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Christianity Today, December, 2007 |

Christian Vision Project

Unexpected Global Lessons

How short-term mission is becoming a two-way street.

Andy Crouch | posted 12/04/2007 08:46AM

In 2007 the Christian Vision Project asked, What must we learn, and unlearn, to be agents of God's mission in the world? CVP editorial director Andy Crouch has been exploring this question with mission ...

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Carl Sheneberger

Posted: December 07, 2007 8:27 PM


Our church has sent short term groups. Some who went are going back full time. Prayer is a growing emphasis in getting them out, and helping those to whom they will serve. I minister with the Gideons International in giving and sharing testaments and Bibles. It is gratifying to hear the reports of how God uses His Word. We are partners with Him in reaching a world lost and in need of a Saviour.

Rex Slagel

Posted: December 06, 2007 12:05 PM

So true, so true. The Western Church, as we are called, is presumptuous at the least as we prepare our "youth groups" to build, encourage, and in general "help" the "disadvantaged" of the world. I've often thought it would be of greater benefit to present similar situations here in America to the same groups so they would truly see their culture. The neediest of souls may exist in our own neighborhoods, and we travel so far to complete our "service plan." Certainly we are called to tell others, but why does the church staff decide who that is? Christ did not imply that we should seek the advice of leadership before we share the gospel and yet most Christians in America "wait on the Lord" to reveal His next target. Mission trips do change your perspective and they do stretch your yet to be discovered abilities, but so does learning to golf. I'm saying shake yourself up here before you go there. Global perspective did not exist a few years ago. Use it wisely...everyday.

Lindy Scott

Posted: December 05, 2007 7:19 PM

This article begins to address the uneven playing field in short-term missions, but much more needs to be done. A unique conference was held in Lima, Peru two years ago sponsored by Peruvian seminaries and Trinity International University (Deerfield) in which Latin Americans and North Americans alike presented papers that evaluated short-term missions. No aspect was off limits as presenters looked at the good, the bad, and the ugly of STMs. We will live out these unexpected global lessons only if we have this type of honest communication between Christian leaders from the north and south.These papers are available in the Journal of Latin American Theology (2007-2).

John King

Posted: December 04, 2007 5:30 PM

Paul quotes Jesus' appraisal that the greater blessing is received by the giver (Acts 20). When we accept the divine perspective we realize that short-termers are going to receive the greater blessing, but we should not overlook the blessings of those who were visited. If a short-term trip is planned with appropriate guidance by the host nationals, it can be beneficial for both. Three trips to Sierra Leone have radically impacted my sense of what God is doing in the world today. I have been humbled by their passion and their hope. I have been motivated to evaluate how my culture shapes my reading of Scripture beyond anything I could learn in a university setting (I have two Masters degrees). One thing your hosts receive is a greater sense of awareness of and fellowship in the World Christian Movement. They will value your presence in ways you cannot imagine. Go to give, yes, but realize there is a promised blessing attached to giving!

James Wartian

Posted: December 04, 2007 4:34 PM

I have mixed feelings. I definitely agree that we must go with a servant's heart leaving our agenda behind. But I am concerned that if we build our trip on what we will learn, we are just using those on the field. I know that is not what this author is suggesting. There is a balance here. There is a real limit (as is suggested) in what can actually be done in a week or a month on a short term trip. But I believe we must always go with the focus of humbly serving others, knowing that we ourselves will learn just as much and be equally blessed.

Raymond Takashi Swenson

Posted: December 04, 2007 1:28 PM

This was very informative. At the same time, in light of the cost of air travel from the US to Africa and other locations like this, one wonders if it might not be more effective to donate the funds to support full time missionaries from among the natives of the host country, who don't have the language and culture barriers and can make a long term, sustained effort to preach and do volunteer service. Perhaps correspondence with the sponsored missionary could be a vicarious experience almost as valuable for the US youth. In the meantime, they could get involved in service projects and telling people about their faith in places closer to home, where the burden of hosting them would not be as intense.

Marie

Posted: December 04, 2007 12:21 PM


I've felt that I had little to offer to other believer groups in other countries. This two way encouragement aspect definitely appeals to me. Thank you for this article.

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