We think of status normally as Ascribed or Earned, but it can be bought as well. Of course in the broadest sense, buying status is Earned status, but it is not the type of earned status that most of us would find particularly praiseworthy. Consider the following story. It is completely fictitious, but describes what …
Continue reading Is it Sound to Buy Status (as a Missionary) in a Cultural Setting?
I have struggled in my own heart and mind regarding the issue of Power and Powerlessness in the Christian Life and in Ministry. I have heard so many preachers who love to talk about receiving the POWER of God (and Yes, they will emphasize the term completely out of proportion to its value, in my …
Mistake #3. The Challenges of Dependency, Paternalism, and Stewardship One of the first things I learned in missions is the danger of paternalism. A missionary should not amass control others but empower others. Therefore, one should not pass on resources with a lot of strings attached. I also learned that giving can create dependency... so …