OVERCOMNG MISSIOS MALAISE
What does it take to generate excitement instead of yawns?
Paul Borthwick
July 1, 1988
A member of the missions committee came to me two years ago with this question: "Why do we get such great attendance at our Christmas pageants but such dismal attendance at missions events?" I gave a few trite answers in immediate response, but his question got me thinking.
Was it because our presentations were shabby? Perhaps, but we had worked hard to see that they were well planned and well delivered.
Was it because our speakers were boring? Maybe, but we had hosted some of the top missions speakers in the country, and the turnout was still poor.
I finally realized that the focus of the two presentations was different. The Christmas pageant was a festive celebration of the gospel, culturally acceptable. The essence of cross-cultural missions is also the gospel, but in the form of cross-bearing unselfishness. Christmas pageants could satisfy those who came to receive; missions meetings were for those ready to give.
That evaluation forced me to realize that the task of building a "vision for world missions" in the local church is full of obstacles that demand unique solutions. We can respond, but we must be realistic. Here are four problems we have discovered-and four ways we're attempting to overcome them.
Problem 1: The Task Is So Big
People come to church for a variety of reasons. Some have genuine spiritual hunger that they come to satisfy. Others are coming to meet social as well as spiritual needs. Children and young people may come at the will of their parents. Hurting people come to be cared for. The motivations vary, although spiritual growth is at least one of the driving forces. It's safe to assume, however, that most do not come to church to get overwhelmed by statistics, needs, and guilt-producing overviews of the ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
