Partnerships and the Strategic Role of Networks
We live in an unprecedented period of mission history. The new paradigm of “from anywhere to everywhere” is by nature complex, resulting in an increasing need to partner with others for effective ministry. The challenge of connecting with potential partners in the global context is best done in and through the evolving world of networks.
Not on Our Watch: Three Distractions from Fulfilling the Great Commission
In the 1980s, young American evangelicals were optimistic about seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in our generation. The extension of the gospel over the previous decades was nothing short of miraculous. Stories of the faith of 19th and early 20th century missionaries like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, and CT Studd ignited our imaginations. But perhaps even more so, some university students of the 1980s were captivated by the faith and courage of the likes of Jim Elliott, Bruce Olson, and Chet Bitterman. Reading their exploits compelled many of us to missions.
The Reality of Realities
This month marks 40 years since my wife and I, along with our 18-month-old son, boarded a plane for the south Pacific to launch our missionary career. That “career” has subsequently taken me from being a long-term field missionary on an undeveloped island, to being a regional director for East Asia, then on to becoming a professor of missions, and finally to be on staff with Missio Nexus. Meanwhile, the world dramatically changed over the course of these 40 years.