Symposium Response 2: Looking at the Decentralization of Missions
Reflecting on Marv Newell’s article, I see two primary causes for the shift in “missions” vocabulary that he describes.
Reflecting on Marv Newell’s article, I see two primary causes for the shift in “missions” vocabulary that he describes.
by JR Rozko Marv Newell is certainly on to something in his observations regarding a move away from the word “mission” in certain quarters. It behooves us, however, to

The demand and curiosity about English has increased among all generations. In many instances, this creates a chance for English-speaking missionaries to serve within the framework of tentmakers, camp counselors, business people, or teachers. Through their work and witness, they have an opportunity to expose unbelievers to the gospel and bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ.

RIckette shows how two independent organizations, whether church or mission, each possessing the qualities of selfhood, autonomy, and self-reliance, can successfully share resources across the wealth divide.

Although the Church has made great strides in developing a multitude of effective mission strategies for engaging Muslim people around the world, there has been relatively little work done in relation to the Muslim diaspora living in the West. The same strategies and methods used in the Muslim world are not relevant in a Western setting for a number of reasons.

I have found that there are a number of assumptions that Westerners need to re-think in order to effectively build relationships in less individualistic cultures. These seven reminders are based on both personal experiences and conversations with many in group-oriented cultures.

If you ask someone to describe short-term missions, you will probably hear him or her say, “Short-term missions is a life-changing experience.” Although this phrase is well worn and used often, it embodies deep truth. Millions of people, including myself, have personally experienced and witnessed this life-changing experience.
The concept of “doing mission” is still very strong, but it is increasingly being obscured by the use of creative functional substitutes.

Does the move away from the term “mission” diminish the mission of God, at least among those of us for whom English is our primary language? Reflecting on the complexity of the issues, my answer is yes, but perhaps other significant questions should also be considered.
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