editorial comment
The ACID TEST of missions is not merely how view of things. Another is that many followers missionaries have produced. It everyone benefi ts when the results of what we are doing are better is the quality of the vision of those followers. known. There may be (as for John Never before has as massive a global INQUIRY the Baptist) some things we have been launched probing exactly that! not expected! It is a sad thing when what we expect to see isn’t Ralph D. Winter what God wants to happen. I am reminded of the huge Dear friend, they believe in Jesus?” In huge hot air balloons employed dur- ing the Civil War, allowing a I get disturbed and dismayed congregations in Africa if you ask better view of what the other sometimes when I visit a highly how many “believe in Jesus” ev- army was doing, beyond ordinary “missionary minded” church. eryone enthusiastically raises their vision. I am also reminded that Why? The people may be very hands. But their daily lives may the single most infl uential book faithfully sending missionaries not have changed the slightest. in the history of missions has and yet be almost totally in the What about the African head of been William Carey’s Enquiry. dark about the overall “score” in state who loves Bible studies but That 96-page book even though missions. They may know a little murders his opponents? to some extent “guess work,” about the progress of the work of When John the Baptist won- sketched out the state of affairs of their own missionaries. But that is dered what Jesus was up to, the Gospel for every square inch like a “keyhole view” of the whole Jesus sent word back, “The blind of the Earth’s surface. scene. It seems like a great leap receive sight, the lame walk, forward of exuberant concern for those who have leprosy are cured, Further, I am reminded of the missions would result if sending the deaf hear,” etc. But this was little-known “Society for Mis- churches could only discover the apparently not what John was sionary Inquiry,” which began in truly amazing impact modern looking for. Yet this powerfully the days of the Haystack Prayer missions has had on the entire demonstrated a God, a Father in Meeting and hung on at U. S. col- face of the globe. heaven, who was truly concerned leges for the next hundred years, undergirding Yes, it’s as if (and this is a silly about human the much later analogy) churches were praying suffering. Really, we MUST know Student Volun- for years for their missiomaries to To glorify what is happening teer Movement have enough “rivets,” not real- God in all the for Foreign izing that the missionaries were earth is a task “out there.” Missions. All of using rivets in the construction of not easily re- this kind of “inquiry” has enabled a huge 747. That’s when people ducible to measurement of evan- the missionary movement to refi ne back home don’t grasp clearly gelism. A much more important its vision, and move forward with what it is that their missionaries ACID TEST of missions is more knowledge and confi dence. Really, are trying to do. Sounds like John likely the quality of the vision of we MUST know what is happen- the Baptist who was looking for those followers. This is where the ing “out there.” the wrong thing, “Are you the one current “World Inquiry “ comes to come, or do we look for an- in. Never before has as massive a Today thousands of young other?” For example, do we merely global INQUIRY been launched people are going “out there” in measure the advance of the glory asking exactly that! It is being led “short terms” who really don‘t of God, the kingdom of God, by that indefatigable, masterful have the faintest idea of what and the destruction of the works diplomat in global collaboration, truly needs to be done. Many of Satan by how many people say Luis Bush. Rick Wood’s two mission candidates are leaving for pages (6-7) describe what has the fi eld without a clear idea of Ralph D. Winter is already gone on (involving over what they should do or what is the Editor of Mission 5,000 leaders!). really happening. Frontiers and the Why is this so cogent, so The Inquiry is a step in the General Director of right direction. Read on! the Frontier Mission necessary? One reason is that local Fellowship. churches only have a “keyhole”
4 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 newsnews & notesnotes
Mission Frontiers commends the The readers will fi nd themselves We are calling book Cat and Dog Theology to any “happily convicted” about what has together mis- who wish to see how living for the become our normal way of life, and sion, music and Kingdom contrasts with cultural comforted with adequate answers worship leaders forms of Christianity. bringing the Glory of God back to from around the In this humorous book, you’ll the forefront of Christian thinking. world. discover that the modern gospel Price: $10.00, available through For further message is antagonistic to the Gabriel Resources 1-800-MISSION information, see ad on inside front foundation of Biblical Christian- ity. Without knowing it, many July 26-August 2: YWAM Global cover, visit www.swbts.edu/gcomm Christians have themselves become Arts Gathering, Biola University or write gcomm03netscape.net – for more information go to primary in the gospel and have replaced the glory of God. www.ywamglobalarts.com The Evangelical Fellowship of Authors Bob Sjogren and Ger- Mission Agencies (EFMA) will have ald Robison created dog “theology” Reminders: its annual executives retreat from Sept. 15-18, 2003 at the Founder and cat “me-ology” to uniquely il- The Global Consultation on Music lustrate how this happens. For too Inn, Virginia Beach, VA. For & Missions will be held September registration info email the program long, the modern culture has been 15-18 in Ft. Worth, TX. The purpose busy teaching “how to make a liv- chair: [email protected] with for this gathering is to explore how “EFMA Details” in the subject line. ing,” but not “how to live for God” God is drawing the nations to Him- — we pursue His glory, but only on self through music and related arts. our own terms. letters to the editor
Third Call churches in any gatherings that take Response to Steve Strauss Dear Mission place? Virtually all responses so far are from Frontiers, 2) The emergence of mission from the third world. The network will not be I’ve just the Majority World in the past 3-4 sponsoring house parties where invita- fi nished reading decades is, perhaps, the most excit- tion only reigns, but will be open to any your May-June ing and far-reaching event in recent qualifi ed agency from wherever, as in issue. Thank you mission history. Any gathering of 1980, which was a smashing success. for your strong mission agencies should be largely Judging by that meeting the IFMA/ EFMA people will be the last to feel the affi rmation of the a gathering of missionary sending need to attend. I wouldn’t mind if all of need for mission agencies to take a forces from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, NOT just a joint IFMA/ the people who come to send out the Call fresh initative in the task of World and even those who meet to implement EFMA/ISFM/ACMC meeting of Evangelization. As U.S. Director it were third world-ers. No one will be for SIM, I am very interested in North Americans who are involved “invited.” All are freely able to come. being part of the on-going process. in missions. Perhaps even more to Those who do will formulate it. I myself Let me mention a couple of con- the point, the LEADERSHIP and will probably be unable to attend, due to cerns for your consideration as the ORGANIZATIONAL PLANNING advancing cancer. process moves forward: of any such gathering should be led I agree that this sensitivity must be 1) As you well know, an increas- by missions leaders from the Majority addressed. It explains in part the simple ing number of local churches and World, not by missions leaders from fact that global gatherings of explicitly mission agencies are so infrequent. fellowships of churches in North North America. Do they feel the need For example, gatherings at which America are choosing to conduct for such a gathering? What do they feel the agenda of such a meeting- there is a signifi cant presence of local missions programs apart from any church leaders usually end up empha- should be? partnership with agencies. One of sizing something less important than the major needs of missions from Please put me on any mailing list agencies could be discussing. Local North America today is increased or information list being assembled. churches simply aren’t in a good position cooperation between church and I am very interested in the on-going to supervise fi eld missionaries. However, mission. The organization of any planning and implementation of if agencies want to gather together to such gather of agencies must be any gathering of mission agencies as see how they can best help local churches careful to avoid further polarization proposed in Mission Frontiers. “send” their missionaries, this may help. between church and agency and Cordially, Cordially, enhance their cooperation. How do Steve Strauss, Ralph Winter we do this if we don’t include these Director SIM USA Editor, Mission Frontiers www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 5 The World Inquiry Listening to the Heartbeat of God’s People Rick Wood
or several years from the late V. How important are the following information, it is a process by which 1980s to the end of the year for Global Evangelical Structures the dreams and visions in the hearts of F2000, thousands of faithful to provide to local believers to God’s people have taken on fl esh and believers spared no effort in enhance world evangelization bone and begun to walk. Even after attempting to reach the goal of “A efforts? the survey forms have been complet- Church for Every People and the VI . You made a decision to trust ed, leaders often-times have remained Gospel for Every Person.” This vision (place your faith in) Jesus Christ as for hours to continue the process of was the driving force behind the your Savior because of? discussion, dreaming and planning. AD2000 Movement. As a result of Each question has several possible So far 42 major new initiatives have this movement, hundreds of people choices provided from which each been birthed in China, India, Africa, groups were reached for the fi rst time participant can choose or add his own. Mongolia and various other regional and every unreached people group The goal of the World Inquiry is and religious spheres out of the World over 10,000 in population was selected to get Christian leaders together in Inquiry process. See the full list at by mission agencies for outreach. hundreds of cities around the world www.missionfrontiers.org. Tremendous progress was achieved. and to listen to what God is saying The leaders participating in the But then the year 2000 came to through the leaders of His Church. World Inquiry events were often so a close, the AD2000 offi ce closed its Thus far over 5,000 Christian leaders excited by the process itself that they doors and everyone began asking the in 600 cities in 66 countries have par- took it upon themselves to organize same questions. “Now what?” “Where ticipated. A remarkable accomplish- World Inquiry events in the major cit- do we go from here?” “What should ment in just a year and a half. ies of their country or region. our goals for the future be?” The mis- During the fi rst week of May, The fact that the World Inquiry sion movement seemed to be adrift 2003, 132 delegates met in Seoul, Ko- has had events in over 500 cities in with no clear direction and goals. rea for a mid-course assessment of the 66 countries is not a result of great Luis Bush, the director of the results of the World Inquiry. Some of organizational expertise and effort. It AD2000 Movement, took note of these results are presented in this issue is simply the result of people catching this and launched the Evangelizing of Mission Frontiers. the vision for the process itself and Our World Inquiry or The World But what does this mean to you volunteering their time and resources Inquiry, for short, in the fall of 2001. and to the Church as a whole? What to host these events. Essentially the A survey was developed with six difference is the World Inquiry mak- World Inquiry process has fl ourished basic questions. ing and where is it headed. And how because of the volunteered efforts of I. What are the major external can you be involved? Let’s examine hundreds of people in various avenues challenges facing the Church these questions. of ministry. regarding evangelization in your The Power of the Surprisingly, there are no large do- nors or foundations supporting the ef- city or country? Inquiry Process II. What are the major obstacles to forts of the World Inquiry. The World From the very fi rst World Inquiry Inquiry is a virtual organization of world evangelization internal to meeting of Christian leaders in the Church? volunteers with no central offi ce. The September of 2001, something vision for the World Inquiry process III. What do you believe God is remarkable became evident. The very calling His people to do in world itself is what carries it forward. process of leaders gathering together What this all means is that almost evangelization over the next to wrestle with spe- anyone with a little training can orga- 25 years? cifi c external and nize and host a World Inquiry event. IV. What would be a suitable internal challenges It also means that this process of in- phrase (watchword) to to the Church and quiry can take on a life of its own after capture the essence of world the future of World the World Inquiry is offi cially sched- evangelization to serve as a Evangelization has uled to end in the summer of 2004. unifying paradigm for the had a tremendous People all over the world who catch next 25 years? catalytic effect. the vision for the potential of the The World inquiry process itself can continue to Rick Wood is the Communications Inquiry is not just organize events for the benefi t of their Director for the World Inquiry. a means to gather own cities, regions and ministries.
6 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 If you would be interested in emerged. One wonders how many unique needs requiring tailor made organizing a World Inquiry event in of these new initiatives will develop solutions. The challenge, however, your city or country you may contact over the next year of the World In- will be to integrate the myriad of lo- me at
n spite of concerns about The Basic Assumptions traveling to East Asia due to the SARS virus and resulting 1. God leads His people through the burdens, visions and dreams of His I servants who are submitted to His will and engaged in His mission. airline cancellations the World In- By listening to these burdens and visions we have an indication of quiry International Coalition met what God wants to do in the future. May 7-9, 2003 near Seoul with 132 participants from 39 countries. 2. There are lessons to be learned from the vantage point of Church The World Inquiry has been an history which can inform the present and anticipate the future course 18-month journey in the listening of His working through the Church. The experiences of the Church mode. It began with a question: as it is engaged in God’s mission of world evangelization in previous “Where to from here in world generations provides insights about how God is moving through his people to fulfi ll his purposes in this generation. evangelization?” It was born out 3. Mission springs from renewal. There exists an inherent link between Renewal movements a movement of renewal and a movement of mission. Renewal move- of the present provide ments of the present provide important clues to mission movements of important clues to the future. mission movements of 4. Emerging streams of mission are notable as “the new things” of the mission of God. Because the missionary mandate is given to the future. the Church in any place and at any time, there are new initiatives emerging in the historic mission fi elds of mission. of a desire to hear what God was saying to his people. It was in- 5. Signifi cant missionary movements normally appear on the fringe spired by the sevenfold repeated periphery of the larger ecclesiastical structure. question in the book of Revela- tion: “What is the Spirit saying to 6. Spontaneous Holy Spirit-prompted mission-action initiatives unveil the churches? The World Inquiry future direction for mission. Since the Spirit is the primary agent is a quest to know the mind of of the mission of the Messiah, “Pentecost-like promptings” serve as God through the burdens, vi- sign-posts to a divinely initiated mission path. sions and dreams of his people as we move into the future. The 7. The Church’s critical refl ection through a group of respected scholars World Inquiry seeks to discern the with a heart for mission contributes to the shaping of a framework for mission into the future. divinely or- chestrated 8. Fresh ideas, concepts and their expressions related to God’s mission frontier of where there is vigorous engagement of culture on the mission fi eld by the Church’s the Gospel provide fresh resources for the future. It is time to listen to mission of voices from the non-Western world. world evan- gelization at 9. An inquiry by means of a survey by focus group can be not only the begin- informative but catalytic in regard to God’s purposes. ning of the 21st century. 10. The biblically-based goal of mission is the consummation of all things in Jesus Christ Christian mission is future driven. “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good Luis Bush is the former International pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when Director of the AD2000 Movement, the times will have reached their fulfi llment—to bring all things and is one of the foremost leaders in the in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” mission world. He is now the World Inquiry International Director. (Ephesians 1:9-10).
8 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 The preliminary fi ndings were International Coalition: assesses The assessment of the pre- bound in a fi ve hundred page the preliminary fi ndings of the liminary fi ndings considers the series of fi ve compendiums* by the World Inquiry, makes further verbal presentation of results at Facilitation Fellowship for a mid- observations and interpretation of the Coalition Event May 2003 in course assessment by the World the results for the Steering Com- Korea, as well as the written record Inquiry International Coalition. mittee to deliberate on, and then of the preliminary fi ndings in fi ve Informed by the Facilitation provides directional application to compendiums as follows: ��������������������������������� Fellowship, the World Inquiry the ongoing inquiry process. ���������������� ����
������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������� �������������� ����������������������������� Position Papers on the World, ��������������������� ���������������� • ���������������������������������������������� the Church and the Mission ��������������������������������������� •Preliminary Findings ��������� �������������������������������� Quantitative and Qualitative ������������������ ���������������������� Surveys from more than 5000 ���������������������������������� ������� focus group participants from ������������������� seventy countries and more ���������� ������� ������������������ than 500 cities. �������� • 21st Century Realities & ������������������������������������������� Dreams of God’s Servants ����� ����������������������������������������� Forty-two Emerging Streams ������������������������������������ ���� •of Mission ��������������������������������������������� City-Based Action Plans ����������������������������� ��������������� •Unveiled by case studies from ����� ���������������������������������������� ������������� � ������� � ������� ������������������������������������������� India, Indonesia and the ������������ ������ ����������������� Philippines ��������������� ������ It is time to listen to voices from the non- ����������������������������� ������ ����������������������������������������� Western world. �������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ���������������� Conclusion �������������������������������������������� There are expressions in the ���� ����������������������������������� evangelical mission community of ������������������������������������������ a vision gap and silence regarding �������������������������������������� a cohesive global initiative at the ����������������������� ������� �� ���������������������������� present time. Strategies to address the vision are in short supply in ��������������� ��������������������������� view of mission leaders. The new ��������������������������������������� paradigms that help us interpret ������ ����������������������� ����������� ������������������������ and organize our strategies for ���������� ��������� ������������������ the future have not become ������������� � ������� � ������� ������������������������������ clear. Mid-course fi ndings point to fresh paradigms as we all anticipate the imminent return of �������������� the Lord Jesus Christ. �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� *See www.missionfrontiers.org for more detailed information.
www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 9 Transformation and Leadership Moving forward with the World Inquiry David Greenlee
he “Evangelizing our World and develop younger leaders. Mere Padilla, “understands that all spheres Inquiry” seeks to “enhance replacement of existing leaders is not of life are ‘missionary fi elds’ and is Tworld evangelisation in the the issue: we need multiplication to constantly seeking for ways to affi rm 21st century by . . . using a survey and meet the challenges we face. the sovereignty of Christ over all of focus group consultative process to Missiological Concepts them.” gather, compile, organize and com- This missiological perspective municate the insights of Christian Underlying the Statistics 1 was affi rmed not only in the prelimi- leaders throughout the world.” Luis The conference was not just about nary fi ndings Bush has noted that the Inquiry is “a surveys and from World ‘listening venture’ that seeks to tune statistics. In One theme coming Inquiry surveys in to God’s voice through his people, her key concept from the fl oor of the but in each of especially those voices and leaders paper, Swiss- the fi ve World who are now emerging onto their Argentine consultation was the clear Inquiry pro- local, regional and national scenes in scholar Delia 2 call to intentionally seek cesses. Spend- the Two-Thirds World.” Nüesch-Olver ing much of challenged to identify, listen to, and A Global, Grass-Roots Process the fi nal day’s delegates to the develop younger leaders. regional discus- From Dehra Dun to Zaria, from demographic sion time on Argentina to Finland, among fi rst and social the concept of generation Kazakh Christians as realities the global Church faces. “transformation,” delegates recog- well as Greek Cypriots with church Wilbert Shenk of Fuller Theologi- nized that the word itself is slippery roots going back twenty centuries, cal Seminary explored concepts of and needs clarifi cation. over 5000 women and men, from six missional ecclesiology while India hundred cities, have participated in Missions Association director K. Transformation Coupled to sixty-seven World Inquiry events Rajendran addressed changes and Personal Evangelism since July 2001. As a mid-point challenges in categories, defi n- assessment of the process, World ing who and what a missionary is. What has been the source of this Inquiry steering group chair Sang- René Padilla challenged the Church emphasis on “transformation”? Is Bok David Kim and Luis Bush to “be, say, and do the witness,” it a response to old ways of doing convened 132 delegates from thirty- all integral components of world evangelism? In Korea there have nine nations at the Evangelizing our evangelism. “A holistic church,” said been signifi cant tensions over this World Inquiry International Coali- tion Consultation May 7-9 near Region Attendance Seoul, South Korea. East Asia Pacifi c 23 Korean hospitality, organiza- tional skills and generosity enhanced Europe 18 the conference, and many fi rst-time Latin America & Caribbean 13 visitors to the country were struck by the vitality of the Church there. Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia 10 One surprise on arrival was how North America 19 many consultation delegates did not South Asia 20 know each other. It was no accident that this was not just another gath- South East Asia 14 ering of the same old group! One Africa 7 theme coming from the fl oor of the consultation was the clear call to in- South Pacifi c & Australasia 8 tentionally seek to identify, listen to, Total attendance 132 David Greenlee is International Distinct countries 39 Research Associate for Operation Mobilization. World Inquiry - Korea May 2003
10 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 issue. Rather than criticism, Korean church as a whole, not just but corruption may rank highest in consultation participants called for capturing the hearts of a few Manila and Mexico City. Rosemary recognition that both streams, with a vision birthed in our own Dowsett, chair of the WEA Global emphases on personal evangelism and •hearts rather than emerging from Missiology task force, pointed to the on social transformation, are gifts of somebody else’s program. need amidst this diversity to fi nd the Holy Spirit to the Church. •a vision centered on the glorious missiological and strategic solutions How we respond to the concept Lord Jesus Christ. which complement, not fragment. of transformation is colored by our Lack of vi- context. In the Middle East, how sion is coupled might Christ-centered social trans- with perceived formation be introduced among mar- weaknesses in ginalized groups where the gospel leadership. There has received minimal exposure in are no simple recent centuries, if ever? In Europe, programs, eas- “re-transformation” is needed; values ily duplicated, to pass on vision or The key question train up leaders. Time together is we must ask is if one vital ingredient: we ourselves are people can cry together, paper and A key response of the delegates ink do not. was a commitment to take the survey transformed enough phase of the World Inquiry broader In some of our cultures age itself and deeper, making sure that the to transform society. carries weight and being a woman voice is heard from more nations, may limit exercise of gifting and from more women and younger on human rights and social justice ability. Older leaders may fear being issues have moved away from Christ leaders, from rural areas, and even replaced, but the question is not one from those who might not be as their center. While outsiders can of simple replacement but of multi- have a constructive role to play, we naturally inclined to favor a process plication to provide more and more such as the World Inquiry. see from the Philippines that some leaders for the vast challenges which roles must be played only by insiders face us. Another key concern is that the in the process of transfor- Lausanne 2004 Forum for mation. World Evangelization The key question we issue groups be informed must ask is if we ourselves by the ongoing World are transformed enough Inquiry process. Finally, to transform society. recognizing the need Transformation has to to ground the process start with each person, and fi ndings in solid Christ being the center. missiology, further World Inquiry processes Vision and Emerging will look into underlying Leadership theological issues, worldview assumptions, The preliminary fi nd- and the concept ings point to “lack of vi- and defi nition of a sion” as a major internal missionary. barrier for the Church. It is not a lack of ideas Footnotes and ways to keep busy, 1 From the Lausanne Committee and not so much about for World Evangelization local matters. Instead, this problem Moving Forward website, May 15, 2003, www.gospelcom.net/lcwe/2004/overview.htm includes While there is evidence of 2 Luis Bush, “How the World Inquiry Began” • a lack of transformational vision global patterns and trends in the in Mission Frontiers, May-June 2003, available within the church preliminary fi ndings, there is online at www.missionfrontiers.org/2003/03/ PFDF/16_Bush.pdf •a lack of vision beyond our local diversity across and even within setting to encompass the world regions and nations. Religious •a vision that is shared by the fundamentalism may be the key concern in Malaysia or Mindanao, www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 11 Future Challenges in Progress and Partnership
Hugo Morales
n preparation for the 2004 of persecution, places like India, conveyed. At a time of transition, Forum for World Evangeliza- Indonesia and China where in spite passing the baton in a fl uid man- Ition which will be hosted by the of many times, violent opposition, ner is of utmost importance. Third, Lausanne Committee for World the Church continues to grow and “The Church’s Mission of World Evangelization (LCWE), in part- solidify. Evangelization at the beginning of nership with the Great Commission the Third Millennium” by C. Rene Three presentations were partic- Roundtable (GCR), the leadership Padilla. A back to basics kind of pa- ularly challenging members of the per, it had the impact of narrowing as they con- various Issue the enormous task being handled at Undoubtedly some of fronted partici- Groups which the time into the simple reality that the most encouraging pants with trends compose this we must not be led astray from a that have colos- forum met for a news came from areas proper understanding of the Gospel, sal expressions 3 day intensive the commitment to Christ as Lord with a high degree of worldwide. First, planning session that it requires, the expression of “The World of along with the persecution... discipleship as a missionary lifestyle the Twenty-First sponsors of the and the signifi cance of “being, do- Century” by World Inquiry International Coali- ing and saying the witness.” Delia Nüesch-Olver. This position tion (WIIC). paper encouraged the audience to Unfortunately, as the Mid- Although results varied between understand the powerful forces of Course Assessment Session was regions, composite ones helped globalization, urban- immensely in establishing a clearer ization, unem- picture of current church realities. ployment, hunger Religious fundamentalism, materi- and AIDS and to alism and injustice were recognized live and exercise a as the highest external challenges Christian faith that that the Church faces today. Lack is culturally relevant of vision, lack of inspiration/united and holistic. prayer and lack of effective leader- Second, “The ship, the highest-ranking internal Younger Leaders obstacles. Personal evangelism and Forum” by Jeffrey social transformation were predom- De Leon and Lucas inant as respondents stated their be- Leys. As many sta- liefs of what today’s Church calling tistics show, the largest percentage is; and fi nally the areas of support being brought to a close, tensions of the global population is found which are expected from global arose in the blending of agendas below the age of 30 and in the structures were inspirational/ with Lausanne. The two groups evangelical world it prayer networks, leadership continue to dialogue about their is not any differ- development, and relationship/ next steps together. ent. The need to fellowship building. strategically focus Lausanne and the World In- Undoubtedly some of the on this group and quiry are information providers and most encouraging news came specifi cally on thought provokers. I believe that from areas with a high degree those who already the Lausanne Covenant is a time- exercise leader- less document which is as pertinent Hugo Morales serves as Director of ship or have the today as it was when it fi rst was Development and Partnership Training potential to do so published. It needs to be read and of COMIBAM International was emphatically understood by a new set of leaders
12 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 if they are to continue building on the “good” things that this genera- tion has produced. I believe this What the Lausanne Committee and Others is part of what Jeffrey de Leon are saying about the World Inquiry described as “holding the hand of new leaders as they move into positions of infl uence.” Second, the World Inquiry is a phenomenal The World Inquiry meeting in Korea symbolized a tool to gain an understanding of major shift in the leadership of the world missionary church realities nowadays. movement, from Europe and North America to Asia, Both go together; the latter gives you a updated picture of the Africa, and Latin America, and also to a new generation church and the former a frame- of leaders. It also represented a genuine desire to listen, to work in which to respond and be- hear what God is saying to the Church through believers come an agent of transformation. in the “two-thirds” world. God in His sovereign plan has not allowed any one person/ —Paul Pierson initiative/organization or move- Dean Emeritus and Senior Professor of History, ment to hold “all aces” in its hand. Fuller Seminary School of World Mission In this day and age, fi nancial resources are more diffi cult to obtain, fundamentalism and perse- cution are on the rise, and church growth is explosively occurring in the southern/poorer portions of We reconfi rm our commitment to blend the best in the globe. The call for these enti- planning and vision of the 2004 Forum Issue Group ties, the majority of them “western participants, with the cutting edge insights being led” by the way, to come together and fi nd a way in which to vividly gathered through the World Inquiry. We pray for a demonstrate how to work in unity seamless fl ow between these two important activities, is more important than ever before. and we trust the Lord to make each stronger because God In our part of the world we has called us to work in unity. honestly do not have the luxury of going our own way to accomplish —Paul Cedar our God given vision. Our poverty Lausanne Committee on World Evangelization Chair and lack underdeveloped situation forces us to partner with others. It is a matter of survival. If “western led” entities are going to show some relevant level of global lead- ership today, it will have to be in Our commitment is to gain new insights from the World a one-body environment of unity Inquiry, so that as LCWE addresses the 25 critical issues and partnership. which are the focus of the 2004 Forum, we will have the From the information and themes presented during this freshest ideas helping to develop signifi cant action plans Mid-Course Assessment Session, for the Church to use in working together to reach our the World Enquiry and the 2004 Forum for World Evangelization world for Christ. are clearly needed and must be car- —Roger Parrott ried out to completion. May God grant us this day the unparalleled Chair of the 2004 Forum strength, grace and vision to see Lausanne Committtee them become a model of effi cient and fruitful cooperation.
www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 13 “Emerging Streams” These excerpts from World Inquiry reports give a taste of the refreshing fl ow of God’s Spirit in new plans and initiatives. Lee Purgason
UP (India)Transformation the Protestant stream of the church areas and nomadic tribes, where there Movement in China was TSPM churches while is virtually no access to the gospel, thirty percent were house churches. and where people are still living as Vision 2010: UP Transformation they did a thousand years ago. Movement is the God-given strat- In 1994 (about fi fteen years later) egy to reach India’s Uttar Pradesh the percentage had almost inverted. A Church Renewal Movement Now forty percent are TSPM and state: with multiplying, reproduc- in the Turkic World ing, disciple-making house churches fi fty-fi ve percent house churches, but through a consortium of organiza- a new stream has emerged, fi ve per- ...we formed the “Vision Silk Road tions and networks committed to the cent, called the New Model Move- Center” to reach the Turkic people Great Commission. ment. Many ministers left the TSPM groups along the “Old Silk Road” for the house churches at this time. including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turk- U.P. is India’s largest state with menistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, 174 million people (including Ut- In 2002 (eight years later) TSPM Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Xinjiang tranchal). If U.P. was a separate was only thirty percent, house Uygur Province of China. We have a country it would be the fi fth largest churches sixty per- clear goal: to plant nation in the world. The center of cent but the new 1,000 churches political control of India, it is also a model movement ...instead of along the “Old state of utter poverty, violence, cor- ten percent. conquering the world Silk Road” by ruption and religious fundamental- with the sword, 2010. ism with the most powerful spiritual An Emerging strongholds in India. In the year Stream in the Mongolian churches We are sure 2001, during the Hindu Kumbh Persian World that we are prepar- pray and cry for ing the way “Back Mela festival, 70 million people from The small group sending missionaries to Jerusalem” all over the world came to the city of underground together with Chi- of Allahabad to have a dip in River believers is in- to those nations. nese brothers and Ganges with the hope that their sins creasingly bold in sisters paving the would be washed away. sharing their faith, road along the Silk Road among the A massive prayer initiative was despite extreme risk. Gospel radio Muslim Turkic and Arab peoples. launched by several organizations is still broadcast into Iran. Recently, with approximately 500,000 Iranians in the United States have Dalit-Bahujan Movement around the world mobilized to launched satellite television stations pray. Many did prayer walking on in Persian that are accessible inside This movement towards the Gospel site. About seven hundred people Iran. Increasingly, Iranians living has social, spiritual and community from nearly 30 organizations outside Iran are coming to faith. Per- dimensions. These oppressed com- distributed nearly 20 million pieces sian language churches exist in most munities are looking for major refor- of literature in six languages. major cities of the world, and Iranian mation spiritually and socially. The leadership training schools exist in Christian commitment to the Dalits Third Way Chinese Christian both England and Germany. These is to help build a caste free society— Revival Fellowship Iranian believers and more so, a caste free Church. After the Cultural Revolution have increasingly There is a sovereign move of closed the doors of all churches begun to look back God as He has used the persecution including TSPM they were at Iran with their of Christians to bond the Christian opened in 1978. At that time gospel efforts. And community and the Dalit-Bahujan an estimated seventy percent of some of the new people in a new way. The direct believers inside Iran interaction and bonding is leading to Lee Purgason is the Managing Edi- are even beginning major social and leadership and com- tor of Mission Frontiers and the to consider reach- munity networks across the nation. Director of Operations for the U.S. ing out to the rural There is a spirit of repentance and Center for World Mission
14 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 contrition among Christians for their Primary Health Care and Jesus modeled an integrated own mistreatment of Dalits within Evangelism (W. Africa) approach to evangelism, caring for the Church. physical, emotional, social, and spiri- Health care began almost two thou- tual needs as he encountered them. Mission Movement in sand years ago one Saturday evening Mongolian Churches in Capernaum in The Bible is Galilee. Jesus mod- Jesus modeled an the foundation for Mongolians are nomadic-minded eled the full range integrated approach an understanding people.... They are adaptive to any of primary health of health and the climate, lifestyle, culture or situation. care—bringing to evangelism, health sciences. By nature, they can cope with a hard hope, purpose, and caring for physical, life and tough conditions. joy to life, teaching Obedience emotional, social, and to God’s laws as Mongolian Christians believe that healthy relationships with God and oth- revealed in the they are obligated to take the Gospel spiritual needs as he ers, and healing sick Bible or as discov- to the nations their forefathers once persons. His Good encountered them. ered by scientifi c ruled harshly. This time, instead of News embraced all investigation fa- conquering the world with the sword, aspects of life - physical, emotional, vors health and a healthy lifestyle. Mongolian churches pray and cry for social, and spiritual - as he brought For more complete information on sending missionaries to those nations. new life and eternal life to all who these and other World Inquiry reports, trusted in him. see www.missionfrontiers.org CRAF 2002: Francophone Africa Regional Consultation — One Participant’s View “ hat if we spent a few days in ship as they walk along the path does so WGrand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire from a completely different set of cultural this May?” My wife, a Congo MK, was assumptions than his friend has. If the curious. “Sure . . . what’s in Bassam?” American doesn’t understand this and “Well, since 1998 people from across pulls away, his brother may feel confused. Africa have been coming to these fi ve- Likewise our divergent world views, day CRAF gatherings. They’re mostly expectations, church and ministry prefer- from Francophone Africa, so they meet ences—and just plain humanness—can in places like Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. cause tension as we seek to expand the But English-speaking Africans and kingdom together. Yet the rewards of others come too.” “So what exactly do working through these differences and they do at CRAF?” she insisted. “Uh, Nigeria, and Niger met in 2001 to continuing to walk hand-in-hand far out- hold hands.” I looked sheepish. “Oh, begin holding hands together for the weigh the uneasiness we may initially feel. honey, how sweet,” she replied. “Is it a unreached. And as of this year, all of Africans relating to other Africans marriage seminar?” the countries related to CRAF have face similar challenges. Church and Now the point of this partially fi cti- had a national consultation. mission leaders can misread each others’ tious exchange is that “holding hands” can Clearly “hand holding” can have intentions. And some problems are not be understood many different ways. But great benefi ts. Eleven major partner- just imagined; they’re real. Sometimes for the organizers of CRAF (Consulta- ships currently exist for peoples like partnerships don’t work out the way tion Régionale pour l’Afrique Francophone) the Wolof, Tamasheq, Fulani, Malinke, we expect. Disappointments happen. “holding hands” refers to unreached Soninke, and others. Networks for mis- Missionaries have disagreements. That’s peoples-focused partnerships (the CRAF sion execs, researchers, AIDS, economic why CRAF’s focus on reconciliation logo even uses “hand holding” imagery). development and other concerns also between denominations and agencies— An initiative of Interdev, CRAF itself is exist. The people and vision they repre- indeed all believers—is so vital. a partnership venture between Interdev, sent are an enormous kingdom resource. Finally, learning to hold hands with MANI (Movement for African National Yet the very idea of “hand hold- those whose hands have nursed victims Initiatives), World Vision and AEA (As- ing” can be misunderstood. When of AIDS or have buried relatives who’ve sociation of Evangelicals in Africa). one speaker—a no-nonsense Nigerian suffered from civil war or brutality is yet Of course, spending fi ve days researcher—rebuked those who would another way we can show we care. talking about holding hands isn’t the come simply looking for Western Will you join hands and pray for these point. The point is to go home and do money, she expressed what CRAF brothers? Or even join hands in person? it. As a follow-up to Bassam 2000, doesn’t mean by partnerships. Thank- The next CRAF will be held from August mission and church leaders from the fully, I didn’t meet many who seemed to 1-6, 2004. For more details, contact Lake Chad Basin countries of Camer- be out just for my fi nancial contacts. Younoussa Djao at [email protected]. oon, Central African Republic, Chad, But even when our motives are right, I also hope you’ll download Djao’s offi cial “holding hands” can still be an un- report on CRAF 2002, which was a Rory Clark is currently Managing comfortable experience. I offer a literal World Inquiry venue. It’s part of Luis Editor of the International Journal of example. An African male who grabs the Bush’s compendium. You’ll be encouraged Frontier Missions. hand of his American brother in friend- by what you read there.
www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 15 “A foundational discipleship course for all Christians.” Ralph D. Winter perspectives highlights
“Perspectives has deepened my under- broadened my thinking beyond church standing of [God] and His character, not life. I want to read more mission biogra- to...mention His purpose for us!” phies. I want to get acquainted and build San Francisco, CA relationships with foreign students.
It was exciting to see the students I have completed a master’s degree interact in response to the speakers and in seminary, but I have never had such a catch a wider, clearer vision of what, course as this. It is so integrating of all where and how God wants us to be that I have learned. The thing I grasped involved in His mandate for the nations. from the speakers and the book is a pas- Several students are planning a short- sion for all nations to hear God’s saving term mission trip, one was encouraged message. As a new pastor, I want to train to recruit, sending missionaries and he is church leaders in with this material. himself going on a mission trip this year, with a possibility of next year also. An- Although I have been on many short- other student, a pastor, caught the vision term trips, I learned so much from the of church multiplication and has begun cultural sections. I realized how “ethno- implementing this centric” I am and how in his own church. judgmental I have Many students been of other cul- stated that their tures. The Biblical vision of missions section and Cultural was challenged section humbled me and changed by greatly. the class. The I am heading for class brought a a long-term career clear focus to with Wycliffe. I what Christ’s needed this theologi- mandate really cal foundation. This means...globally Newly trained Perspectives Coordinators course was great tim- Livermore, CA as well as on the ing in my life. I want home front. to pray through the —Dave Lenton, Global Prayer Digest and Coordinator Whittier, CA attend prayer group for unreached peoples at my church. A highlight of my class was the privi- lege of seeing my student’s hearts change I was a new mission committee chair- and to be a part of their life decisions. man in a church that was just starting our One student responded, “Perspectives missions program. I had no idea what I has changed how I approach sharing the was doing. This course more than met my Word with others. Last night, I kept expectations. thinking about culture, where [people are] coming from, and how God loves People who go on short-term mission [them] as they are and wants to reach trips should take this course. [them]. Sharing [is] such a joy.” The most stubborn made decisions to be a After 58 years in ministry as a pastor, “go-er” someday and the most willing, and with great concern for missions this humbly submitted to stay. In either case, was the fi rst I had heard about all these all decisions were made with the intent unreached people groups. I thought I to pursue with excellence. Praise God! knew everything about missions, but I All the glory unto Him, our Almighty don’t. God. —Cecilia Lamb, Coordinator I heard about this class from two Bible Anaheim, CA study leaders while I was in college, but this is the fi rst time it worked out for me Quotes from Students to take the class. The Bible section was in the Raleigh, NC class: life changing and the cultural insight was great. The model of a wartime lifestyle encouraged me. I am going to live on My husband and I are going to pray beans and rice for a week and give the dif- through Operation World. This course ference to missions.
16 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 CLASSES ������������ FALL 2003 ����������������������������������������������������������������
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Is God stirring A sampling of urgent staffi ng needs: you to invest your life more fully or more signifi - Role Duties cantly in blessing the nations? Don’t Academic Administrators to serve students and their academic be satisfi ed with the good you are committees. now doing if God has something more important for you to do. Accountants and to maintain appropriate attention to Bookkeepers careful stewardship of fi nances Opportunities abound for more signifi cant and strategic roles in Administrative Assistants to enhance the effectiveness of busy, advancing God’s purpose, as global creative departments and leaders. outreach and upheaval continue Faculty to refi ne curriculum and programs for to accelerate toward that great day global mission training. when some from every tongue, tribe, people and nation celebrate together Field Deans to recruit missionaries (with PhDs) to in eternity. mentor students/assistants in studies Changing circumstances and and practical service. a deepening understanding of the Graphics Designers [Mac experience preferred] to remaining missionary task lead the facilitate the effective communication USCWM steadily into new op- of concepts. portunities for strategic ministry. The USCWM’s ability to respond Library Workers to make our unique collections to these opportunities depends on accessible to students around the world. God’s provision of staffi ng and other Managers to coordinate the creative efforts of resources. diverse teams on specifi c projects. The most essential resource is Perspectives Extension to coach and help support the men and women God calls to Class Supervisor Perspectives coordinators signifi cant “behind-the-scenes” service or, through their prayers and Programmers [FileMaker experience preferred] gifts, to release others to such full- to improve offi ce systems and time service. information handling. Is God calling you to become Registrar(s) to maintain records and correspond part of the USCWM team? Look with students and mentors. over the accompanying sample of Teachers to innovatively educate and disciple critical USCWM staffi ng needs. children for kingdom service. Pray about supporting someone in Web Developers to create and maintain a variety of one of these roles, or even fi ll- web sites. ing such a role yourself! For more information email Dave Flynn at Writers to communicate new mission insights
To discover where your skills might fi t into To learn more about serving at the USCWM, the USCWM team, email Dave Flynn at EXPLORE the USCWM, on line or in person.
18 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 19 globalglobal serviceservice con’t.con’t. If service is your future, why not prepare now? These practical steps will benefi t God’s kingdom, open doors for service, and enhance your long-term impact. 1. Start Multiplying Draw others to join you in advanc- Again, choose someone in an agency with the Global Prayer Digest (global- ing God’s kingdom, through personal with which you might one day serve, or prayer-digest.org) and Operation discipling. God will then give you ask your church to help you. World (wclbooks.com), Perspectives more insight. When you are ready for 4. Reduce Your Expenses (perspectives.org) will connect you with mission service, you will have prepared Adjust your expenses to fi t within a others and give a solid foundation. And soil from which to gather support. missionary living allowance, applying Mission Frontiers (missionfrontiers.org) Start a regular letter sharing how any surplus toward reducing your debts and the International Journal of Frontier God is working in your life. Ask for and advancing God’s kingdom. Just ask Missions (ijfm.org) will keep you input and prayer on your next steps. a mission agency you might join what current in mission thinking. Before copying your letter, get two you would receive monthly as one of 7. Prepare your heart people to critique it. Write everyone their missionaries, or ask your church to Receive you know who might rejoice at your for this information. Many believers would rather be mar- interest in missions. Be sensitive tyred than raise support. This may be to relatives or family friends who your biggest barrier to mission service. might take offense. (This is initially Nine Practical Steps Yet raising support is a approach to a lot of work, but keep at it. You’ll kingdom partnership that results in a get effi cient and improve.) You need 1. Start Multiplying win-win-win situation for the donor, prayers and advice now, not just af- the missionary and God’s kingdom. ter you’ve made important decisions 2. Support a Missionary regarding service. To overcoming your own cultural 3. Support a “Home Offi ce” Worker conditioning and develop fi rm Bibli- Also ask God to give you one or cal convictions, read and apply Scott two people you can start discipling 4. Reduce Your Expenses Morton’s book Funding Your Ministry in mission vision. (available on Amazon.com). 5. Find a Local Encourager 2. Support a Missionary 8. Choose or Start a Team Support a fi eld missionary who Working with a team is essential to communicates consistently and ef- 6. Feed your Vision staying on track and maximizing your fectively, and let them become a role effectiveness. Choose carefully a team model for you. If you are considering 7. Prepare your heart to Receive that can make strategic use of your service with a particular agency, sup- strengths. port someone with that agency. If no 8. Choose or start a Team one comes to mind ask your church 9. Watch for New for ideas. 9. Watch for New Opportunities Opportunities Support them sacrifi cially as you As you serve faithfully, God will reveal might like to be supported (both in 5. Find a Local Encourager more signifi cant ways to multiply your prayer and fi nances). Seek out someone local to you who is contribution and your impact. Don’t No matter how tight your fi - working strategically to advance God’s be satisfi ed with the good you are now nances, you can give at least $10 to kingdom. Offer to assist them part- doing if God has something more 25 per month by making some small time if they will mentor you and pray important for you to do. regularly with you. Ask God to help weekly sacrifi ce (like skipping a meal But don’t become impatient when each week). you fi nd someone who will really push you to keep on track with whatever God calls you to be faithful in diffi cult 3. Support a God is saying to you. Then ask your circumstances. Don’t hastily skip out on “Home Offi ce” Worker church or a local agency reprsentative the lessons He may want you to learn Also support someone in a “home for guidance in choosing someone to in your current circumstances. offi ce” assignment who communicates disciple you in this way. Trust Him to lead you, and be sure consistently and effectively. (Though to follow! not on the front lines, such workers 6. Feed your Vision By Robby Butler, are still “missionaries” by virtue of the Make use of periodicals, courses and USCWM Personnel Director. cause to which they are dedicated.) events. For daily inspiration start
18 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111 www.missionfrontiers.org Mission Frontiers July-August 2003 19 further refl ections
Are we now, it would seem, Barriers to Missions 101 more interested in our children get- Fear and Comfort: Obstacles to ting a good job, settling down and Recruiting for Missions having a normal life? Will normal ever be normal again? Greg H. Parsons Risks should indeed be evalu- ated to the value of the goal, not the probability of success, as Ralph seems to be successful again—not Winter noted years ago. If I take just because today, some 8421 people the risk of sky diving, the goal of nce we are have or have had it or that 784 have “just doing it” or overcoming fear Oold enough died, as painful as that is to them and has to be weighed against the risk to realize that our parents can’t their families. Satan has succeeded of injury. While some in missions protect us from everything, we because of the fear that is imbedded may simply be the risk-taking can tend toward worry and fear. in the hearts of many of God’s chil- types, many of us are far more cau- Whether it is the high school girl dren, fueled by this new threat. Fear tious about physical risk with no who fears rejection if she is not that keeps us home. eternal value. invited to the prom or the natural Jesus told Paul he would suf- fear of seeing a bear (not in the The government of China has asked one American I know to fer. Paul said he, in effect, beat zoo), all of us have that human his body into submission to the tendency. leave—perhaps using SARS as an excuse to get people out. There are physically trying work to which September 11 forced a new a couple of provinces you would God had called him. The writer of level of fear upon us—new to most want to avoid for a while. But I still Hebrews notes: Americans that is. While much ask: why would ministries close “But remember the former days, of the world has lived in a state of outreach programs down? Answer: when, after being enlightened, vulnerability, we didn’t. And we people either (1) aren’t signing up to you endured a great confl ict of didn’t know it. go, and/or/because; (2) parents are sufferings…” (Hebrews 10:32) It may be that recent events, saying no. global issues like war, or cultural shifts around us, have us more Are we now more interested in our children on edge than normal. The airline industry is a barometer for how the getting a good job, settling down and having a masses are feeling. Until fl ights are normal life? Will normal ever be normal again? full and airline schedules are built back up, we all sense things are not back to “normal.” While “the I’ve heard of the latter for years. For them, great affl iction was masses” are clearly impacted, what Just yesterday a young man asked for part of the task. Like Paul, they about those of us who have trusted prayer because he is wanting to major must have said: our lives to Christ—are we as prone in Linguistics instead of Law or “But we have this treasure to fear? Medicine (which his parents want). in earthen vessels, that the Years ago, a relative of mine was Recently, I’ve heard of a few surpassing greatness of the power working for a major company and short-term (and longer) outreach may be of God and not from toyed with the idea of working for programs to China have been ourselves; affl icted in every way, them in Russia to share his faith. His canceled because of SARS. Right but not crushed, perplexed, but mother, a committed Christian, said now, the chances of dying of SARS not despairing; persecuted, but there was no way her adult son was in China are 1 in 3.5 million! Hong not forsaken; struck down but not going to Russia. Kong it is 1 in 24,000. If SARS is destroyed…” (2 Cor. 4:7-9) Satan’s latest tinkering to bring all Perhaps we will not see the Part of the reason we may not possible evil that he is allowed, he breakthroughs we pray about until see the power of God more is be- there is a releasing of young people cause we don’t want to be earthen by their families and churches at new vessels—used by God however Rev. Greg Parsons is levels. The Student Volunteer Move- he wishes. We kind of like things General Director of the ment really started by the prayers made of silver and gold. Or perhaps U.S. Center for World of moms at home praying that their Mis sion. He’s been on its just fear. Why take the risk if we kids would make a difference in the can choose comfort? staff at the USCWM spiritual needs of the world. for 20 years.
22 July-August 2003 Mission Frontiers USCWM•1605 E. Elizabeth St.•Pasadena, CA 91104•626-797-1111