on the ministry context and asked our partners what they really want, and need?  

Then we can design training that will be more valuable and more valued.  It will take more work procuring what is needed, rather than just looking at what we have to offer.  But this gives our partners more options; and it has the potential to meet more critical training needs and address their top priorities.  When this happens the national leaders will be highly motivated to use what they learned and multiply the training.

We will need to keep on asking our partners what they want in order to reach a deeper understanding and gain a more complete picture of their situation.  We must be able to continually adjust to changing needs and developing situations.  And we must allow for modifications of our material, and trust our partners in this.

Most likely our national partners will be recipients of information from a number of standardized trainings and quality conferences.  This is a good combination for them, because they will want to discuss it with us and have us help them process and apply what they learned.  Often what is wanted more than anything is relationship, friendship and ministry mentoring. 

Move To A Higher Level

Standardized trainings are valuable, but they are used too often and relied upon too much.  Making the effort to customize training will produce more helpful and effective training events, and ultimately be more satisfying and influential.

Both approaches to training are sorely needed, and sometimes even both in the same location.  However, the standardized approach to training is often favored because it is easier to explain what we are doing and teaching, requires less personal involvement, and lends itself to measurable reporting.

Consider moving toward a more customized approach.  Suits come in many different sizes when purchased off the rack, yet nothing fits as comfortably as a suit tailor-made.

To “Come And Do” Is Better

A south Asian national partner friend of mine scoffs at the American notion of wanting to simply “come and see.”  This is the idea of exploring and observing ministry and culture, being fearful of imposing Western Christianity, or speaking too soon before a thorough analysis can be completed.  This is an overly cautious approach.  And taking too long to get involved can lead to other problems.

Just Speak and Do Something

His advice, and mine, is to move past our reticence, and what are often only selfish concerns.  We can observe while we are busy contributing.  In so many places in the world Christian leaders and people are starving for good teaching, for outside encouragement, for friendship with a smile, for advice, counsel, a helping hand, for any input that might possibly be helpful even in the least!

Once we start speaking and doing, the national Christian leaders will be able to discern between Biblical truth and value, and simply American applications.  No worries, much of the time.  People are smart, especially God’s people.  Be open and seek deeper dialogue and your most valuable contributions will become obvious.  But, you have to be open and non-defensive, a learner yourself.

Be Prepared for Anything

Sometimes I wonder if we Americans are too often too lazy to prepare, even too afraid of an intense schedule or the strenuous work ahead of us that is required.  Many of our national partners and hosts wonder why we only want to watch and not participate.  Is this a waste of their time, perhaps?

A good national partner friend of mine, trusted colleague, and true Gospel partner, only allows foreigners to “come and do.”  A good policy.  He challenges me every time to put out, and be useful, and be valuable to those God has placed in front of us.  The mission is urgent, so get up there and share something.

Speed it Up

Often as Americans we are looking for the perfect mission setup, but in the process we slow down the mission.  We want a thorough analysis, all our questions answered, and absolute, or near enough, guarantees of success.  We want the best situation out of all the situations in the world.  I have actually thanked my national partners for their patience with Americans, and with me.

We move way too slowly, producing uneasiness in our national partners, because we are looking at advancing the Gospel the way we do at home—not very well, hidden deep within our own methods of painstakingly seeking cultural acceptability.  We need to move it, move it!

Please do not go over there just to “come and see,” but go to “come and do.”  This way you will invest yourselves; you will learn; you will grow; you will be appreciated.  Ultimately, you will return and keep on blessing your friends and partners in the Gospel!  And you too will be blessed beyond your own expectations!

Just get on the plane, and just do something, my friends.

They Strategized Without Us

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!

Are We Training Too Many People?

It is easy to arrange Christian ministry training events in many places around the world.  

Training by Addition

Leaders and ministries are in need of training and greatly desire it.  We often begin with training a few, and the few quickly expand to many, and then the many moves to unlimited.

The pressure builds from one event to the next, year after year, for inviting more and more people.  When this happens the costs skyrocket, so does the notoriety, as well as the influence it seems.  

However, it is common that the expectations of the participants is for personal ministry value and resourcing their own ministries.  It can easily become a situation of training dependency. 

A lot of good results from that approach to training, but what if we stepped back from adding more training and including more people?  What if we purposefully reduced the size of our training events and intentionally structured training for multiplication?

Training by Multiplication

A different approach might be to select quality trainers from a number of church planting movements who themselves are already training and influencing others.  For example, invite only two or three from each movement to join a leadership community of about 30-60 trainers.

Part of the training events should include training on training others, and setting up structures leading to reproduction and even further reproduction.  But, the accountability should reside within this national leadership community itself, not with the outsiders.

Leaders frequently talk about multiplication, but not enough make it.  In order for the multiplication to work, more than the training is needed. 

It is crucial that this cohort of leader-trainers see themselves as a learning community, speaking into one another’s ministries, sharing resources among themselves, and responsible to lead each other into a greater and more glorious ministry of multiplication.

In addition, ministry coaching and personal mentoring needs to be built into the system.  On-site visits on occasion will greatly encourage the leaders and their movements, and it will allow for observation and further dialogue. 

Church Set Free

A multiplication approach to training will relieve outside church partners of the growing financial burdens, involvement in planning and unmanageable number of relationships.  

The costs will become more reasonable (especially if shared with a couple additional church partners).  The planning will be shared with the national trainers cohort.  Relationships will grow deeper and more enjoyable.  

This change in approach will renew everyone's vision and energy.  And all of the partners will see their influence increase for the Gospel of the Kingdom!

Avoid Questions Using Superlatives

What is the best and most effective way to reach the world for Christ?

I hope you do not have an answer to this question, because there is not one best way.  There never has been and never will be.

Broad Questions Lead to Generalizations 

In our churches we are fond of asking questions such as:  What is the most effective system for church planting in India?  What is the greatest need of the church in China today?  What is the best approach to evangelize Muslims?  What is the prime strategy to bring about cultural transformation in the United States?  Which tactic will end human trafficking most quickly?  What is the key biblical practice for successful mission? 

At first these sound like great questions.  We hope we will get clear answers quickly so we can take them and run!  We can sign up for the best program, or pump funds into the most effective ministry.  And we can stop doing and supporting all those ministries that now appear obviously no longer “the best and most effective” ones.

But the questions are misleading, and usually if answers are given they are likewise misleading.  There is no secret formula, or one-size-fits-all solution, or silver bullet to finish the task.  At least we ought to realize that rarely, if ever, are such large and complex tasks so easily understood, answered and achieved.

This is not to say that we shouldn’t think in more general terms and systems, and even have preferred methods.  Broad thinking and deep analysis are needed, of course.  However, when asking questions seeking to find basically one brief answer, we are being simplistic.

Specific Questions Lead to Better Application

Questions with superlatives are unhelpful because they exaggerate comparisons and result in superficial conclusions.  It is not very constructive for church leaders or mission leadership teams to be thinking in this way.  They will not be able to procure the answers we desire and the ones we really need to move forward in mission focus and increasing our impact.

Hopefully the reason we ask so many questions about mission is because we want to learn and grow, not to have pat answers to tough questions, and ultimately to become more effective in our ministry and mission fields.

What is missing?  Context.  Context is where we will find the answers.  Each location and its circumstances is unique.  There are so many variables that it is impossible to find a best approach to succeed in them all.  Each place varies by its culture, its people, its realities of life, and so much more, and even by those serving the Gospel in that specific place.  

Mission is always carried out in a distinct context.  It will be helpful to customize our questions by adding specificity to our broad concerns.  We might begin by asking those closest to our place of interest to provide further definition of their ministry environment.  Then, we can ask intelligent and strategic questions, tailored to the situation.  This will be a more profitable discussion.  

Churches that have identified their calling for a global mission focus will ask better questions.  They probably have discovered many answers on their own simply by being personally engaged in the work.  And most likely they have been pleasantly surprised to learn that many methods work best; it just depends . . .