Many years ago, I was an officer in the US Navy. Today, I find it hard to believe that I ever went that route. I really, really, enjoy my civilian status, and have little to no interest in politics and geopolitics.Getting back on track in the story, I graduated from college and was accepted in …
Month: May 2011
Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part 2)
<Continued> B. Challenges Associated with the Philippines 1. Cultural Factors -"Utang na loob". This term literally means "inside debt". This is an implied obligation one experiences after receiving a gift or help. Since community development is about interdependency, "utang na loob" tends to prevent this interdependency. Instead, it tends to promote dependency ("rice Christian" effect) …
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Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part I)
This is a brief summary of issues brought up from interviews with community development specialists and church leaders in the Philippines in 2007. I have seen nothing to suggest that things have changed. Community Development, I believe, is a critical component for the church and church members in being salt and light to the world. …
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If It’s Broke, Fix It!!
You know the quote... "It it's not broke, don't fix it." Although the equivalent is the contraposive ("If you must fix it, it's broke"), the inverse is important as well. "IF IT'S BROKE, FIX IT!" I believe that there is an aspect of Christianity that is definitely broke, but it is not its essence. The …
(Protestant) Missions by the Century
16th Century Cross-cultural Missions? Almost none Leading Sending Nation: None Primary Concepts? State Protestant Denominations. Theological development. Political/Religious survival 17th Century Cross-cultural Missions? Limited Leading Sending Nation: Netherlands Primary Concepts? Local missions. Migration. Bivocational missions 18th Century Cross-cultural Missions? Yes. Leading Sending Nation? German states Primary Concept? "Tentmaking missions" 19th Century …
What Direction Do We Point People Towards?
This is May 24, three days after Harold Camping predicted the start of the Apocalypse. This is not a gloat message. Most people were not particularly surprised that Christ did not return at that time. But some were surprised and confused. This story makes me think about what direction do we point people toward as …
Is Pastoral Counseling Compatible With Missions
I consider myself to be a missionary. However, my biggest single role is the administrator of a counseling center. There are forms of counseling that are distinctly evangelistic. But “normal” pastoral care, counseling, and chaplaincy typically works within the “faith context” of the client/patient, and assumes (to a large extent) that the person already has …
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What is a Missionary? Part 5. Solution?
I have already said some things that I think do NOT define a missionary. I don't think professional status defines a missionary. I do not think working cross-culturally is a necessary condition as well. Neither do I see the popular Christian understanding of being "Called" as tied of necessity to being a missionary. I pointed …
What is a Missionary? Part 4… the Conundrum
Now, I have to admit that I don't like terms that deny people of their proper place. Back when I was a mechanical engineer, I had a friend who did mechanical engineering, but was quick to say that he wasn't a "real engineer" since he did not have the college degree to support it. He …
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What is a Missionary? Part 3
The third part is the question of whether being a professional (full-time) is a necessary characteristic of a missionary. In other words, can one be a volunteer, be a part-time missionary, be a short-term missionary, a tent-maker, however one wants to say that one is not a full-time professional... can they be called a missionary? …