Culture And Leadership

The Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) research program began in 1993 and to date has studied 60 cultures organized into 10 culture clusters. The GLOBE study has served as an incredibly useful resource for examining leadership across cultures and will in the years to come. Below is a brief overview to stimulate thinking about culture and leadership where you work or minister.

The GLOBE researchers discovered six global leadership dimensions of culturally endorsed implicit leadership theories. In other words, these leadership approaches would be implicitly believed to be what makes leaders effective. Two were universally endorsed by all cultures: (a) charismatic/value-based leadership and (b) team-based leadership. Two were endorsed by a majority of cultures: (c) participative leadership and (d) humaneness leadership. Two were endorsed differently by different cultures: (e) self-protective leadership and (f) autonomous leadership. Effective leaders will make use of the appropriate culturally endorsed theories of leadership within a specific culture, while also taking into account further dimensions of culture. 

The GLOBE researchers described nine dimensions of culture: (a) uncertainty avoidance, the alleviation of unpredictability of future events; (b) power distance, the acceptance of unequal distribution of power; (c) social collectivism, the collective distribution of resources and collective action at a larger group level; (d) in-group collectivism, the pride, loyalty, and cohesion within organizations or families; (e) gender egalitarianism, the minimization of gender inequality; (f) assertiveness, the aggressiveness or confrontation in relationships; (g) future orientation, the engaging in behaviors such as delayed gratification, planning, and investing; (h) performance orientation, the encouragement and rewarding for improvement and excellence; and (i) humaneness orientation, the encouragement and rewarding of fairness, altruism, generosity, caring, and kindness.

Certainly, culture consists of far more fascinating complexity than the nine cultural dimensions and the six culturally endorsed implicit leadership theories. However, these explain a lot and help us see more clearly and understand more thoroughly how leadership works in various cultures around the world. They also help us think through how leaders shape and can re-shape culture. So, when we serve cross-culturally, how can we make full use of culturally endorsed implicit approaches to leadership? How can we do this most effectively considering all the various dimensions of the culture in which we are working?


Dorfman, P., Javidan, M., Hanges, P., Dastmalchian, A., & House, R. (2012). GLOBE: A twenty year journey into the intriguing world of culture and leadership. Journal of World Business, 47(4), 504-518.

House, R., Javidan, M., Hanges, P., & Dorfman, P. (2002). Understanding cultures and implicit leadership theories across the globe: An introduction to project GLOBE. Journal of World Business, 37(1), 3-10.

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.

Trinitarian Salvation

Our salvation is put into effect by the Trinitarian economy of redemption. 

In other words, each person of the Triune God plays a specific role. In brief, the Father plans redemption and directs it out of love for the Son. The Son accomplishes redemption in glorifying obedience to the Father. And the Holy Spirit applies redemption to us in fulfillment of the New Covenant promises.

I compiled these lists of the major works of each person of the One Triune God in our salvation (with selected Scripture references) for the purpose of training leaders in churches. 


The lists are also useful for personal Bible study, reading and reflecting, praying and praising the God of our great salvation! Print this out and take your time and enjoy!

The Role of God the Father:
Redemption Planned and Directed Out of Love for the Son

1. Election of a People in Eternity. 


1. Deuteronomy 7:6

2. Isaiah 43:21
3. 
Acts 13:48
4. 
Ephesians 1:3-14
5. 
Romans 8:29,33

6. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

2. Sent His Son as a Man for the Salvation of the World. 


1. John 3:13-17

2. Galatians 4:4-5

3. 2 Timothy 1:10

4. 1 John 4:9-10,14

3. Calling Us by the Gospel. 


1. John 6:44

2. Acts 16:14
3. 
Romans 1:16; 8:30; 9:23-26
4. 
1 Corinthians 1:9

5. 2 Thessalonians 2:14
6. 
2 Timothy 1:9

4. Justification. 


1. Psalm 103:12
2. 
Isaiah 61:10

3. Romans 3:21-5:21; 8:30-33

4. 1 Corinthians 1:30
5. 
2 Corinthians 5:21 
6. Philippians 3:9
5. Adoption. 


1. John 1:12

2. Romans 8:14-25
3. 
Galatians 3:23-4:7

4. Colossians 1:13-14
5. 
1 John 3:1-2

6. Union with Christ, especially in His Death, Resurrection and Glory. There are many aspects of (and many more verses talking about) being “In Christ.”
1. 

Romans 6:1-11; 7:4; 8:11,30
2. 
1 Corinthians 15:12-58 

3. Ephesians 1:3-4; 2:6
4. 
Colossians 3:1-4

5. 2 Timothy 1:9

The Role of God the Son:
Redemption Accomplished in Glorifying Obedience to the Father

1. Came with Mission as the Incarnate Divine Messiah.
1. 

Mark 10:45
2. 
John 4:34; 6:38 

3. Philippians 2:5-8
4. 
Hebrews 10:5-10

2. Lived a Life of Righteousness.


1. Matthew 5:13
2. 
Romans 10:4-5
3. 
Philippians 3:9 

4. Hebrews 5:8-9

5. 1 John 3:5

3. Ministry of Revelation. (Father and Spirit also)
1. 

Matthew 7:28-29; 11:27
2. 
John 1:14,18; 6:68; 14:9-10
3. 
1 John 1:1-3

4. Cross and Resurrection unto the Father. There are many aspects of redemption in the Cross and Resurrection, and many more verses. 


1. Matthew 20:28
2. 
John 10:17-18
3. 
Romans 3:25-26; 4:25; 5:6-11
4. 
Ephesians 5:25-27

5. Colossians 1:15-20

6. 1 Peter 2:24

5. Representative and Mediator Between God and Man.


1. Hebrews 2:14-18; 7:1-10:18
2. 
1 Timothy 2:5-6

6. Head of New Race as the Second and Last Adam. 
1. 

Romans 5:12-21
2. 
Ephesians 1:22-23
3. 
Colossians 1:18

4. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22,45-49

7. Spirit Effusion and Intercession. (Father also)
1. 

Matthew 28:20
2. 
John 14:16-18; 16:7
3. 
Acts 2:33

4. Romans 8:34
5. 
Hebrews 2:18

8. Authoritative Judgment and Rule confirmed in His Exaltation, Session, and Parousia. (Father also) 


1. Matthew 28:18,20

2. John 5:22,26-29

3. Acts 10:42 

4. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

5. Philippians 2:9-11
6. 
Hebrews 1:3b-13; 2:5-8

7. Revelation 22:1-5

The Role of God the Holy Spirit:
Redemption Applied in Fulfillment of New Covenant Promise of Purity, Presence, and Power

1. Conviction of Sin. 


1. John 16:8-11

2. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

2. Regeneration. (Strong association with Father’s Calling with Word)


1. Ezekiel 36:26-27

2. John 1:13; 3:3-8 
3. 
Ephesians 2:5

4. Colossians 2:13

5. James 1:18

6. Titus 3:5-6

7. 1 Peter 1:3,23

3. Sealing/Pledge and Baptism into the Body of Christ. 


1. 1 Corinthians 12:13

2. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:5

3. Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30

4. Sanctification. There is a range of meaning and various aspects of “Sanctification.” (Father and Son also)


1. John 17:17,19
2. 
Romans 15:16

3. 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11
4. 
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

5. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

6. Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14
7. 
1 Peter 1:2

5. Indwelling/Abiding, Comfort/Assurance, and Giving Gifts to Church. (Father and Son also) 


1. John 14-17

2. Romans 5:1-5
3. 
1 Corinthians 12:7-11

4. Ephesians 4:4-16
5. 
1 Jn 3:24; 4:13

6. Scripture, Revelation/Illumination, Teaching, and Guiding/Directing. (Father and Son also)


1. Luke 12:11-12
2. 
John 14:26; 16:13-15

3. Acts 13:2; 15:28; 16:6,7

4. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
5. 
Ephesians 1:17-19

6. 2 Peter 1:20-21 

7. 1 John 2:27

7. Powerfully Working Obedience/Perseverance unto Glory. (Father and Son also)


1. Romans 8:4-27
2. 
Galatians 5:16-26
3. 
Ephesians 5:18-21
4. 
Philippians 2:12-13

5. 1 Peter 1:5
6. 
2 Peter 1:3-11

8. Wrote Scripture.


1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. 1 Peter 1:10-12

3. 2 Peter 1:20-21

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]

I Already Answered That Question

Years ago I taught a group of 20 young national church planters in a remote and hidden location for a week. My topic was the doctrine of the Trinity. But, to my surprise, at the end of the week the class was most interested in Bible verses about the Return of Christ.

Unusual Question & Answer

Open question and answer sessions can be very helpful to those asking the questions and to everyone listening and thinking through the answers together. These kinds of sessions can also reveal a lot about where a group is in their understanding of doctrine, Christian living, and how they are thinking about their community and mission.

The first person asked about the meaning of a passage in Matthew about the timing and events surrounding Christ’s Return. I answered the question. A second person asked about the meaning of a verse in Mark about Christ’s Return. It was a similar passage, but I answered the question. A third person asked about the meaning of a verse in Revelation about the end times. Again, it was a very similar question. I pointed out how all these questions were almost asking the same thing, and then I answered the question again.

And yes, a fourth person found a passage in Luke he couldn’t understand about Jesus’ coming again and asked the same types questions again! At this point I put a stop to the questions, “I already answered that question,” I said. They looked confused. It was time to have a conversation about the value of systematic theology.

Biblical Literacy is Elementary

This group of young men and women knew their Bibles well and could quote many verses by heart. They were passionate about their faith in Christ, understood the Gospel and could communicate it clearly. Objections to Christianity were readily answered with chapter and verse.

Listening to them share with one another, they would meaningfully encourage and challenge one another from the Bible. They quickly found key verses for spiritual guidance and answers to life’s problems. In many ways they were inspirational leaders who modeled Biblical knowledge and its practical usage.

Systematic Theology Develops Maturity

At first they did not see their problem. They resigned themselves to live with many many unanswered questions, hoping someday to find someone with the answers. They were hoping I was that person, at least for this topic. Maybe God would send them others for other topics.

We talked about how having a theology would help them understand the Bible better, interpret passages more consistently and faithfully. We talked about how our theology can grow and develop as we learn more together. Their own questions they were asking me was a perfect example for them to see the value of systematic theology.

Together we identified other topics of interest and collected Bible verses on the subject. I asked them questions to help them synthesize the Bible’s message on a few topics and be able to present the theology coherently. Confidence started to grow that they could find the answers from God’s Word on many other important topics by thinking systematically about the whole of the Bible’s message. In other words, I taught them how to do basic systematic theology.

Equipping Everyone Everywhere

This experience with these brothers and sisters was a blessing to me as much as it was to them. This is because I would see the same situation replicated in many other parts of the world. When poor interpretation combines with passion, confusion results and sometimes even heresy.

We should be aware of this struggle and work to meet the needs of churches and leaders for theological development. I have found that one of the best ways to teach the process is to focus on the basic doctrines of Christianity (Trinity, Person and Work of Christ, and Salvation) and lead them to discover the historic theology directly from the Bible for themselves. It is exciting! It has tremendous value that helps in practical ministry. And they are then well equipped to work on other doctrines by themselves.

You Can See It In The Eyes

It is easier to assess whether salvation has come into a soul than you might think.

We found this out when doing evangelism among the unreached who had never heard, or heard very little about Jesus Christ. We were surprised how simple this was.

First the Eyes Brighten

When true understanding comes, the eyes change because of a Spirit enlivened spirit that accepts the Gospel. This is the Gospel he never heard before, or she never heard it in this way before; it takes on a sudden and deep personal significance. 

They see Jesus exactly for who He is and the savior they need. The emotions are there with the understanding, but may not be visible to you. It is important to go to the next step and explore the Gospel together further, and gain greater assurance by greater faith.

Then the Mouth Speaks

That next step would involve them articulating what they know and believe about the Gospel. They are eager to share what they have found. Encourage their understanding and add to it. God has prepared, pursued and persuaded them. Just enjoy and marvel!

Show them some Bible passages about their new life in Christ. Being born again they will naturally hunger for more of the Word. What else do they need to know and do? You don’t have to think too hard because they will tell you what they want to know. 

Eagerness is Easy to Perceive

It just isn’t that hard to know whether a person has received the Gospel.  We make it too complicated to discern because we make the Gospel too complicated.

In the Gospel of Matthew there are two parables that illustrate this.

Matthew 13:44 ESV “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” 

Matthew 13:45–46 ESV “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

We make it complicated by poor explanations of the Gospel, exaggerated attempts at cultural integration or additions of parochial viewpoints. On top of this we often add behavioral expectations and lack personal transparency that would make our own transformation more observable.  

Stay focused: do your eyes glisten with the Gospel?

Spiritual Eloquence

Spiritual eloquence is not the same thing as being good at public speaking, being original with cultural insights, or being able to affect hearts with healing words.

It might include such things, but these are not necessary for spiritual eloquence and should not be confused as such, as often as they are.

Apollos: Better Than Most

God has given especially gifted individuals to His Church and for this we are especially thankful and blessed. But, there are only a few like Apollos. However, all of us are needed not just the giants.

Acts 18:24–28 ESV “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.”

Some of us might hesitate to speak because we are not as gifted, or mimic the greats hoping to be somebody someday.  Apollos is a good example for those extra-gifted and those who look up to them. His humility stands out in being willing to be corrected by those less gifted, ordinarily gifted, and see himself as just one of the group, not really any better a Christian. Many mighty would-be Apollos types have fallen in recent years because of arrogance.

Apollos shows us the way to spiritual eloquence by his example of becoming competent and well-taught in the Scriptures and then speaking boldly out of a faith-filled fervent spirit.

Jesus: The Spirit for All of Us

But, many protest they don’t know what to say or how to say it, that they don’t know enough, and that they fear arguments they cannot answer. These reasonings reveal a decided identification with human preparations and standards of eloquence. It is not spiritual thinking.

Luke 21:13–15 ESV “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” 

Acts 4:13 ESV “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

Acts 6:10 ESV “But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”

Jesus Himself provides His followers with the wisdom needed at the time it is needed through His Spirit that indwells them. Spending time with Jesus Christ is what fills up our minds with wisdom and grants a fuller measure of His Spirit. 

Spiritual eloquence comes from Jesus Christ. Be with Jesus a lot, even more than that. And then get out and try it. Rely on the Spirit of Jesus and prove His promise true.

Paul: Not Often Out of His League

We might still find ourselves in situations that way beyond our abilities, humanly speaking. The level of sophistication from the opposition is intimidating, and so even going in the Spirit we tremble. 

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 ESV “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

This is all the more reason to stay close to the clear message of Christ, and rely on His strength, His Spirit and His purposes with that audience. This is spiritual eloquence.

Besides, who and what are we really going after? Isn’t it the salvation and maturity of those He has prepared, not trying to conquer the fierce opposition with our intellect or creativity?

Being afraid to speak for Christ and the Gospel is a matter of spiritual warfare, the evil one assaulting the spiritual gifts Christ has given to the Church. The devil and our flesh induce us to measure with human standards and encourage our rising doubts and fears. 

Spiritual eloquence is not about speaking exceptionally well, impressing others or moving people emotionally. It is simply speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit, which comes from time spent with Christ and in His Word.

Maybe you just need to speak and see what happens.

Overloading Partners With Opportunities

Like a rain that turns into a flood it can become too much of a good thing.

There is such a thing as too many partnerships and too much training. This can easily be observed in areas newly opened to the Gospel with the rush to go in and minister and the eagerness to receive all that is newly available.

It is a challenge for all potential partners to discern and decide because we all want something to work out. We want relationships. We want ministry success. 

Too Much from Too Many

Without realizing it perhaps, when many different organizations descend on an area together they bring a dizzying number of great training options. Many of the programs overlap, seeking to accomplish the same goals, and the differences in choice are not very clear to those who might want to avail themselves of the services.

So training organizations should not be offended when potential partners decide they do not need or desire what their organization has to offer. Those looking for training, coaching or consulting should take their time and select carefully and not be afraid to decline many options in order to choose what is best for them or their ministry at the time. All of us are on the same team ultimately, and we can be confident that God is working out the right partnerships for each of us all along the journey.

However, sometimes the overwhelming flood also surfaces not so noble ambitions in all of us. We maneuver to take advantage of one another to selfishly acquire resources or claim the successes or others through partnership. Yet, even in these situations it can be mutually beneficial for the advance of the Gospel, and over time the Lord exposes jealousies and ministry greed and matures His people.

Too Much from Only One

It is also possible that even just one organization or church can offer too many options. Being so eager to help, with the resources lined up to be poured in, a new large vision is ready to be unleashed.

The vision might be too large for the potential partners, or different than what they truly want and need to advance the Gospel in their society. On the other hand, there may be no vision but merely a lot of varied activities planned based upon all the skills available from the church or organization.

Being over eager it is hard to discern if potential partners are ready to receive and engage, or simply willing to work together. This over eagerness also makes it hard for potential partners to stay true to their vision and assess rightly what partnership with a particular church or organization will mean and what will be the results.

Stop the Flood

Too many options of good things can keep our friends from selecting the best.  We make similar ministry judgments, saying “no” to the good in order to say “yes” to the best. We should expect and actually encourage our potential partners to do the same, even if it means not selecting what we have to offer. 

Learn about your potential partners’ real needs in their context. Listen well and observe carefully and be willing to modify or customize what you have to offer. If your church or organization is offering too much or too many options, spread out. Match your efforts to the capacity of your parters. Find more partners or locations.

Not everyone needs the services you offer. Many different types of services are needed, and your thing is not the only thing and it will not be the best thing for for everyone. Relax and follow the Spirit’s leading and don’t be jealous. God has a place for everyone to serve.

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.

Married Couples In The Crosshairs

Married couples require special attention when serving on short term mission teams.  

Strength and Weakness

Most often they are strong assets to the team, but sometimes they are not because of the unique pressures they are subjected to by being on the team together.  Those who are especially vulnerable are those recently married, new to mission work, and those with many stressors in their lives back home.

If the husband and wife have ministered together before in a cross-cultural context they will definitely be an asset to the team.  But, if they haven't they are most likely in for a surprise.  Even those with healthy marriages will be challenged more than they think and need to be prepared.

When serving on a team that is attempting to make significant evangelistic inroads into a region where there is strong resistance to the Gospel, the spiritual warfare will be intense.  Married couples will be in the crosshairs of the enemy.

All married couples have relationship struggles they are working on.  These will be intensified on the mission trip both due to the nature of the whole experience and also the evil one taking advantage of their weakened position. 

For example, married couples often find themselves fearing for one another’s safety more than they do back home, often unreasonably, and then they are not sure why.  Adding to this stress is the fact that times of intimacy can be hard to find because of the unique busyness and exhaustion the mission work demands.  

Helping the Couple and the Team

As a mission team leader, you will need to be prepared to do some basic marriage counseling.  This starts with the pre-trip training.  It is wise to let your married couples know about the challenges they will be facing and help them develop a prayerful mindset and strategy to face them.

When on the trip, be gentle in dealing with them when they are struggling.  Most likely they will be embarrassed knowing that the team might even know about their conflicts and be concerned for them and lose focus on the mission.

Remind them of the growth opportunity.  Encourage them to table some topics for when they get home.  Advise them to be extra gracious with one another while on the mission and not miss the opportunities in front of them, which is the reason they signed up in the first place!

Philippians 1:27 ESV “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,”

As a practical matter, you might want to put the husband and wife on separate sub-teams so each of them can have their own experiences of success and encouragement.  This will also give them opportunities to serve and interact with the larger team and help maintain unity and focus for everyone.

Short term mission trips are wonderful for married couples to experience together.  Just be selective on which could you take along, and how many you can handle.  Be spiritually perceptive as a team leader in order to help your team with their relationships and to successfully accomplish their mission together as a team.

Discipleship Without Evangelism

There is a lot of discussion these days about recovering “discipleship” in our churches.

Discipleship Definitions

It can be confusing listening and reading about the call to return to discipleship.  It seems there are almost as many definitions as there are leaders and authors.

Some advocate the practice of one-to-one mentoring, small groups or meeting in triads.  Some promote educational programs to teach the basics of the faith.  Some crusade for intentionality by living missional lives in a missional community.  Some use the term to refer to holy living, calling for radical obedience and accountability.  Some encourage greater involvement in serving the church, community and world.

Whichever approach to discipleship is preferred, everyone is pursuing the same goal of making us all better Christ-followers.  However, one thing is often missing.

One Thing Missing

That one thing is evangelism.  Without actually doing evangelism, discipleship is not really discipleship.  And the hoped for results from whatever discipleship approach is taken will not be realized.

We should examine how Jesus discipled His chosen twelve disciples.  He had them minister alongside Him, and eventually He sent them out on evangelistic missions and expected reproduction (e.g., Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-24).

Evangelism is not hinting to people about Christ, nor is it living out a better morality, nor is it inviting them to a church program.  Talking a lot about evangelism and offering many seminars isn’t going to lead to actual evangelism either.  We have to actually evangelize, that is tell people the Gospel message.  And we disciple others by having them learn this by doing it. 

It Is Necessary

The truth is we rarely do it because we are afraid.  And this is one reason why some make doing evangelism unnecessary for a disciple.  After all it is not a significant part of many churches’ discipleship emphases or programs.  More people will sign up this way.

Discipleship approaches without evangelism will eventually frustrate both the leaders and the participants with limited results.  Discipleship approaches that include evangelism will lead to much more visible and lasting success.

Let’s be clear when we talk about discipleship what it is we actually mean by the term.  And even more importantly, let’s not forget to include practical evangelism as part of the method of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

A Gospel Deprived Of The Gospels

When sharing the Gospel with people, we tend to spend too much time in the epistles and too little time in the Gospels.

Presentation Evangelism

Typically, we have a presentation prepared to give to someone or to a group of people.  It is logically structured and has Scripture verses to match our points. 

Most of the Bible quotations will come from the letters of the New Testament, and then a few from the Old Testament Law or prophets. When the Gospels are quoted it is limited to a sentence that makes a quick theological point.

This is a fine way to share the Gospel.  It is direct, succinct, simple and systematic.  And it makes the decision clear.  Though this approach works well in many settings, it is not always the best method to use.  

Missing Information

All around the world people are missing the story of Jesus Christ.  Most have never ever heard it, not even once.  And those who have, usually don’t remember much or very well, and need to hear it again.

From my experience, some of the most common questions are: Who was Jesus?  When and where did He live?  What kinds of things did He teach and do?  What is the meaning of the cross?  They want to hear stories.

Storytelling Evangelism

The four Gospels were written by the four Evangelists with evangelistic purposes in mind.  They were doing evangelism as they wrote their accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  And they even show examples of Jesus Himself doing evangelism.

Jesus rarely gave people straight answers, but answers that would challenge theological assumptions and lifestyle behaviors.  Even His speeches were structured to make people search more honestly for truth and righteousness, rather than supply answers.  

His style quickly separated people into two groups, those who wanted to follow Him, and those who would rather have nothing to do with Him.  But even those in this last group would remember what He taught them.

Choosing a Method

The presentation approach works extremely well with those people who are ready, or those who need a quick overview of Christianity.  The storytelling approach works better with those less ready, have little knowledge, or those who have little interest at all.  

Don’t always lay it all out early.  Valuable conversation might get lost.  Instead, select a story from the Gospel accounts to tell about Jesus.  Then ask questions.  Listen to the answers.  Give people time to think, process and ask further questions.  You already know the Gospel presentation, so relax and enjoy how the Spirit leads!

Many time you might find it best to combine the approaches.  If so, start with the stories.  Don’t assume people already know them.  Be careful not to let your Gospel be deprived of the Gospels.  It is the best part!

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.”

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!

The First Application Is To Know The Text

There is a lot of pressure to be highly creative in preaching.  Creativity is wonderful, but sometimes sermon-crafting obscures the very text we are attempting to open up and apply.

Misplaced Confidences 

We all want to listen to preaching that engages our mind and hearts, and preachers want to bring the transforming power of the Word into the lives of those in their congregations.  

There are so many distractions, however.  Putting together colorful powerpoint presentations.  Searching the internet for illustrations or media clips.  Writing the message with a view to its future use and publication.  Working with artistic teams on crafting stage props.  

Then there are the demands we place upon ourselves to provide effective tools for people to navigate their lives according to God’s wisdom.   We obsess over making the main points memorable.  We have to write insightful questions for community group discussions that address the complexities of our lives.

This is only a partial list.  Some of these burdens are real and some are phantoms.  Nevertheless they make it hard to preach good sermons because they direct our focus to helping people live more successful and happier lives.  

We end up putting our confidence in these preaching accessories rather than in the substance of the Word of God itself.

Confidence in the Scripture Itself

Recently, I spent time training preachers in southeast Asia.  They faced temptations from the other end of the spectrum.  Lacking skills in studying the Bible and applying the Bible, they would find numerous shortcuts.  

There are many ways to stray.  Preaching other people’s sermons.  Finding commands to obey and forcefully repeat.  Finding doctrines to talk about for an hour.  Memorizing a handful of sermons and repeating them regardless of the passage in front of them.  

Wherever in the world we preach the Word, the first and foremost value must be knowing the text of Scripture to be preached.  The preacher needs to spend a lot of time in the text to truly know the text.  This includes reading and re-reading, meditating and praying, and at times even memorizing.  This process cannot be hurried.

In conjunction with this, serious and careful study will be required to really know what God is saying.  Focused attention needs to be given to observation of context, structure and analysis.  The most accurate, engaging and life transforming applications will come from thoroughness in preparation.  Here is the place to gain confidence for preaching.

Applications will Abound by the Holy Spirit

The first application for any congregation is the same.  It is to know the Biblical text.  Our main objective is to know God by means of His self-revelation in Scripture.

This will lead to the most profound applications by the Holy Spirit.  Perhaps a better question is this:  Will people in the congregation be able to open their Bibles at home and re-preach the passage to themselves?  Will the message statement and how we took them through the passage be obvious, accessible and reproducible for them?

Hebrews 4:12 ESV “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

While keeping such truths about Scripture itself in mind, then we can and should be creative.  Because no one wants to listen to a boring preacher.

Adding Hell To God’s Plan For People’s Lives

He said, “I already have a wonderful life, thank you.”

This was a response we received often when presenting the Gospel to our dorm mates in college using the evangelism tool when had been trained to use.

Something was Missing

Obviously our friends didn’t know the fullness of the wonderful life they were missing by not having Christ.  And some of them surely didn’t have a very good life and were covering this up.  How could we get through to them?

As we (our discipleship group of four) examined our Gospel presentation more carefully, we realized that a very important point was absent—the reality of hell.  Sin was discussed but only as preventing good things in life.  Honestly, most of our friends at this school were greatly privileged and didn’t really see it that way.

So, we figured out a place to insert this discussion with a couple Bible verses.  Hopefully, this would open up some discussion.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV “. . . it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” 

2 Thessalonians 1:9 ESV “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

A New Approach

Every week we would go out evangelizing in the dorms, so the following week we tried our new approach.  As a result, the conversations got more serious, personal and lively.   We were pleased.

Many of our friends hadn’t thought about the consequences of sin due to offending an infinitely holy and just God.  Then, when we talked about the love and mercy of God in Christ there was more interest, overall.  The Cross and Resurrection of Christ became a topic of curiosity.

I think we improved the evangelism tool.  It over-emphasized the love of God and the benefits of being rightly related to Him.  It under-played the justice and righteousness of God.  But, no tool is perfect or complete in itself; it is just a tool to be used with creativity.

The best part was that many of our conversations with people no longer fell flat and just ended.  Many wanted to continue talking about the Bible, their lives, religion, world issues and such.  And a good number were interested enough to join in discussion groups or small group Bible studies on the person and work of Christ.

What Might You Improve?

What tools are you using?  Are they as effective as you think they should be?  You don’t have to throw them out and criticize them.  Perhaps, you could make some improvements.

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!

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.