Our Experts

Misconceptions abound in regard to Christian mission activity.  Some blame missionaries for the destruction of cultures, while others see them as well-meaning but misguided do-gooders.  In fact, Christian missionaries are among the best educated, trained, most highly respected by those who know them well and most socially responsible of all "world citizens."  Articles and links to information in this section center around clear thinking about mission, missionaries and mission strategy.  The resources consist of short articles written by well known leaders, and have become standards in the mission community for understanding about what needs to be done and how it should be accomplished.  The tabs at the left of this page link to resources for missionaries and mission thinkers.  Books and media may be purchased online and a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit mission work.

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The Coming Religious Wars?

What is happening to Christianity in today's world?  Some say Islam is the fastest growing religion  Others report phenomenal growth in Christianity in areas we might never have expected.  How does the shifting and changing of entire populations affect our mandate to reach the world?  What are the roles played by war, famine, globalization, the internet, the aging of Western societies, the "Youth Bulge" in Asian and African peoples, and increasing affluence?  All these things affect world evangelization, but how?  Read the transcripts of this Pew Forum Round Table set around the opinions of three remarkable scholars, on the growth and territorial population centers, immigration, political structures, technological advancement, medical advances and changing perceptions and expectations about civilization and social structures  You'll come to understand some of the issues Christian missionaries and strategists face as they lead (and sometimes follow) the trends of World Christianity.

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Planning a Ministry to the Poor?

Work among the poor communities of the world, or in less developed areas is often as perplexing and frustrating as it is personally motivating and satisfying. Attempting to meet the needs of people by developing social structures or physical plant can sometimes present an obstacle the very Gospel we are trying to preach.

Excellently constructed hospitals, schools and other infra-structure in Ethiopia, developed by missionaries in the 1950's and 60's were ceded to the newly-victorious Communist government authorities in the 1970's. The missionaries were called in and told; "Thank you very much for your work. You may go home now." Then they were escorted to the airport without even being allowed to return to their houses to get their clothes or personal effects, leaving them wondering if they had done any good at all.

Today, workers in Africa, and other regions as well, understand that everything they build belongs to the indigenous people they serve and may have to be left behind at a moment's notice. Rapidly changing political situations and even national boundaries dictate that missionaries really are only sojourners in the land of their service. Our mandate to be a light to the nations, now more than ever, dictates that the Gospel be brought to the people in ways that make sense to them, using methods that they themselves own, and structures in which they can rejoice.

The documents listed below have become standards in the mission community because they address the special issues that arise from community development and work among poverty-stricken populations. They should be read and their principles considered as part of the strategy and planning phase for any mission endeavor.