Aug 12, 2011
The Global Connections folk, who have compiled a list of best practices related to missionary care (available at http://www.globalconnections.co.uk/resources/codesandstandards/membercareguidelines), insist that “support is offered to enable each person to function well in the ministry and develop their potential in all areas of life.”
We would naturally expect the provision of good missionary care to include training in such things as cross-cultural communication skills, practical living in primitive situations, appropriate health maintenance and educational opportunities for children. Most churches and sending agencies would require at least a nominal degree of preparation in areas directly related to the work they are expected to perform. We would also expect that a certain level of spiritual maturity had been attained. But traditionally those provisions are “front-loaded,” that is, we take pains to put as much in place as possible before the missionary is ever sent to the field.
Going prepared is certainly to be desired. Scripture encourages us to avoid laying hands on anyone too quickly. But missionaries should not quit growing once they arrive on the field. They will hopefully make good use of their up-front training, but in the course of their service they will encounter people and situations that exceed their competency. God has a way of constantly moving us beyond our comfort zones - growth by stretching, if you will. And no matter how spiritually mature they may be when beginning their ministry, more growth will be required if they are to continue effectively.
Whether it is a linguistic challenge that is over their head, a relationship problem that taxes their character, or a personal struggle to maintain balance between work and rest - missionaries need to do more than tread water. They may be able to survive with just the level of competency they took with them to the field, but they will certainly not thrive. God the Father’s ultimate plan for every believer is to conform them to the image of God the Son. He desires a vibrant and dynamic relationship with his children that deepens over time. Good missionary care will see to it that they have access to on-going professional development. It will put missionaries in touch with new resources, new concepts, new techniques as they become available. And it will listen carefully to solicited feedback on matters of spiritual health. It will ask the kind of questions and offer the kind of encouragement that will stimulate them to love and good deeds.
In short, good missionary care is about thriving, not surviving.
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