Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions - Trends that Shape the Future Eric Swanson
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Nine Game-Changers for
Global Missions
Trends that Shape the Future
Eric Swanson
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 1
Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions Trends that Shape the Future Overview: Article Summary After interviews with 50 leading missional leaders engaged in global outreach the following nine trends emerged that could shape the future of missions: cities, mutuality, partnering, investing in leaders, combining good news and good deeds, greater financial accountability, business as mission, focus, and technology. Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 2
Nine Game-Changers
for Global Missions
One hundred years ago, if you had world and they were anxious to learn. cities, mutuality, partnering, investing
the capacity to survey every person in in leaders, combining good news
the world regarding religious belief, and good deeds, greater financial
you would have discovered that in the accountability, business as mission,
year 1900 34% of the world’s 1.65 focus, and technology.
billion people had checked the box
“Christian” in one of its dominant
forms of Catholic, Protestant or 1. Cities
Orthodox. One hundred years later,
with the explosion of conversions all A little over 100 years ago, fewer than
over Africa, Latin America and Asia, Externally Focused leaders gather 8%of the world’s population lived in
with prolific church planting strategies to discuss ways they are effectively cities. As of May 2007, more than half
and effective evangelistic outreaches engaging in global outreach of the world’s population lives in cities
like the Jesus film, the percentage of and this is a trend that will never be
Christians is still at 34%. With our reversed. If this is the case, we need
current population near 6.5 billion Nine trends that will to consider new ways to engage the
people there are, certainly, many more city. Urbanization refers to a process
Christians today than in the year 1900; shape the future of in which an increasing proportion of
but the percentage has not changed. To an entire population lives in cities and
create a different future--to change the mission the suburbs of cities. Fueled by a desire
trajectory of the church-- we need to for economic advancement, people
think differently and act differently. Author William Gibson observes that are coming to the cities of the world
“The future is already here – it’s just looking for better job opportunities.
In 2009 I personally interviewed not evenly distributed.” 1 All around us In the past few years in China, for
around 50 leaders of large churches are examples of innovators and early instance, with the move toward a
that were effectively engaged in adopters who have discovered new capital-driven economy, between
global outreach. It was a fascinating principles—new and more effective 90 and 300 million people have
educational experience to hear what ways of thinking, being and doing moved from the hinterland into the
these externally focused leaders were that have yet to become the dominant bourgeoning cities of China. These are
thinking and doing. Each leader or prevailing way of living. After numbers “even at the low end match
brought his or her passion and insight interviewing 50 leading missional the entire workforce of the United
to the conversation. Each also expressed leaders engaged in global outreach the States.”2 This is the largest migration
a desire to learn from others who following nine trends emerged that in human history.3 To accommodate
walked in their global shoes. It is a new could shape the future of missions: this migration, which is fueling China’s
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 3
factories, China is building cities from called To Transform a City: Whole private sector (business) and the
scratch. “China has between 100 and Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City social sector (human service and
160 cities with populations of 1 (Zondervan, September 2010)). religious organizations). Within these
million or more (America, by contrast, three sectors are seven “domains” or
has nine).”4 While in Florence, I met with a good channels of cultural influence:
friend of mine, Greg Lillestrand • Education—Entities that engage in
Today there are over 400 cities with who was on the brink of accepting a teaching and training
populations over one million and over new position with Campus Crusade • Arts / Entertainment—Entities that
half the world’s population now are for Christ that would allow him to consciously produce or arrange sounds,
urban dwellers. “By 2015 there will be concentrate on cities—his growing colors, forms, movements, or other
more than 225 cities in Africa, 903 in passion. According to Greg, elements in a manner that affects the
Asia and 225 in Latin America…[that] “the “10/40 Window” has been sense of beauty / entities that afford
will have more than 1 million people a significant missions call for the pleasure, diversion, or amusement
in each.”5 Urban missiologist Ray past few decades to the unreached • Government—Entities (local,
Bakke makes this astute observation, people groups of the world. This regional, or federal) that serve the
“Because missions is no longer across important task must be completed. greater common good of society by
the ocean and geographically distant; In many ways the 10/40 window restraining evil and promoting the
it is across the street and is culturally is the heartbeat of 20th century good
distant, in our cities and in cities on missionaries. The missional challenge • Religion—Religious or non-profit
all six continents. In reality we have of the 21st century is the city. It is service organization, such as churches,
moved from a world of about 200 the new “10/40 window” of the next synagogues, mosques, United Way,
nations to a new world of some 400 generation. Fundamentally it is a Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.
world-class cities.”6 different challenge than impacting • Family—The fundamental social
the unreached in the remote places of group in society typically consisting of
I recently met with pastors and the world since the unreached world one or two parents and their children
Christian leaders who wanted to talk is migrating into cities. Because 80 • Media—Entities that transmit
about city transformation in Italy. I percent of western world missionaries information to the masses via radio,
have been thinking a lot about cities did not grow up in an urban television, print or Internet
and talking with city leaders from environment, this is a high learning • Business—Enterprises that engage in
around the world for the past several challenge for the Body of Christ.” the sale of goods or services.
years (and actually wrote a book Each city is divided into three sectors—
with my good friend, Sam Williams, the public sector (government), the
As of May 2007, more than half of the world’s
population lives in cities and this is
a trend that will never be reversed
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 4
Tom Mullis, director of global Secondly the church is growing in
outreach at Perimeter Church in 2. Mutuality leaps in bounds in developing countries
Duluth, GA (www.goperimeter.org) is while western church is dying. We
giving direction to Perimeter’s effort in The future of missions will be The in the West have always been givers
engaging those 400 world-class cities futureshaped by mutuality between but we need to learn to be receivers.
with populations of over a million the East and West, North and South Reciprocity is not about missions but
people. Their strategy is to, as both sending and receiving nations. this is about the church in community.
Because there are vibrant believers When you come to the global table
“partner with externally and thriving churches in Africa, Asia, you realize that Africa and Asia
Latin America, Eurasia, and even the have different inroads for reaching
focused churches around Middle East, the West is no longer the those people groups. African pastors
saving force in world missions. This reaching Africans in England….
the world to increase is underscored by the fact that some For us it is relationships that lead to
missiologists note that the gospel is partnerships.”8
their capacity to develop growing in nearly every part of the
world but the United States! Can we Stacey Campbell, executive pastor at
leaders and build bridges learn anything from Korea on prayer, Christ Community Church in Greeley,
from China on house churches, CO (www.cccgreeley.org), is surprised
of influence into public from Africa on worship? Mutuality by how much he and people from his
reflects a shift from the one up / one church learn from their international
sector, private sector, and down relationships stemming from partners through mutuality and
a colonial approach to missions. partnering. He tells of one of their
to those in greatest need Bishop Desmond Tutu complained partners whose vision is to plant a
that “When the missionaries came million churches and has been arrested
to bring their cities into a to Africa they had the Bible and we multiple times for his faith, and fully
had the land. They said, ‘Let us pray.’ expects to die for his faith.
transforming encounter with We closed our eyes. When we opened “We have strong partnerships with
them we had the Bible and they had strong leaders in these countries—
the kingdom of God.” the land.”7 Hopefully those days are people on the ground and we follow
behind us. Today there is a need for their lead. We probably learn more,
The Bible may begin in a garden but it mutual respect and mutual learning. are challenged more, and are provoked
ends in a city. For a closer look at ways Missionaries from the west come more by our partners than they are
Perimeter Church is engaging the cities not just to give but also to receive as from us. They get raw end of the deal.
of the world, watch this short vodcast: true peers. And that’s the challenge. One of my buddies just got back from
Shifting Missions to World Class As one missions pastor said so well, Syria and told me, “Over here we
Cities: A New Ripple Effect? “My biggest opportunity is to be a live for Jesus. Over there they die for
resourced, educated white guy and Jesus.”9
Perimeter Church is partnering with submit to a God-called foreigner who
churches around the world to increase needs you.” Scott White, pastor of global outreach
their capacity to develop leaders and at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena,
build bridges of influence into public Matt Olthoff, mobilization pastor at CA (www.lakeave.org), tells how
sector and private sector. Mariners Church in Irvine, CA he navigates in the new world of
(www.marinerschurch.org) notes, mutuality and partnerships:
“there is a paradigm shift towards “I like to ask questions, listen and
reciprocity that is taking place. What learn because of the incredible
does it mean to come to the table as challenge we in the western missions
equals? The West is typically loud, church face in terms of humility.
directive and the one that leads by This past century has been our era of
bringing resources to the table. But missions through the organizations
with 40% of our wealth disappearing like the IMB (Southern Baptist’s
overnight we’ve lost our biggest International Missions Board), Campus
means of what we bring to the table. Crusade, etc., but now we need a new
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 5
humility. In the past, partnership was relationships.
us leading and you walking two steps
behind us. In our post-Christian world
the opportunity to be a missional
church is to learn from missional “Relationships changed the
church overseas. They can teach us to
be a pilgrim people, and its imperative game for our people.”
for us to relearn how to be a missional
church, we have a missional church You can hear about problems like
models overseas which we can learn HIV/AIDS and poverty in Africa, but
from. We can be their students as when our people had faces and names
we have been their teachers. Models for those problems, and began to
are not as transferable as before but know African heroes who are fighting
principles like humility, availability those problems every day, that’s when
and being incarnational are eternal. a new chapter began for us,” says
We have an opportunity to be blessed Tim. “We’ve organized seven big
by them and learn from them if we are trips and have sent countless smaller
willing. Most of the training we have teams of folks to Mamelodi—over
is for a different era. We need to think 1,500 people—who do work in the
differently or we will be confined to township alongside South Africans
the equivalent of making missionary during the day and then spend the
buggy whips.”10 night in their homes aftewards. This
changed everything. No white people
Tim Senff of Crossroads Church in had ever slept in the township before.
Cincinnati, OH (www.crossroads.net) Just as important, over one hundred
unpacks what mutuality looks like in people from Mamelodi have come
their partnership with their partner to Cincinnati to help us accomplish
church, Charity & Faith Mission
Church, in Mamelodi South Africa, a
township of a million people, northeast
of Pretoria. Moved by the AIDS
crisis in Africa, Crossroads stepped
up to the plate by raising $750,000 Lake Avenue Church
to build an AIDS hospice in South navigates in the new world
Africa,11 providing free medical care of mutuality and partner-
for AIDS patients. Although they led ships by asking questions,
with a project they followed up with listening and learning
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 6
our local mission. Mamelodi’s pastor
Titus Sithole has spoken at Crossroads’
weekend services challenging our
people, and the same has been true
of our senior pastor, Brian Tome, in
Mamelodi.”12 Tim also recounts that
the Mamelodi church has strengths
and resources that Crossroads lacks.
“They are so strong in prayer; they
pray for hours at a time. Recently
we sent the church scores of Polaroid
photos of ourselves along with our
prayer requests written in permanent
marker on the front of the picture.”
Tim then showed me a picture of a
Mamelodi woman, eyes closed with
tears streaming down her cheeks,
holding the picture of a young
Crossroads woman with the prayer
request that she would be 100%
for Jesus. Welcome to the world of
mutuality.
Above: Crossroad realizes that the
Mamelodi church has strengths and
Watch Tim tell this story in this
resources they lack. Crossroads recently
vodcast: House-to-House Partnerships
sent scores of Polaroid photos with
in Overseas Missions: Making it
prayer requests because they are so strong
Highly Relational.
in prayer
3. Partnering Left & Bottom Left: Relationships
changed the game for Crossroads
Partnering is different than Bottom Right: Moved by the AIDS crisis
in Africa, Crossroads stepped up to the
mutuality. plate by raising $750,000 to build an
AIDS hospice in South Africa, providing
Mutuality is needed for true partnering
free medical care for AIDS patients
to exist but whereas mutuality has
to do with the equality of those who
come to the table, partnering pertains
to the purposes or projects that require
the need of real partners. Tom Mullis,
at Perimeter Church points out that,
“the age of pioneering in
Western missions is over but
many don’t realize it.
Local people are more effective in
reaching local peoples. But they do
need training. We in the West started
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 7
as pioneers but over the years we have to help their partner church accomplish marriage—dating and courting…
deteriorated into patrons of projects. their goals and thirty people from their it’s a relationship. We talk in terms of
Now we need partnerships around partner church in Mexico crossed the “transactional.”
shared values rather than bringing in border to work with congregants of
our separate agenda or program.”13 The Crossing in Southern California They talk in terms of communal. Our
Partnering is not about bringing during their Serve Day. challenge is communicating reciprocity
prescribed programs with us but in greater means and measures.”15
begins with what indigenous leaders in Almost all the churches interviewed
the country are trying to accomplish. mentioned the absolute importance In the spring of 2009 Mariners
Mike Kenyon of Rock Harbor Church of long-term relationships being the brought their overseas partners to
in Costa Mesa, CA (www.rockharbor. singular key to sustainable and fruitful Irvine where together they formulated
org) understands this well. partnering. Matt Olthoff at Mariners their global strategies. Many leaders
“There are still structural things the Church shares a helpful insight on commented that this was the first time
West can still bring but our posture partnerships, :there is a big shift in their lives where they were treated as
is always to come as equal partners… occurring now in missions. peers by those from the west.
as brothers and sisters. Our overseas
friends don’t want great Western It’s no longer ministry Steve Hanson, global impact pastor
partners to come and save the for the Church of the Open Door in
day. This new reality provides and to or ministry for but Maple Grove, MN (www.thedoor.org)
opportunity for collaboration.”14 develops the analogy of dating. “Sure,
ministry with. we support missionaries whom God
Ian Stevenson, pastor of Go Ministries sends out from our church, but we also
at The Crossing in Costa Mesa, CA If you look at partnership from the have what we call ‘focused partners,’
(www.thecrossing.com) is pioneering West it is very business oriented and of which we have five. I sometimes
mutuality in missions. Leaders from The transactional. The rest of world refer to our focused partners as
Crossing recognize that people in each defines partnerships in terms of marriages because we pursue them in
of the five countries they are ministering the same way—we talk, we date, hold
in have something to offer their church In the summer of 2007, teams of hands, we walk together, hug and kiss,
in suburban Southern California. In the people from The Crossing crossed the get engaged, get married and have kids.
summer of 2007, teams of people from border to help their partner church These are long term partnerships and
The Crossing crossed the border accomplish their goals. we don’t marry everyone we date.
Bob Roberts of NorthWood Church in
Keller, TX (www.northwoodchurch.
org) cogently sums up what is most
needed. He advises that churches,
“don’t go in as the ‘savior’
but as a partner.
Realize that you are going to receive
as much from getting to know them
and experiencing them as you will give
them. Don’t forget you’re a pilgrim,
not a missionary. A missionary goes
and gives with an end-game in mind or
a project to complete. A pilgrim simply
gives and receives on a journey.”16
Partnering may also pertain to
the concept of Western churches
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 8
partnering together in different areas “We focus on a key leader of an I go into a village, I don’t know how to
of the world. During the first gathering indigenous church who shares our dig a well or build a building, but I do
of the Global Connections Leadership values and is getting the job done. know relationships.
Community, there was a huge We realized that if we came alongside
9’x13’ world map hanging on a wall these leaders we could accelerate what “When I walk into a local
surrounded by pictures of what the they are doing so they could become a
participating churches were engaged regional influence. It’s like the parable church in southern Uganda
in globally. The gathering started by of the talents. We resource those who
asking each church to tell what they are doing the most with what they’ve that is missing a roof
did and where they were engaged in been giving and help them excel even
the world. The exercise ended by the more. We want to find a few key because the people are
leaders placing stickers on the map that partners, stay with them and pour into
indicated their ministry presence. One them to multiply their effectiveness.”17 using their monies to build
of the first churches to present said,
“As far as I know, we’re the only U.S. Durwood Snead, director of Global X houses for grandmothers to
church that works in northern India.” at North Point Church in Alpharetta,
By the time the 12 churches finished GA (www.northpoint.org) says, “Our take care of AIDS orphans,
reporting, eight of them had put their model is to work with indigenous
stickers over northern India. Perhaps leaders, help them develop, reproduce I pay attention. They have a
good partnering begins with good and multiply from there. These
communication. multiplying churches then become bigger God than I do.”20
models for other churches that become
movements of churches.”18 Mariners’ strategy is simple: Matt
4. Investing in leaders Olthoff understands that a country’s
Eric Hanson, director of International ability to receive outside help is based
In 2009 jockey Calvin Borel, upset Impact, Christ Community Church, St. on the country’s leadership capacity.
the 50-1 long shot odds and rode an Charles, IL (www.ccclife.org) works They begin by asking a potential
unknown horse named Mind That with indigenous leaders who are doing partner, “Tell us what God is doing
Bird to victory in the Kentucky Derby. church planting multiplication in six in your ministry? Can you take us to
A couple weeks later, running in the countries around world, “we are doing places where this is working? How can
second leg of the Triple Crown (the things the hard way. It would be easier we help you make this sustainable?
Preakness), Borel switched horses for us to find a western missionary How can we help you leverage what
and this time rode Rachel Alexandra who could integrate our people there you do well across everything?”21 For
to finish first. In the third leg of the but we’re led to indigenous leaders who Ian Stevenson of The Crossing, God-
Triple Crown (the Belmont Stakes), he have not been exposed to the west but sized goals distinguish one potential
again put the riding crop against the we are seeing great fruit. We’re always partner from another. “Our partner in
flanks of Mine That Bird, and though working up hill.”19 Northern India is working to plant 500
riding valiantly came up short and churches by 2015 and 1,000 churches
finished in third place. Not too bad of a Since 2005, in Sierra Leon alone before he dies.”
feat—running in the money in the three they have seen over 1,100 hundred
most prestigious races in the world. churches started with over 40,000 Keith West of Lake Pointe Church uses
Sometimes it’s better to bet on the new believers, and sense that God is their “dating” process to identify the
jockey than the horse. The point is that pouring out His spirit. Partnering with right leader: “First we send a scout team
leadership is everything. Wherever good indigenous leaders does not mean they to see what is going on. If the team likes
things are happening there will don’t send their own people, but the what they see regarding the work and
be a capable and passionate man or people they send are in service to the leadership and something we need to
woman leading the way. Churches local leader. How do you recognize investigate further I’ll bring another
that are effective overseas have learned good leaders who make great partners? pastor with me and vet further. This
to bet on the jockey. Keith West, The most obvious sign is they are begins our dating process. We look for
pastor of missions at Lake Pointe already engaged in ministry without leaders who share our values and are
Church in Rockwall, TX any outside help. Steve Hanson of getting the job done. We respond to
(www.lakepointe.org) says, Church of the Open Door says, “When responsiveness of the local leaders.”22
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 9
1. Spiritual emptiness - “[People] don’t “It will be a place where I don’t need to
5. Combining good know God made them for a purpose.” worry about food and I won’t hear my
2. Egocentric leadership - “The world children cry because they are hungry.”
deeds and good news is full of little Saddam [Hussein]s. This is a far different view of heaven
Most people cannot handle power. It from most westerners who may view
Externally focused churches, by goes to their heads.” heaven as a mix between a nice beach
definitions, are those churches that 3. Poverty - “Half the world lives on and a country club. Having enough
believe that the gospel is and has less than $2 per day.” food doesn’t even cross our minds.
always been, a message that is best 4. Disease - “We have billions of “Give us this day, our daily bread,” is
expressed in its fullness of both words people dying from preventable disease. a prayer I’ve never had to pray,” Steve
of love and works of love. Good deeds That’s unconscionable.” goes on to say but for the two billion
verify the good news while good news 5. Illiteracy - “Half the world is people on earth living on less than two
clarifies the good deeds. functionally illiterate.”23 dollars a day, this is their daily prayer
and the church has the opportunity to
Evangelistically we believe that good To take on the global giants Warren be an answer to that prayer. 26
deeds create good will and good will is came up with his PEACE Plan. The
a great platform for sharing the good Saddleback Website describes the Churches are taking on big projects
news. Combining good deeds and good PEACE plan: and going to places where the church
news is not novel in foreign missions. has never gone before. Churches are
This has always been a strength of the The PEACE Plan is a massive effort to engaged in providing alternatives
sending church—to add a component mobilize Christians around the world for young children enslaved in sex
of physical blessing to the people they to address what Pastor Rick calls trafficking in Thailand and India.
are trying to reach. Cinderblocks and the “five global giants” of spiritual Mark Connelly, senior pastor of
paintbrushes fit neatly and comfortably emptiness, corrupt leadership, Mission Community Church in
alongside of jungle mime and backyard poverty, disease, and illiteracy by Gilbert, AZ (www.mission68.org), is
Bible clubs in the tool box of the short- promoting reconciliation, equipping passionate about what they are doing
term missionary. What is new is the servant leaders, assisting the poor, globally:
level of problem solving that externally caring for the sick, and educating the
focused missional churches are next generation. 24 “we don’t have members;
engaged in. What is new is the number
of influential people who are speaking The goal of the PEACE Plan is to
we have missionaries.
out for global holistic solutions. mobilize the body of Christ—the In the church foyer we don’t have a
churches of the world to engage the five map with pictures of commissioned
In 2003 Saddleback Church’s pastor big giants and thousands of churches missionaries; we are the ones who are
Rick Warren was in Africa where he of all stripes are signing on to be a part going. Initially we asked ourselves
had just finished a Purpose Driven of this global effort. Warren invites all who are the most broken and hurting
Seminar that connected to 90,000 comers. “We need to mobilize a billion people on the planet? Sex trafficking
pastors on the continent. Afterwards Catholic and Orthodox believers. I’m came to our attention. What can we
he was taken to a remote village really not that interested in interfaith do to rescue these women and children
where he met a local village pastor dialogue. I am interested in interfaith and bring them to Jesus?’27
who faithfully downloaded Warren’s projects…. We do have different beliefs
sermons from pastors.com at a post but the fact is we serve the same Mission Community Church found a
office, 90 minutes away on foot. Lord. Let’s work on the things we partner in former Congress woman
Meeting this obscure pastor proved to can agree on.”25 Linda Smith, founder of Shared Hope
be both catalytic and providential as International (www.sharedhope.
Warren began to pray about what he Today churches are engaging the org) Mark said, “Point us in the right
was to do with the influence God gave broken places of the world simply direction” and she pointed them to
him. Under the African sky he began because these places are broken. “I Fiji in the South Pacific and a holistic
to articulate the big “giants” facing like to ask people from developing village called Homes of Hope
humanity around the world. He came countries what they think heaven will (www.visionabolition.org/village.
up with five global giants. be like,” says Steve Hanson of Church php). Homes of Hope is a 43-acre
of the Open Door.” Most of them say, Fijian village that rescues girls and
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 10their children from the streets and the Phoenix area—a hub for child prosti- asset to solve their own problems.
brothels and gives them a safe place tution where the average age of a child With their two-fold focus on church
to live, be educated and discipled, prostitute is 13 years old. 28 multiplication and community trans-
learn to run a business, earn their own formation they stumbled upon an
money, buy their own home and get Mark and other pastors began meet- organization called CHE-Community
the physical, emotional and spiritual ing with government officials to work Health Evangelism (https://www.
healing and restoration in the name towards ending sex trafficking in the cheintl.org). The basis of CHE is the
of Jesus. Mark says, “We send teams Phoenix area. In the spring of 2009, conviction that transformation comes
with resources every six to eight thirty pastors from the greater Phoe- from within community. The commu-
weeks to help them build out that nix area started Streetlight Phoenix nity decides what the problems are and
village. This month we made space (http://streetlightphx.com/), a coop- what a better future looks like. They
for eleven more girls to be rescued.” erative effort between the faith com- find local assets and do their own
To the people of Mission Community munity and other domains of society transformation. This approach really
Church, this is not just missions… to end child prostitution and establish doesn’t require much from outside:
it’s the beginning of a movement. To safe houses in their community. “We We’ve already heard about how com-
give legs to the movement they started believe that when churches come munities have been figuring out trans-
Vision Abolition together people will come together and formation with their own resources—
(www.visionabolution.org) so share resources that serve the greater what they always thought only others
other churches could join in this good of the community. It is then that could do. If a church decides it wants
transformational ministry. One it is possible to change the world in a building, money comes from the
new church partner raised $81K sustainable ways.”29 And that’s what church.30
on Easter Sunday, during the they want to do…change the world.
same hour Superstition Springs Good news and good deeds are great
was raising another $20K. Other than David Thoresen of Pantano Christian traveling companions. Jonathan Mar-
Homes of Hope, there is no safety and Church in Tucson, AZ (www.pantano- tin of Good Shepherd Church says that
escape for women captive to sex christian.org) is committed to commu- even in the toughest of countries they
trafficking. Because of the success they nity development as an integral part of don’t want to leave Jesus at the immi-
are seeing in Fiji,they feel that this holistic ministry. In its simplest form gration booth. Jonathan says, “When
model could be replicated throughout community development takes two we are asked if we they intend to pros-
the South Pacific. forms—need based, where one sees a elytize people through their service we
community filled with needs and asset tell them, ‘We’re here to make Jesus
What was happening in Fiji opened based, where one sees a community— known and Jesus gets known through
their eyes to what is happening in the even poor communities filled with his followers doing good” as opposed
The basis of Community Health Evangelism is
that transformation comes from within commu-
nity. The community decides what the problems
are and what a better future looks like. They find
local assets and do their own transformation.
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 11to ‘We are not here to get followers of the nationals see a dollar sign which continual foreign funds to keep it alive,
Jesus.’ So far that has worked for us.”31 only leads to paternalism and depen- or are these funds seeding a plant that
dence. The untold story is this: When can be eventually watered and grown
One more insight regarding the blend- Americans leave and take their money by locals?” If the project cannot fairly
ing of good news and good deeds may with them, the churches fold. All quickly be funded, maintained and
rise from how different generations around the world we see skeletons to multiplied by locals we don’t invest
think about the Great Commission. great intentions of Americans.’33 in it.
Mariner’s Matt Olthoff related that the E—Equity: We as Americans can cre-
missional question for the Boomer is After returning from ten years in East ate entities that destroy local life. If
“What is true?” The missional ques- Asia, Jonathan Martin, was asked to we build orphanages where children
tion for the Busters is “What is authen- be the pastor of global outreach at get better care and education than a
tic?” But the missional question for the Good Shepherd Community Church parent can provide, parents will often
Millennials is “What is good?” Most in Boring, OR (www.goodshepherdcc. bring their children to the orphanage.
likely good missional thinkers will be org). Living overseas as a supported “The financial gift should not create
asking all three questions but to engage missionary he had seen the effects of economic inequities in the place it is
the younger generation of missionaries, well-intended but misplaced finances. given.” We may think, “This pastor
a church must engage in “good” for the This trail of financial havoc led him to shouldn’t have to live in this shack...
communities they serve. ask the question, let’s build him a house.” This is not an
evil thing, but we need to do so with
“How can we get behind the knowledge that his congregation
6. Greater financial indigenous works without
may no longer see him as one of them -
but an American puppet, and they will
accountability destroying them? never learn to financially support that
pastor. And why should they? “The
American churches are incredibly gen- How can we be lavishly generous but Americans will give to us and always
erous. “U.S. church donations to both incredibly wise in our giving?” Meet- come to the rescue.”
humanitarian and evangelistic trans- ing with a group of other like-mined
national ministry now total about $4 leaders Jonathan came up with four Externally focused churches of the
billion annually.”32 However churches guiding principles that inform all future support mission-critical projects
that engage in global ministry are overseas giving decisions that form the that their global partners deem impor-
thinking differently about who, what acrostic RAISE. 34 tant. This type of giving can only come
and how they support missional en- R—Relationship. We cannot bypass from a trusted relationship. Kirk
gagement. One thing is clear however; relationships and must always lead DeWitt, Calvary Community Church
with relationships—real, viable and in Westlake Village, CA (www.calva-
incarnational relationships. This is why rycc.org) says, “I think it is important
the days of cutting a check we must have our own people we know to have a trust relationship with our
and hoping for the best are and trust on the ground since money is partners in other country. For example
only as good as the people it follows. if we come and say, ‘We want to sink
rapidly going away. a well,” sinking a well may be their
A— Accountability--never give to
directly an individual pastor or indig- seventh priority. On the other hand, if
With all the needs and opportunities enous missionary. We give through or- we go and ask them what they need,
in the world, global missions leaders of ganizations that provide oversight and they may come up with something off
the future are trying to maximize every accountability. Good people are ruined the wall like two SUVs because they
dollar expended on global outreach. by easy access to money, no matter think “We just have one shot at this
The paradigm of funding partnering how well-intentioned they are. American money.” But as we get to
is challenging. Mike Robinson, “Un- IS— Indigenous Sustainability: This know each other in a trusted relation-
leashing Pastor” at Fellowship Bible is all about helping locals do ministry ship we can discover what we can do
Church in Little Rock AR (www. without having to continually need to empower them to accomplish their
fbclr.com) says, “our challenge is how foreign money. If our work won’t mission. “This is way different than
we develop sustainable and healthy continue on without western money, “What can we give you?’35
partnerships with indigenous people we don’t do it. “Ask yourself: “Will the
without enabling those who need help. project I give to require ongoing and
When a gringo walks through the door
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 12Although most church global budgets ies that operate under the cover of we have here is for being global. We
are substantial there is some anxiety “business”—usually some type of have a church full of what we might
regarding the future of giving. One consulting or educational service. The call “cosmocrats”—people who will
pastor said, “We know how 40 year- second group are “Job Takers.” These fly overseas just to attend a wedding
olds respond to giving opportunities are folks who serve as expats overseas or those who regularly travel overseas
but we haven’t figured out how to mo- occupying jobs that nationals could do. for business. So, we are trying to make
tivate 20-30-year-olds to give.” John The last group is called “Job Makers.” them cosmocrats for the Kingdom.”
Chung, minister of mission at Park These are business people that go into Desire is translated into strategy:
Street Church in Boston, MA a country to create jobs and livelihoods “The first trip we took to Turkey was
(www.parkstreet.org) notes that for people. Of the three sectors of soci- a group of CEOs and businessmen.
“in this age of missions our 20 and ety, Public (Government), Private (Busi- We did this purposefully to show them
30-year-olds are more excited about ness) and Social (Churches and NGOs) that we wanted to engage the body
AIDS orphans and water more than it is business that fuels the other two beyond doctors, nurses, etc. We inves-
evangelism and church planting. How sectors. There is no social program as tigated a business idea—a cheesecake
do we combine these?”36 good as a full-time job with benefits. factory. Interestingly enough, there is
Northpoint’s Durwood Snead says: a market; Turks love cheesecake. Go
Dave Hall of Emmanuel Faith Church “Our biggest challenge is a funding figure. We have also looked into the
in Escondido CA (www.efcc.org) crisis that existed before economic possibility of buying an exercise gym
provided this insight: “All models are downturn. Business as Mission is new as a way to engage Turks. We are sit-
based on older patterns of giving. model for funding. A well-run business ting on a goldmine of people to send
will provide salaries of those doing and we’re racking our brains in how to
Younger people respond business as mission. In an unreached do this.”40
world business as mission is a big thing
to be invited into a God has for this time in history. All Lake Avenue’s Scott White notes that
movement not a program countries desire economic development “as we become post-Christian our
so we’re trying to figure out kingdom funding model needs to be different.
and bureaucracy. business. If we are employing people Much of our ministry’s footprint is
we have great freedom to use the Bible not sustainable the way it is. Many
For the older generation they were con- as management textbook to do this in cultures around the world do not have
tent to give money to a church like they countries closed to traditional mission- a charity ethos regarding asking for
would invest in a mutual fund. They aries. These are authentic businesses personal funding so there is therefore
give a check to the church and trust and government welcomes them.”38 must less of this kind of resource ap-
that the church knows best how to in- plication potential. This is another
vest this money. Younger people think Emmanuel Faith’s Dave Hall, says, area from which we can discover (or
more like investment bankers who look “My challenge is figuring out how I recover) other models for mission
for specific singular investment (giv- help maximize these entrepreneurs resourcing. We must train in different
ing) opportunities, like helping to dig a for the kingdom. Whereas before the ways to make bi-vocational funding
well in Southern Uganda or caring for inroad was teaching English, now God the new norm of sustainability.”41
AIDS orphans.”37 This is a new reality is raising up a whole new group of
churches will need to navigate. The age people from the business domain. The
of the mutual fund may be over. traditional missionary who dabbles at 8. Focus
something else will fade away, while
7. Business as fully professionals with kingdom men-
tality are the future.”39
There is a power of focus. On the
flipside the most frustrated pastors I
mission interviewed were those whose church
supported scores of scattered legacy
Ryan King, minister of international
A new possibility for funding that is missions at The Austin Stone Commu- missionaries they inherited who were
emerging is attached to the effective- nity Church in Austin TX serving all over the map. Much of the
ness of business as mission. I’ve been (www.austinstone.org) is trying to time, these missionaries were not the
told that those who seek to do business demystify global engagement and home-grown variety but nephews of
as mission fall into three categories: intentionally engaging business people former staff, or friends of friends, or
“Job Fakers”—supported missionar- in their ministry to Turks. “The energy a missionary tied to a designated gift.
In the past the oft-unstated missions
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 13goal was have representatives from the the sake of focus we stick with our five cation technology there has been those
church on every continent of the globe. partners.”44 who have exploited that technology
The more yarn and pictures the better. to advance the gospel. The printing
This is changing. Churches that seem David Thoresen, director of interna- press, radio, TV, and the Internet have
to be most effective in making a global tional outreach at Pantano Christian allowed the church to increasingly
impact are focused churches. When Church outlines the power of their dual enter a world without boundaries. All
asked what Central Christian Church focus: “Our focus is church planting around us are glimpses of churches
of the East Valley in Mesa, AZ movements coupled with community that are discovering the power of
(www.cccev.com) was doing globally, transformation. We believe that wher- technology—of impacting a country
a staff member did not hesitate: ever Jesus’ church is present lives and without ever physically visiting that
“We are focused on holistic transfor- communities should be improved. God country. Churches and believers that
mation through the expansion of the has brought us into relationship with understand the times are using digital
kingdom of God throughout North- some great indigenous partners who
east Africa. We focus on unreach and share our vision and passion that each Crossroads has discovered the power
unengaged people groups. Unreached church would have within its DNA of focus—going deep rather than
people groups include those who may the tools and desire to multiply itself. broad in an area to change the world.
have an expression of Christianity Wherever we plant churches we want to
but no church. An unengaged people transform communities and clean water
group has no known believers with no has been very big for us since it is tied to
one trying to reach them. Unengaged so many other areas of transformation.
people will die without ever meeting a Our partner in India has started 750
believer or hearing the gospel. All our churches and our partner in Nigeria has
efforts are along this focus.”42 planted over 400 oral churches among
one people group. Multiplying churches
It doesn’t take long to figure out what and transforming communities…that’s
these folks do and don’t do. what we’re about.”45
Fellowship Bible Church in
Brentwood, TN (www.fellowship- For Tim Senff, at Crossroads Church
nashville.org) describes their two-fold in Cincinnati, focus adds synergy to
strategy in their vision: “We are com- global engagement with Mamelodi,
mitted to reaching the nations with the South Africa: “Our church loves to be
Good News of Jesus Christ, building able to focus our prayers, our think-
people up in the faith, and launch- ing, our going, and our giving on one
ing people into kingdom service… massive need of the world in a specific
primarily through the ministry of the location of the world. We’ve discovered
local church. We’re also committed the power of focus—going deep rather
to compassionate love for people who than broad in an area. How we ap-
suffer from disease, war famine and proach money, prayer, worship, spiri-
neglect.”43 tual warfare is changed by focus. Our
focus even caused us to change our
Ian Stevenson from The Crossing in mission from “Connecting seekers to a
Costa Mesa, CA says: “For us the big- community of growing Christ-follow-
gest thing is focus. A lot of churches ers” to “Connecting seekers to a com-
have full menus of stuff they keep add- munity of growing Christ-followers
ing to. We encourage individuals to go who are changing the world.” If there
where they want to go but as a church is not a ‘so what,’ people flounder.
we partner with five places to go and They want to be part of a movement—
make a difference. Organizationally a social force to change the world.”46
we just do five. We have folks that go
to France and a person in Zimbabwe
but as organization these efforts are 9. Technology
not what we promote from pulpit. For
With every breakthrough in communi-
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 14communication to further kingdom first three months of 2009 for pastors deeds verify the good news while good
causes. Walt Wilson, founder and all around the world (www.drivein- news clarifies good deeds.
chairman of Global Media Outreach ternational.org) “We want to identify 6. Greater financial accountability:
reports that “each day more than 5 leaders in Europe and then help them.” What are you currently supporting that
million searches are done on the Inter- would not continue if you were to pull
net for spiritual terms.” On his own your dollars out of the project?
Website they “see a decision for Jesus Where do we go from 7. Business as Mission: In view of glo-
Christ every 35 seconds.”47 Tech-savvy
mission leaders are shrinking the world here? balization and the importance of job
creation, is there anything you could
with technology. At Rock Harbor do to help create life-giving work in
Church, a group of folks committed to Most global missions approaches and countries you work in? Who in your
Uganda developed and advocacy team programs are simply iterations of how church has expertise in entrepreneur-
and used Facebook raise $6 thousand churches have approached missions ship or in business creation? How can
to build three wells: for the past 150 years. But new reali- you link what these people do to what
Dave Gibbons of Newsong Church in ties call for new approaches that can God wants done in the world?
Irvine is big on technology. lead to greater missional effective- 8. Focus: Review all the missionaries
How do we use technology and in- ness. What can you do to help create you support, the places where they
novate to be more effective and ef- a global missions environment that minister and the type of work they do.
ficient in what we are trying to do? reflects the coming realities? Are there ways of identifying locations
As a whole, the church is way behind or target groups (e.g. children, or-
the culture. We need to take technol- 1. Cities: What global cities are you en- phans, students, women, etc) that you
ogy to the next level and be more like gaged in? How could you identify oth- could focus on? Going forward, could
Google that has a dedicated part of ers who are committed to those same you focus your future efforts on a few
their budget for R&D. At Newsong cities with whom you could network / key locations or a few key ministry
we have an innovation lab where we partner? emphases? What might those be?
are birthing new ideas for the church. 2. Mutuality: Evaluate the relation- 9. Technology: How can you use tech-
We have top level business and Web ships your supported missionaries have nology to enhance each of the above
developers in this room thinking about with the people they work with. Are eight areas?
breakthrough ideas. We just started a these relationships shaped by mutual-
site called YangDang.com where we ity and collegiality or by patronage?
connect churches who want to serve What could you do to create and foster Global Connections
relationship of mutuality?
with service opportunities that fit their
passion and DNA.”48 3. Partnering: Who are the “stakehold- Leadership
ers” in each of your global locations?
Northpoint’s Durwood Snead found What “skin” does each have in the Community
out how useful and seamless technol- game? Does the way things are cur-
rently organized make sense through For a limited time we will be launching
ogy could be on a recent trip to East- other Global Connections Leadership
ern Europe. “Europe is like plowing the lens of “equal partners in the
venture?” What changes do you need Communities. If you would like more
concrete. I met a guy named Stephan information on how you can be part
in Dubrovnik who asked lots of ques- to make?
4. Investing in leaders: Who are the of helping to shape the future of global
tions about Christ.” He had traveled missions, please contact Bonnie Randle
to Dubrovnik looking for answers and potential, progressing and proven
leaders that you are resourcing in at bonnie.randle@leadnet.org.
so he and Durwood exchanged email
addresses. Soon they connected over each of your locations? Do you know
Skype and Durwood initiated a weekly enough to answer the question, “What
Bible study over Skype. Eight weeks does each local leader need that would
later he came to Christ and is “growing greatly increase his / her impact
like a weed and says he knows hun- and effectiveness?
dreds of others like himself.” North- 5. Combining good deeds and good
point uses technology to train global news: Evaluate each of your ministry
church leaders. Lead Pastor Andy Stan- locations as to how you are combining
ley hosted five live Web events in the words of love and works of love. Good
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 15Endnotes:
1
William Gibson, quoted in The Economist, December 4, 26
I heard Steve say this in an interview June 25, 2009.
2003 Available at: 27
From personal interview with Mark Connelly, May 7,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Gibson. 2009.
Accessed June 20, 2009. 28
Available from: http://www.brandedphx.com/learn-more/
2
Fishman, Ted, China Inc. Simon and Schuster, New York, modern-day-slavery/. Accessed June 28, 2009.
(2005), p.7. 29
Available from: http://streetlightphx.com/connect/about-
3
Author’s comment: It is important to recognize that us/. Accessed June 28, 2009.
although millions of people choose to live in large cities 30
From personal interview with David Thoresen, May 5,
because of stated reasons, many of the world’s poor migrate 2009.
to cities out of desperate poverty and the need to survive. 31
From personal interview with Jonathan Martin, June 15,
4
Fishman, Ted, China Inc. Simon and Schuster, New York, 2009.
(2005), p.7. 32
Global is the New Local. Interview by David Neff.
5
Praalad, C.K. The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Christianity Today, June 2009 p. 39.
Wharton School Publishing, Upper Saddle River, NJ (2006) 33 From personal interview with Mike Robinson. March 17,
p. 12. 2009.
6
Bakke and Sharpe 83. 34
Jonathan Martin. Giving Wisely: Killing with Kindness
7
Phillip Jenkins. or Empowering Lasting Transformation? (Last Chapter
8
From personal interview with Matt Olthoff, March 17, Publishing, 2008).
2009. 35
From personal conversation with Kirk DeWitt April 2,
9
From personal interview with Stacey Campbell, May 6, 2009.
2009. 36
From personal interview with John Chung, May 7, 2009.
10
From personal interview with Scott White, May 5, 2009 37
From personal interview with Dave Hall, May 7, 2009.
11
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamelodi. 38
From personal interview with Durwood Sneed, May 6,
Accesed June 20, 2009. 2009.
12
From personal interview with Tim Senff, March 10, 2009. 39
From personal interview with Dave hall, May 7, 2009.
13
From personal interview with Tom Mullis. March 17, 40
From personal interview with Ryan King, March 24,
2009. 2009.
14
From personal interview with Mike Kenyon, March 24, 41
From personal interview with Scott White, May 6, 2009.
2009. 42
From personal interview June 17, 2009.
15
From conversation with Matt Olthoff, March 17, 2009.
16
Roberts, Bob Jr. Glocalization: How Followers of Jesus 43
From personal interview with Brian Petak, May 15, 2009.
Engage a Flat World. Zondervan Grand Rapids, Michigan, 44
From personal interview with Ian Stevenson, March 10,
2007 p. 137
2009.
17
From personal interview with Keith West, June 16, 2009. 45
From personal interview with David Thoresen, May 5,
18
From personal interview with Durwood Sneed, May 6,
2009.
2009.
19
From personal interview with Eric Hanson, April 8, 2009.
46
From personal interview with Tim Senff, March 10,2009.
20
I heard Steve Say this in an Interview June 25, 2009.
47
Bailey, Andrea (editor). World Wide Witness: Are People
21
I heard Matt say this in a conversation at Leadership Really Meeting Christ Online? And If So, How? Outreach
Network’s I-3 Conference in Dallas, Texas on January, 28, Magazine, Jan / Feb 2008. p. 78.
2009.
48
From personal interview with Dave Gibbons, April 8,
22
From personal interview with Keith West, June 16, 2009. 2009.
23
Available at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/
october/17.32.html?start=2. Accessed June 27, 2009.
24
Available at: http://www.saddleback.com/aboutsaddle-
back/signatureministries/thepeaceplan/index.html.
Accessed June 27, 2009.
25
Rick Warren Christianity Today. October 2008 p 44.
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 16About Leadership This report was compiled by
Eric Swanson, the Director of the Global
Network: Connections Leadership Community for
Leadership Network. He is the co-author of The
Leadership Network welcomes your Externally Focused Church (Group Publishing,
response. The primary writer is 2005) The Externally Focused Quest (Jossey-
Eric Swanson. Editorial advice was Bass 2010). Eric and his wife Liz have three
given by Warren Bird, Director of Re- grown children and reside in Colorado.
search and Intellectual Capital Support
for Leadership Network. Contact them
via bonnie.randle@leadnet.org
© 2010 Leadership Network
Additional Resources:
www.leadnet.org. VIDEO
The Unchanging 34% Trajectory: Looking for a New Future in Missions, Eric
Want to find more resources like this Swanson, director of Global Connections Leadership Communities for Leadership
one? For the most current listing of Network, suggests that global missions in today’s church needs to move from
free and purchasable resources, some “average” to “great.” The percentage of people who identify with the Christian faith
of which are distributed solely through has not changed in 100 years; it continues to be 34%. “A change in trajectory will
Leadership Network, go to http:// not come from doing what we’ve done, but doing something different,” he says.
www.leadnet.org/papers (alternate: TIME 2:19
http://www.leadnet.org, then select
“resources” then “downloads”) or call Turning Missions on Its Head: African Churches Pray for Americans
toll-free 800-765-5323 or 214-969- Tim Senff of Crossroads Church, Cincinatti, Ohio, describes an unusual partnership
5950 outside the U.S. and Canada. his church cultivated with a cluster of churches in Africa. One outcome was that
the African Christians put the American’s photo in their homes, praying that the
Leadership Network’s mission is to Americans will be freed from the bondage of stuff. Another outcome: “Literally the
accelerate the impact of 100X leaders. floodgates of heaven opened up to our church.” TIME 2:34
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is LEADERSHIP NETWORK ADVANCE E-NEWSLETTER
taken from the NIV translation. Leadership Network Advance is an indispensable, twice-monthly, free email
newsletter featuring the best in innovative church strategies. You’ll gain insights
from the ministry pioneers who are setting the standard for tomorrow’s church.
Each issue will also point you to resources, tools and events that will help you build
a more effective ministry.
For sign up information: http://leadnet.org/epubs_signup.asp.
LEADERSHIP NETWORK BLOGS
Books @ Leadership Network — The place to talk about Leadership Network books.
Learnings @ Leadership Network — First-hand reports of what innovative churches
are doing!
Digital @ Leadership Network — How technology relates to your innovative ministry.
Leadership Network | Nine Game-Changers for Global Missions 17You can also read
