"When you begin to think outside the box, you often become some other "leaders" lousy follower. That usually costs something" (Andy Rayner)

"Our guardian angels are bored." (Mike Foster)

It's where I feel I'm at these days. “In the second half of life, it is good just to be a part of the general dance. We do not have to stand out, make defining moves, or be better than anyone else on the dance floor. Life is more participatory than assertive, and there is no need for strong or further self-definition” (Falling Upward. Richard Rohr.120).

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

3 rd World Missionaries Making our 100 Year old Mistakes!

Stan Guthrie writes about the growth in 3rd world missions and quotes Paul Bothwick.


"Paul Borthwick of Development Associates International applauds the expanding global force, but he also notes some of its draw- backs. "Some non-Western missionaries have launched out with great zeal, but they are repeating the same mistakes as Western missionaries of 100 years ago, creating, in effect, a new generation of cultural imperialists," he says. "In addition, the romanticization of the non-Western missionary in the minds of the Western church has resulted in two dangerous trends- first, ...that our Great Commission responsibility is over with the exception of sending money, and, second, ...unhealthy dependency in the non- Western church."

(Global Report (EMQ) By Stan Guthrie "Past midnight" Jan 2000)

I can vouch for this. The Massive church planting potential of the hordes of Ghanaian nationals is amazing. However, my experience with them is that the vast majority see only one way to worship and evangelize. They are generally extreemly insensitive to Muslims or any other culture that is "less expressive". They see there flamboyant methodology of Loud speakers, yelling dramatic preaching, excitement, and dancing as the only way top evangelize effectively. For many it is the only way to evangelize in their estimation.

No comments: