Missions tends to reflect the mindset of the missionaries, and the mindset of the missionaries tends to reflect the mindset of the churches they come from, and the mindset of these churches tend to reflect the surrounding culture. Since missionaries during the "Great Century" of Missions and into the 1900s, Christianity has had a triumphalistic …
Category: Money and Missions
The role that money has in missions… both constructive and destructive
Engineering Design as it Applies to Missions (???)
I learned a rule as a Mechanical Design Engineer. Back then I mostly worked on military projects (particularly submarine radar systems). However, occasionally I would work on commercial projects... particularly integrated bridge systems for commercial shipping. Each has very different philosophies. I worked at a company which operated with both philosophies, but it was difficult. …
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Ministerial Suffering and a “Man of God Worth His Salt.” Part II
In the first post, I noted that a missionary (or Christian servant leader) needs trial and tribulation to learn, grow, and bring out the best in himself or herself. BUT... what does that mean regarding missionary preparation and training. I don't know, but here are a few issues. 1. Some churches and mission agencies think …
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Roland Allen Quote on Role of Charity in Missional Outreach
A Quote from Roland Allen in "Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours. A Study of the Church in the Four Provinces" chapter 5 (ca 1912). "St. Paul did not convert or attempt to convert people by working miracles upon them. He did not attract people to Christianity by offering them healing. He did not heal …
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Reflections on Wealth in Psalm 49
I don't generally think of this website as a place for devotional or exegetical writing. However, missions is highly dependent on money, and missionaries are tempted towards professional success rather than God. Therefore, a bit of analysis on Psalm 49 seems quite appropriate. PSALM 49 (1) Hear this, all peoples; Give ear, all inhabitants of …
The Future of “4F” Missionaries?
What is a “4F” Missionary? As far as I know, this is something I coined, but the idea is well established around. This is tThe traditional missionary of the 19th and 20th centuries. I am going to start with 3F because it works better for a Venn Diagram... but we can add the fourth later. …
Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part 2)
2. Challenges Associated with the Philippines A. Cultural Factors. While there are cultural factors that greatly promote community development in the Philippines, including "bayanihan" and the barangay system, this section will focus on traits that (while they may demonstrate themselves positively in certain ways) can inhibit community development. Cultural Factor #1. "Utang na loob". This …
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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. And... assuming the …
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Should a Christian Missionary Ask for Financial Support?
Corrie Ten Boom, in her book “Tramp for the Lord”, speaks of how she used to ask for financial support for her work. However, at a certain point in her ministry, she believed God told her to stop asking for money. She goes on to say that she got two letters close to the same …
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Money, Christian Missions, and the Deadly Spiral
When one’s priority is to keep up with the expectations and values of those around you, it affects your time and money. You buy a bigger house and a nicer car (or two cars). You involve yourself in more expensive recreations and social functions. These put you in debt and fill up your time. To …
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