This document discusses the issues that missionary affluence can create. It notes that while missionaries in their home country may not be wealthy, they are often wealthy compared to people in the countries they serve. This disparity can lead to problems like social isolation, a sense of superiority, and resentment from local people. The document examines different approaches missionaries have taken to address this, as well as biblical perspectives on wealth and poverty. It emphasizes the importance of incarnational ministry, living simply, and prioritizing the needs of the poor.

1. Missions and Money
Partially adapted from Missions and Money
Jonathan Bonk
Dr. Robert Patton
Missionary to Suriname,
South America

2. Bonk – Basic concepts


Western missionaries are wealthy in
contrast to those around them in most
contexts overseas
The Bible talks to the wealthy – and
although the missionary is not wealthy
in the USA, he is in his target country,
and the Bible speaks to him

3. Basic concepts


Gross economic inequality in those with
close social proximity may bring a lot of
trouble
Christian faith is not lived in isolation.
It is a relational faith lived out in
relational and social context

4. Basic concepts: Missionary
adaptation




Some just associate with their social
and cultural equals
Some shift the debate to dependency
Some have a simple lifestyle but still
maintain their benefits of medical care,
transportation, etc.
Some live incarnationally, giving up
privilege and living as nationals

5. Another alternative

Live as the righteous rich – giving
generously to meet the needs of those
less fortunate

6. The problem is increasing



The difference in lifestyle 100 or 200
years ago was perhaps 3:1 between the
poor and the rich
The difference now may be as high as
70:1
Mostly it is the Catholic priests or nuns
who have lived in the slums in an
incarnational living style

7. Wrong attitudes of
missionaries



19th century – this discrepancy was
considered inevitable because of the
superiority of the western missionary
and his culture
Considered providential = white man’s
burden
Many felt colonialism was God’s way to
spread the gospel.

8. Wrong attitude of superiority




British felt that they had an empire because
they had the best Christianity
They felt that the power of the gospel was
shown in adopting western ideas
This was largely rejected after World War I &
II. Now largely secular science, education,
technology is seen as superior
Britain & Europe – declining Christianity

9. Rationale for missionary
affluence



Economic – cheapest missionaries are those
who stay longest on the field – need proper
food and housing. In fact, missionary
mortality is now like pastors in the USA
31% withdraw from ill health
15 % withdraw from death

10. Rationale for missionary
affluence



Care of family – especially education for
the children
Social – fit into cultural expectations
Strategic – funds needed for things like
education

11. Relational costs of missionary
affluence



Missionaries may be isolated from the
trials of others – teaching nationals to
trust the Lord
Social isolation – partly because of the
USA love of independence
Economic disparity may lead to sense of
superiority and special privileges

12. Relational costs…



Affluence causes a social gulf, especially
in close relationships
Affluence can lead to distrust
Affluence can lead to envy and hostility,
especially from those that do the same
work

13. Strategic costs



Missionaries may depend on expensive
technology appropriate only for a
western culture
It may be difficult for nationals to
maintain such technology in the
absence of the missionary
Discrepancy may make partnership
more difficult

14. Strategic costs

Affluence may result in strategies which
may not effectively reach the poor

15. Theological issues



Can a secure missionary teach about
simplicity, generosity, contentment and
the sacrifice in discipleship?
What about the sin of greed – both in
the missionary and the poor.
Some believe the west is driven by
greed, avarice, gluttony, envy, luxury,
and pride…

16. The Bible and wealth

I Tim. 6:[8] And having food and
raiment let us be therewith content.
[9] But they that will be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown
men in destruction and perdition.

17. The Bible and wealth

I Tim. 6: [5] Perverse disputings of
men of corrupt minds, and destitute of
the truth, supposing that gain is
godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
[6] But godliness with contentment is
great gain.[7] For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.

18. The Bible and wealth

I Tim. 6: [10] For the love of money
is the root of all evil: which while
some coveted after, they have
erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many
sorrows.[11] But thou, O man of God,
flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness.

19. What about dependency on
God and prayer?

Deut 6: [11] And houses full of all good
things, which thou filledst not, and wells
digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards
and olive trees, which thou plantedst not;
when thou shalt have eaten and be
full;[12] Then beware lest thou forget the
LORD, which brought thee forth out of the
land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

20. What about dependency on
God and prayer?

Deut 8:[10] When thou hast eaten and art
full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God
for the good land which he hath given
thee.[11] Beware that thou forget not the
LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes,
which I command thee this day:

21. This was satan’s attitude in
the king of Tyre

Ezekiel 28:[4] With thy wisdom and
with thine understanding thou hast
gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold
and silver into thy treasures:[5] By thy
great wisdom and by thy traffick hast
thou increased thy riches, and thine
heart is lifted up because of thy riches:

22. True incarnation and the cross


Renounce: status, independence, and
immunity
Trevor Verryn: “Only the truly strong
are able to lay aside their power in an
act of self-emptying and assume a
position of powerlessness.”

23. Summary of problems




Preoccupation with possessions
Reliance upon power-based status and
strategy
Double standards of ethics
Remember – missionaries are teachers,
and will be judged more strictly
according to James 3:1

24. It is true that



Sometimes the rich are righteous – Job,
Abraham, Isaac, Joseph of Aramathea,
Nicodemus
Sometimes the poor are to blame for
their poverty – Solomon looking at a
broken down farm
Private property is OK

25. But




A man’s life does not consist of the
abundance of his possessions
Wealth does not bring happiness
The year of Jubilee prevented the
indefinite accumulation of money
The sabbatical year cared for the poor
and animals

26. But…




Loans with no interest, and collateral
was only temporary
Gleaning was to leave things for the
poor
Debts cancelled every 7 years
Employees were paid promptly

27. Spiritual dangers with wealth
and prosperity



We may feel that we can safely ignore or
forget God – we don’t need him. See Deut.
8:1-20
We may have a false sense of security:
Proverbs 18:[11] The rich man's wealth is his
strong city, and as an high wall in his own
conceit.[12] Before destruction the heart of
man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

28. Wealth and security can be
enemies of humility

Jeremiah 9:[23] Thus saith the LORD, Let not
the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let
the mighty man glory in his might, let not the
rich man glory in his riches:[24] But let him
that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD
which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness, in the earth: for in these things
I delight, saith the LORD.

29. Wealth can…

Distort our judgment. Proverbs 28:[11]
The rich man is wise in his own conceit;
but the poor that hath understanding
searcheth him out.

30. Wealth can…

Interfere with our repentance: Isaiah
22:[12] And in that day did the Lord
GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to
mourning, and to baldness, and to
girding with sackcloth:[13] And behold
joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and
killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking
wine: let us eat and drink; for to
morrow we shall die.

31. Wealth can lead to




Overindulgence
Glutton
Greed
Abuse of personal power by mistreating
the weak and contempt for the poor.
See Solomon and Rehoboam misusing
the people; Ahab murdering Naboth…

32. Wealthy have bad priorities



In Isaiah 5:7-23, the prophet describes
how the wealthy are eager for the
sabbath to finish so that they can get
back to making money.
They mix up evil and good, darkness
and light
The western world calls greed, gluttony
and covetousness virtues!

33. Godliness and contentment
are great gain….


In their trip through the wilderness,
Israel often had limited but adequate
food, and barely enough water. Yet
when they complained, God said that
they would not enter into His rest
(Psalm 95:10-11)
Some compromise their message to
please the rich – not prophetic voice

34. Often in the OT, wealth and
prosperity come to the evil


Brutality, disobedience, injustice often
occur. Egyptian wealth was built on
slavery. Canaan was wealthy but
immoral. Sodom was wealthy but
corrupt.
See Psalm 37, where the psalmist
struggles but sees the future…

35. The rich may fail to help the
poor like they should



Lazarus and the rich man
The tithes for the poor
Don’t glean your fields again but leave
them for the poor

36. it is possible to have too much
as well as too little

Proverbs 30:[8] Remove far from me
vanity and lies: give me neither poverty
nor riches; feed me with food
convenient for me:[9] Lest I be full,
and deny thee, and say, Who is the
LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and
take the name of my God in vain.

37. Personal gain first = spiritual
bankruptcy


Lot – wanted to keep all the best land
for himself. His later life was a total
disaster, and he lost what he wanted
Eli – thought of his belly and his boys
more than God’s honor

38. God aligns Himself
consistently with the poor



Israel vs. Egypt
Jesus not only came for the poor but
came as one of the poor
God is against those who oppress
or even neglect the poor: Job 31:1628

39. True righteousness



Obedience is concerned with the needs
of the poor
Not simply religious rites or pious platitudes
A good example is Nehemiah when the poor
were oppressed. He forced the rich to return
lands and release slaves. The opposite
occurred in Judah during Nebuchadnessar’s
seige – they did it, and then reverted back…

40. True giving to God

Something we genuinely value, not just our
surplus or discards. Example of Mary anointing
Jesus. Jn. 12:[3] Then took Mary a pound
of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and
anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his
feet with her hair: and the house was
filled with the odour of the ointment.

41. True giving to God

[4] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas
Iscariot, Simon's son, which should
betray him,[5] Why was not this ointment
sold for three hundred pence, and given
to the poor?[6] This he said, not that he
cared for the poor; but because he was a
thief, and had the bag, and bare what
was put therein.

42. True giving to God

[7] Then said Jesus, Let her alone:
against the day of my burying hath she
kept this.[8] For the poor always ye have
with you; but me ye have not always.

43. True giving to God

Malachi 1:6-14 shows that they were giving
second class offerings, and God was not
impressed. Human rulers would not be
impressed, and He is a GREAT God who
deserves great offerings…[6] A son
honoureth his father, and a servant his
master: if then I be a father, where is
mine honour? and if I be a master,
where is my fear?

44. True giving to God

Malachi 1:6b saith the LORD of hosts
unto you, O priests, that despise my
name. And ye say, Wherein have we
despised thy name?[7] Ye offer
polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye
say, Wherein have we polluted thee?
In that ye say, The table of the LORD is
contemptible.

45. True economic repentance


Is costly and most people, including
religious ones, do not repent. They will
usually do away with the preacher and find
another who is easier on their lives
The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel
have much to say about economic justice, but
the people rejected their message

46. Goods and money and
security are not top values

Mt. 6:[19] Lay not up for yourselves
treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break
through and steal:[20] But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves do not break through nor
steal:[21] For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.

47. What is truly important

Phil. 3:[7] But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ.[8] Yea
doubtless, and I count all things but loss
for the excellency of the knowledge of
Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and do
count them but dung, that I may win
Christ,

48. Paul, the man for one thing

Phil. 3:[13] Brethren, I count not
myself to have apprehended: but this
one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching forth
unto those things which are
before,[14] I press toward the
mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus

49. Sharing possessions is a NT
virtue

James 3:[14] What doth it profit, my
brethren, though a man say he hath
faith, and have not works? can faith
save him?[15] If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food,….

50. Sharing possessions is a NT
virtue

James 3:[16] And one of you say unto
them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed
and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are
needful to the body; what doth it
profit?[17] Even so faith, if it hath
not works, is dead, being alone.

51. A surprising contrast


Wealth and prosperity are often a sign of
greed, and poverty and hardship may be
the result of obedience to God
Wealth often is associated with mistreatment
of the poor, preoccupation with self, and
spiritual impotence. Zacheus was unrighteous
but wealthy, but repented and gave much of
his fortune away

52. Luke 6:

[20] And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples,
and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is
the kingdom of God.[21] Blessed are ye
that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed
are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.[22]
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and
when they shall separate you from their
company, and shall reproach you, and cast out
your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

53. Luke 6:

[23] Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:
for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for
in the like manner did their fathers unto the
prophets.[24] But woe unto you that are
rich! for ye have received your
consolation.[25] Woe unto you that are full!
for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh
now! for ye shall mourn and weep.[26] Woe
unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!
for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

54. Remember the contrast

The rich young ruler was lost: Mt. 19:23]
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I
say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly
enter into the kingdom of heaven.[24]
And again I say unto you, It is easier for
a camel to go through the eye of a
needle, than for a rich man to enter into
the kingdom of God.

55. Remember the contrast

The rich young ruler was lost: Mt.
19:25] When his disciples heard it, they
were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who
then can be saved?[26] But Jesus
beheld them, and said unto them, With
men this is impossible; but with God all
things are possible.

56. Luke 12

[29] And seek not ye what ye shall eat,
or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of
doubtful mind.[30] For all these things
do the nations of the world seek after:
and your Father knoweth that ye have
need of these things.[31] But rather
seek ye the kingdom of God; and all
these things shall be added unto you.

57. Luke 12

[32] Fear not, little flock; for it is your
Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom.[33] Sell that ye have, and
give alms; provide yourselves bags
which wax not old, a treasure in the
heavens that faileth not, where no thief
approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
[34] For where your treasure is, there
will your heart be also.

58. Wealth and prosperity


Are dangerous spiritually – be alert and
careful
It is against spirituality and
humility

59. I Tim 6:

[6] But godliness with contentment is
great gain.[7] For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.[8] And having food and
raiment let us be therewith content.[9] But
they that will be rich fall into temptation
and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition.

60. I Tim 6:

[10] For the love of money is the root
of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.[11] But thou, O man of God, flee
these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness.

61. Wealth distorts true wisdom
and expertise

Mt. 18:[1] At the same time came the disciples
unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the
kingdom of heaven?[2] And Jesus called a little
child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
[3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be
converted, and become as little children, ye shall
not enter into the kingdom of heaven.[4]
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as
this little child, the same is greatest in the
kingdom of heaven.

62. James 2

[1] My brethren, have not the faith of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory,
with respect of persons.[2] For if there
come unto your assembly a man with a
gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there
come in also a poor man in vile
raiment;

63. James 2

[3] And ye have respect to him that
weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and
say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit
here under my footstool:[4] Are ye not
then partial in yourselves, and are
become judges of evil thoughts?

64. James 2

[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not
God chosen the poor of this world rich in
faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he
hath promised to them that love him?[6]
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men
oppress you, and draw you before the
judgment seats?[7] Do not they blaspheme
that worthy name by the which ye are called?

65. James 2

[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to
the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself, ye do well:[9] But if ye have
respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are
convinced of the law as transgressors.[10]
For whosoever shall keep the whole law,
and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of
all.

66. Luke 12 Wealth changes our
priorities

[13] And one of the company said unto him,
Master, speak to my brother, that he divide
the inheritance with me.[14] And he said unto
him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider
over you?[15] And he said unto them, Take
heed, and beware of covetousness: for a
man's life consisteth not in the abundance of
the things which he possesseth.

67. Luke 12 Wealth changes our
priorities

[16] And he spake a parable unto them,
saying, The ground of a certain rich man
brought forth plentifully:[17] And he
thought within himself, saying, What shall I
do, because I have no room where to
bestow my fruits?[18] And he said, This
will I do: I will pull down my barns, and
build greater; and there will I bestow all
my fruits and my goods.

68. Luke 12 Wealth changes our
priorities
[19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast
much goods laid up for many years; take thine
ease, eat, drink, and be merry.[20] But God
said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul
shall be required of thee: then whose shall
those things be, which thou hast provided?
[21] So is he that layeth up treasure for
himself, and is not rich toward God.

69. Wealth decreases prayer


Prayer is usually the cry of the
person needing God‟s help. Often
the wealthy think that they don’t need
His help but can take care of their own
needs with their wealth.
Self-sufficiency and security are
enemies of prayer

70. Wealth’s adverse effects:




Alienation with other humans
Can become a god to the owner
Breeds covetousness and greed
Dissipation and indulgence

71. Wealth chokes the Word

Mt. 13:[22] He also that received seed
among the thorns is he that heareth the
word; and the care of this world,
and the deceitfulness of riches,
choke the word, and he becometh
unfruitful.

72. Love can make us betray
Jesus

Judas: Mt. 26:[14] Then one of the
twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto
the chief priests,[15] And said unto
them, What will ye give me, and I will
deliver him unto you? And they
covenanted with him for thirty pieces of
silver.[16] And from that time he
sought opportunity to betray him.

73. Judas problem showed in his
response to Mary’s sacrifice

Judas complained when Mary sacrificed
her heirloom perfume on Jesus. But he
was interested not in the poor, but in
getting ahold of more money… he held
the bag…

74. The cost of greed… in Acts 5

[1] But a certain man named Ananias,
with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession,[2] And kept back part of
the price, his wife also being privy to it,
and brought a certain part, and laid it at
the apostles' feet.[3] But Peter said,
Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine
heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to
keep back part of the price of the land?

75. The cost of greed… in Acts 5

[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine
own? and after it was sold, was it not in
thine own power? why hast thou conceived
this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied
unto men, but unto God. [5] And Ananias
hearing these words fell down, and gave up
the ghost: and great fear came on all them
that heard these things.

76. The cost of greed… in Acts 5

[6] And the young men arose, wound
him up, and carried him out, and buried
him.[7] And it was about the space of
three hours after, when his wife, not
knowing what was done, came in.[8]
And Peter answered unto her, Tell me
whether ye sold the land for so much?
And she said, Yea, for so much.

77. The cost of greed… in Acts 5

[9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye
have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of
the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have
buried thy husband are at the door, and shall
carry thee out.[10] Then fell she down
straightway at his feet, and yielded up the
ghost: and the young men came in, and found
her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her
by her husband.

78. Jesus, born poor, ministered
to the poor

Isaiah 61:[1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is
upon me; because the LORD hath
anointed me to preach good tidings unto
the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and the opening of the prison to them
that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable
year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of
our God; to comfort all that mourn;

79. Jesus judged in Mt. 25



Those that treated the poor, the
hungry, the imprisoned, etc were
blessed.
The new believers in the church shared
their goods in common
Examples – Macedonian believers and
the church of Philippi were poor but
generous & supported Paul

80. God is pleased…

Heb. 13:[3] Remember them that
are in bonds, as bound with them;
and them which suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also in the
body.…[16] But to do good and to
communicate forget not: for with
such sacrifices God is well pleased.

81. God uses the weak and foolish
things to give Himself glory

I Cor. 1:[18] For the preaching of the
cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the
power of God.[19] For it is written, I
will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the
understanding of the prudent.

82. God uses the weak and foolish
things to give Himself glory

I Cor. 25] Because the foolishness of
God is wiser than men; and the
weakness of God is stronger than men.
[26] For ye see your calling, brethren,
how that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many
noble, are called:

83. God uses the weak and foolish
things to give Himself glory

I Cor. 1:[27] But God hath chosen the
foolish things of the world to confound
the wise; and God hath chosen the weak
things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty;[28] And base
things of the world, and things which are
despised, hath God chosen, yea, and
things which are not, to bring to nought
things that are:

84. God uses the weak and foolish
things to give Himself glory

I Cor. 1:[29] That no flesh should glory
in his presence.[30] But of him are ye
in Christ Jesus, who of God is made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness,
and sanctification, and redemption:
[31] That, according as it is written, He
that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

85. The parable of the good
Samaritan


Shows that it is not religious orthodoxy
(both the priest and Levite were
orthodox), but one‟s relationship with
the poor or needy show the individual‟s
standing with God.
It is with specific people, and not just a
sociological class…

86. Genuine repentance shown by
sacrificial giving

Rom. 12:[1] I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service.[2] And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.

87. The widow’s mite


Worth a part of a penny, but more than
the wealthy
Given to a corrupt clergy but with the
right motives

88. Christ’s followers




Self-sacrifice instead of self-indulgence
Mary’s giving the perfume…
Peter misunderstood about Christ’s sacrificial
death – and Jesus called him satan because
his statement is a satanic lie – save yourself.
The priests said: He saved others; Himself He
cannot save; ironically, they were correct

89. Christ’s followers must be
servants



This is a reorientation for the wealthy,
including the wealthy missionary
Generosity must go also to Christ’s
enemies – Mt. 5:38-45
Those who lose economically are
usually resistant to the gospel – e.g.,
Demetrius and the silversmiths of
Ephesus

90. Religious leaders often love
money

They will be judged more severely:
James 3:[1] My brethren, be not many
masters, knowing that we shall receive
the greater condemnation. [2] For in
many things we offend all. If any man
offend not in word, the same is a
perfect man, and able also to bridle the
whole body.

91. Religious leaders often love
money

They will be judged more severely:
James 2:[14] What doth it profit, my
brethren, though a man say he hath
faith, and have not works? can faith
save him?[15] If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food,

92. Religious leaders often love
money

They will be judged more severely:
James 2:[16] And one of you say unto
them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed
and filled; notwithstanding ye give them
not those things which are needful to
the body; what doth it profit?[17] Even
so faith, if it hath not works, is dead,
being alone.

93. True faith shows itself in
obedience

James 2:[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou
hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew
thee my faith by my works.[19] Thou
believest that there is one God; thou doest
well: the devils also believe, and
tremble.[20] But wilt thou know, O vain
man, that faith without works is dead?

94. True faith shows itself in
obedience

James 2:[21] Was not Abraham our father
justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar? [22] Seest
thou how faith wrought with his works, and
by works was faith made perfect?[23] And
the scripture was fulfilled which saith,
Abraham believed God, and it was imputed
unto him for righteousness: and he was
called the Friend of God.

95. True faith shows itself in
obedience

James 2:[24] Ye see then how that by
works a man is justified, and not by
faith only.

96. The missionary is affected by
western consumerism

Western consumerism is based on the
idea that a man’s life indeed does
consist of his possessions – especially
those that are most up-to-date

97. Reminder of usual methods of
missionary handling




Associate with peers – upper level of
developing country – though
Christianity is geared for the poor
Ignore and explain away
Simplify life but maintain many of the
benefits – medicine, transport,
education
Incarnational lifestyle

98. The gap in finances
missionary to national





1800 – two to one
1913 – three to one
1970 – seven to one
1992 – seventy-two to one
Most effective missionary work often
done by poorer churches

99. Repentance, not revolution




Move in the direction of the cross,
weakness
We must live what we preach
We are assigned a status by the
culture. We should be the righteous
rich – how we behave toward the poor.
Job was proactive in helping the poor

100. Culturally appropriate helping
the poor



Deut. 15:1-11 The time of cancelling
debts – also help poor brother
Nehemiah 5:1-12: The rich repented of
their oppression of their Jewish brothers
We need justice, and not mere legality
which can protect the rich

101. Paul’s instruction to Timothy

I Tim. 6:[17] Charge them that are rich in this
world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in
uncertain riches, but in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy;[18] That
they do good, that they be rich in good works,
ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to come, that they
may lay hold on eternal life.

102. Jesus


Never too busy to help the sick and
poor, although He was to save the
world. The good news intersects with
the actual needs of people.
We western missionaries often serve on
our terms, not that of the people whom
we are called to serve!

103. Two errors in self-denial


Be careful not to seem self-righteous
and display that
Do not insist that others conform to the
same external standards that we have
from our western culture but are not
necessarily biblical

104. Be careful of the church of the
west




Often there is more the mind of the
west than the mind of Christ
Simplify personal lifestyles. We are
Christian soldiers in a cosmic conflict.
We are not the owner but the steward
of resources – travel lightly
Do not waste things on self-indulgence

105. Needs not by western
standards


Sometimes we may need to sell
possessions to help others.
We need to be careful about our
children – Lot and Eli put children’s
affluence above spiritual preparation

106. Wealthy churches must
support their missionaries…



According to their own standards. The
church of Laodicea will have problems
asking members to sacrifice.
But missionaries are free to live
according to their conscience.
There is a similar problem with training
institutions which coddle their students

107. We need to be aware of God’s
servants who are poor


Often the church advances through the
work of humble and poor servants who
are largely unknown and unappreciated
Missionaries may play a rather small
part in the total story

108. Institutional repentance




Reformers are usually not welcome
Christian obedience cannot be easily
legislated
Usually a mission organization will not
appreciate reformation
We need to move from independence to
interdependence with national churches

109. Three major models



Incarnation
The cross
Weakness as power

110. Incarnation


It should be prescriptive strategy rather
than theological description
Lesson: speed, mobility, power,
comprehensiveness, and success are
not the measures of missionary strategy

111. Incarnation: Jesus was



Born poor, ministered to the poor, and
died poor
Born as a helpless baby, needing to grow
in wisdom by learning obedience
He rejected the tendency to demonstrate
His power rather than work in poverty,
obscurity, and weakness – the opposite is
rejected as satanic

112. Missionary attitude



God sent Jesus into the world in
poverty. So like He sent Jesus, Jesus
sends us
We are to be in the world but not of the
world
Our attitude should be like Christ Jesusgiving up power and privilege

113. Missionary standards



Sacrifice more than “what could have
been at home”
Jesus had lifelong suspicion, misunderstandings and eventually death
We are a threat to the uncommitted
when we give up our treasures, love
our enemies, bless our persecutors,
surrender to service

114. The threat of changing
standards


The missionary who is not of the world
shows the standards of another King,
not the prince of the world.
But they have spiritual weapons for a
spiritual battle…

115. The cross



His disciples can look forward to
suffering here and now: Mt. 10:38
Peter knew not the things of God but of
man when he suggested Christ reject
the cross: Mk. 8:31-34
The cross separates us from the spirit
of this age, and those of that spirit

116. Philippians 3:

[17] Brethren, be followers together of
me, and mark them which walk so as ye
have us for an ensample.[18] (For
many walk, of whom I have told
you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ:

117. Philippians 3:

[19] Whose end is destruction, whose
God is their belly, and whose glory is in
their shame, who mind earthly things.)
[20] For our conversation is in
heaven; from whence also we look
for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ:

118. The cross =self-judgment



Don’t build on self-gratification
They may run to the security of the
enemy of their souls away from the
lover of their souls.
They live in pleasant self-fulfilling lives
but the lives fall down on the ground
and die without multiplying

119. The church of the west must
change to take up the cross


Affluent churches as well as individuals
need to come to Jesus for what they truly
need.
This is also true of mission organizations
who insist that they will cover all the risks
of the missionary.

120. Weakness rather than
strength


The early church had little funds and no
political power, but accomplished the
task of spreading the gospel
We must not rely on our strength, but
on the strength that comes only from
the Lord. When we are weak, then we
are strong – if we are in His will

121. Part II
Avoiding Dependency
Dr. Robert Patton
Missionary to Suriname,
South America

122. Dependency




Of course, our first reliance is on
God!
But we must not rely on the
resources outside locally
Otherwise you may miss the
resources that God will provide, a
Furthermore, then you cannot help
others

123. .Indigenous - something locally
owned and operated


There is often an imported and
expensive foreign structure requiring
outside support
Placing nationals in responsible
positions is not indigenization, but
nationalization

124. .Indigenous - something locally
owned and operated


We need not only legal ownership and
national ownership,
But also psychological ownership

125. Truly indigenous = ownership




This is ours.
It belongs to us.
We are going to make it work.
We will manage it ourselves with
our own decisions, structures, and
resources

126. Characteristics of the
dependency syndrome




Fatalism – nationals saying: we can‟t help
ourselves... and missionaries saying: they
can‟t help themselves
Not all dependent churches are poor- it has
more to do with the mentality of the people
Foreign funding can be like a poison or
pollutant
But - It is possible to cure dependency

127. Dependency can be cured

One “poor” church has 3 offerings



.For the poor
.Tithe
.Thanks offering

128. Dependency can be cured

Successful cure through discipleship.





2 days of fasting & prayer,
then 3 days of teaching on stewardship
and discipleship
Spiritual renewal is key.
Repeated again after 6 months.
Soon the church was self reliant.

129. Lessons from Irian Jaya




No foreign funds used in local church
development
Mission employed no paid evangelists
Missionaries did not burden the
churches with a structure they could
not sustain
Church members paid pastors by
cultivating the fields for them

130. Lessons from Irian Jaya



They practiced self-support in
church and community
No preferential treatment was
given to believers in medical or
community work
Stewardship was taught from the
beginning

131. Lessons from Irian Jaya


Missionaries were given crosscultural training and sensitivity
Warning - don‟t resent the church‟s
move toward self-reliance

132. Characteristics of the
Syndrome of Dependency




It affects all aspects of mission life
It especially affects Bible
distribution
It is longstanding, and not
confined to one geographic area
The problem is still contemporary

133. Dependency syndrome



Who have problems?
Missionaries whose programs
create the problems
Church leaders whose salaries
come from foreign sources

134. Dependency syndrome



What is the problem?
Foreign funds often come in large
amounts and in hidden ways.
There is a great temptation to
misuse the funds - more than
locally managed funds

135. Dependency Syndrome



Unhealthy dependence makes it
nearly impossible for churches to
send out their own missionaries.
What we seek is outreach from an
energized church which has
spiritual and financial energy left
over to reach others.
This can become a way of life

136. Dependency syndrome




This can become a way of life
It can have very attractive nature- you can
support a national for $50 per month
Local people are deprived of the opportunity
to support their own evangelist
Sometimes the evangelist is seen as a
„foreign agent‟

137. Things to ask about
partnership




Many suggest western funds and eastern
manpower
Which way to resources flow? If one way then it is sponsorship rather than
partnership.
Partnership works best when money is not
an issue
Interdependence - two relatively equal
partners

138. National contributions


Knowledge of the language and
culture
Ability to live in circumstances that
would be very difficult for a
western missionary to tolerate

139. Risks involved in challenging
dependence



Loss of reputation and attack on
the individual
May affect your own salary
You may lose potentially good
leaders

140. Dependency syndrome



Resolving dependency is a great
blessing
Often there is a direct revelation of
the Lord
It is very difficult for westerners to
accept that their giving could be the
root cause of dependency problems

141. Breaking dependency is a
spiritual problem.





Attack dependency with
Prayer
Sound teaching
Discipleship
Spiritual decision-making

142. What should wealthy churches
do with their money?


Where does the money come from?
Ethically?
Invest in cross-cultural training for
missionaries

143. What should wealthy churches
do with their money?



Helping with debt encountered in
college
Mobilization of resources to send
people where the gospel is not
preached
Outreach in your own communities

144. What should wealthy churches
do with their money?




Invest in
campus organizations,
radio broadcasting,
Bible translation

145. What should wealthy churches
do with their money?




Invest in
Help refugees
Preventive health programs
Employment projects, job creation
schemes and revolving loan funds

146. Where should we exercise
care?




Individual church leaders paid directly
Child care programs bypassing family
Bibles - be careful that we do not overly
subsidize them and make their value
too little
Be careful about overseas scholarships

147. Where should we exercise
care?



Building church buildings which
the people could build themselves.
Remember people can have a
church building equal to the house
in which they live
Food aid projects which can affect
the cost of local products.

148. Historical Development of the
Syndrome of Dependency


Healthy churches are not
dependent on outside resources
Three self is important –
 self-governing,
 self-supporting,
 self-propagating

149. Historical Development of the
Syndrome of Dependency


Some want also an indigenous
theology and hymnology
The problem is when missionaries
entrench themselves and build
huge foreign institutions.

150. Practical Suggestions for
Missionaries

Large mission stations have a
negative impact




.They put distance between
missionary and people
.They are expensive to maintain
.We must focus more on being
than doing
.Recognize what God is doing, and
join Him in His work

151. Cross-cultural training is vital




This is more than a crash course
We must adjust to the other‟s
point of reference
Where does my primary fellowship
come from?
Is my identity tied with position
and responsibility, or who I am in
Christ?

152. Missionary attitudes




Decline to take charge of anything
that could be done by a local person
Excuse yourselves from business
meetings when possible
Be ready to remove the scaffolding
which has been built
Avoid personal agenda which must be
completed before leaving

153. Proper missionary ownership




I will give away my rights
I will resist giving an answer for
everything on every subject
I will defer to others and not make
them dependent on my money
I will not condemn anyone if a
program is closed because it
cannot be maintained

154. Proper missionary ownership




I will not allow dependency to develop
I will not become bitter or discouraged
if my rights, privileges and responsibilities are taken from me
I came to be replaced by others
I will not react with anger when
others talk about how things can go in
the future

155. Destructive missionary attitudes



These people do not appreciate
what we have done for them
As a missionary I need to do more
than be
We will give them authority when
they are ready for it (maybe in 100
years)

156. Destructive missionary attitudes


If we turn the work over too soon,
maybe it will be destroyed
What is your attitude toward
transition to local responsibility?

157. Questions for missionaries



What will you do if your present
role is ended?
Could you move your scaffolding
elsewhere?
Can you help a local church
develop a sending ministry?

158. Questions for missionaries



Could you serve in an existing
church without a position of
power or leadership?
Could you help actively develop
local resources and break
dependency?
Could you be a mobilizer for
missions, looking for others to
serve wider?

159. What can Local Leaders do to Avoid
or Break the Dependency Syndrome?



We must not allow the past colonialism, paternalism, or
apartheid to make us bitter
We must not build up our own
empire
Make a strong commitment to the
process of change

160. What can Local Leaders do to Avoid
or Break the Dependency Syndrome?
Get the whole team on track for
transition.
 Give attention to how the
missionaries feel, but do not
become paralyzed by that.

161. What can Local Leaders do to Avoid
or Break the Dependency Syndrome?


If older members cannot, then let
them be involved with something
less stressful and not active at the
heart of the process.
Spiritual unity is a must

162. What can Local Leaders do to Avoid
or Break the Dependency Syndrome?



BEGIN WITH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL
Good planning is necessary
Give attention to restructuring the
box

163. Practical suggestions




Let the imagination flow
Give joyfully
Be prepared to reduce expenses
Be sure to put evangelism &
missionary outreach into the
agenda

164. Encouragement to remove
dependency




You aren‟t the first to face change
Pray that the Holy Spirit will show the
right time for change
Ask for divine guidance - humility,
spiritual discernment and determination
Allow a reasonable time for change to
take place

165. Leadership qualities



Be at peace with God
We must believe our present
calling of God is valid - and with
God‟s help it can be carried out
We must be committed to leading
people and not simply fixing
problems

166. Leadership qualities




Respect the need of change and do
not fear it
Those who change need to be
prepared to be criticized
We may need to sacrifice
personally
Be humble when we see progress

167. Leadership qualities





See the long-term picture
Have unquestioned personal
integrity.
Remember - the failure to confront
diminishes our ability to lead
Employ the most gifted
Be certain that we have God‟s
agenda in mind

168. Effects of long-term foreign
subsidy



Outsiders often set the agenda
Progress is often determined by
the availability of outside money
Often foreign-salaried nationals
are not free to decide and
innovate

169. Effects of long-term foreign
subsidy


There is adverse effects of the
self-image and community
image of the church
Local value systems can be
damaged

170. Problems in stewardship teaching
in mission-established institutions



The hearts of the members may be
cold
Outside funding creates the
appearance of wealth
There is often hidden income and
hidden expenses

171. Problems in stewardship teaching
in mission-established institutions


The project or church seems to
belong to someone else
There is inadequate training of the
treasurers

172. Why is there an urgency to
relieve dependency?



Churches & mission societies often
have broken relationships over money
Missionaries & agencies do not know
how to remove the scaffold
Paternalistic mission societies are an
embarrassment in the kingdom of God

173. Why is there an urgency to
relieve dependency?



Discouraged church leaders go
elsewhere for fellowship and
employment
Dependent churches cannot reach
their potential for the Lord
There is a problem not trusting
local treasurers

174. Promoting local ownership



A feeling of ownership must
precede responsibility
Programs may be inappropriate or
too expensive to maintain
Both anticipate and precipitate
change

175. How do you know if local
leadership occurs


Do the leaders have to check with
someone first?
Is control maintained by outside
finances?

176. Where is the money coming
from?



Sleeping Christians
Non-believers
Unemployed – via microloans, etc.



keep it small
keep it local
keep a watchful eye

177. Teaching giving



Ownership before stewardship
Full heart experience before
teaching stewardship
Emphasize “thanks”giving

178. Teaching giving



Emphasize the joy of giving, not
just the law of tithing
Emphasize local creativity
Train treasurers in integrity

179. Teaching giving



Don‟t rely on the gimmicks of the
world - raffles, games, teas,
Remember everything comes from
the Lord
“In kind” offerings are as
important as money

180. What sources of income
hinder church giving?



Income from church-run properties
Avoid all illegal practices
Avoid private gifts to church
leaders who are unknown
personally

181. What sources of income
hinder church giving?


Be careful of relief supplies which
ruin the value of locally grown
produce
Avoid securing a vehicle through a
developmental agency

182. What sources of income
hinder church giving?



Community income better than
church business
All people in the community benefit
Draws on resources of wealthy nonbelievers

183. What sources of income
hinder church giving?


Church thrives on the giving of
believers
The church is not competing with
business people

184. Transitions to local ownership


Make certain that the Holy
Spirit is guiding
Meet to determine the
seriousness of the undertaking

185. Transitions to local ownership



Set up a timetable for the
forseeable future
Outside decisions will no longer
be the basis on which decisions
are made
Don‟t be derailed by indecision

186. Transition to local ownership





Expect opposition from satan
He does not want strong churches
Allow enough time for local support
Pray for the Lord to remove difficulties
Don‟t worry about the reactions of
others

187. Transition to local ownership





Encourage local creativity
Local solutions to local problems
New music from the hearts of the
people
Local ways of raising funds
Expect some insecurity

188. Indigenous Church and
Missionary Sending



Indigenous church = locally owned
and operated: China
.Some missionaries had introduced
the ideas of self-supporting and
self-propagating churches
.When cut off from other countries,
the church became truly
indigenous

189. Indigenous Church and
Missionary Sending



Indigenous church = locally owned
and operated: China
They learned how to live in a
hostile political environment
They decided to take the gospel
west - 10/40 window

190. African independent churches


Often started by leaders of missionestablished churches with a “low
ceiling” where they could not grow
They rejected foreign control and
funding

191. African independent churches


They were usually led by a
charismatic talented leader - a
“prophet”
Not all would be called evangelical

192. African independent churches


The second generation is
rethinking the isolationist stance
of the first generation
Many churches were not involved
in E3 evangelism

193. African independent churches


They show that churches can exist
in Africa on their own resources.
They did not have such a huge
superstructure built by foreign
funds

194. Remember



An indigenous church should seem
indigenous - not standing out from the
culture as a foreign culture institution.
A church cannot be indigenous in its
own society if it has the identity of the
church from another society
Some have indigenous leadership but
not indigenous support structure

195. Foundation of an Indigenous
Outreach Movement



It is born out of a full-heart
experience
It is the result of WIDESPREAD
church spiritual renewal.
The congregation is filled with the
Holy Spirit with spiritual energy
left over for others

196. Foundation of an Indigenous
Outreach Movement


It requires special emphasis and
training.
Pastoral training is not enough to
answer the questions facing crosscultural missionaries

197. Foundation of an Indigenous
Outreach Movement



It develops a caring sending base with healthy mission support for those
willing to serve at a distance
Faithful reporting back to prayer
supporters and financial supporters
Keep the vision of the unreached especially the 10/40 window

198. Foundation of an Indigenous
Outreach Movement


Be careful of outside support to
make your vision possible - they
may not believe in the importance
of local funding
They are not dependent on foreign
funds to start or keep going

199. Alan Tippett’s marks of an
indigenous church






A healthy self-image - the Body of
Christ in its own community
Self-functioning
Self-determining
Self-supporting
Self-propagating
Self-giving - managing its own
service programs

200. Healthy Indigenous churches


Indigenous theology – which deals
with all the elements affecting the
lives of their people daily
Indigenous worship - fitting for the
culture

201. Healthy Indigenous churches



Indigenous church structure - it
should fit the culture.
Can it support the structure it
inherited without foreign funds?
Can the structure be reproduced
elsewhere?

202. Healthy Indigenous churches



Self-image:
Does the community look to the
church in times of crisis?
Does it have a healthy reproductive
system?

203. What about a missions
sending program?




There is no vision for the
unreached
A poverty mentality exists
They may have inherited an
expensive structure taking all their
resources to maintain
There may be no prayer movement

204. What about a missions
sending program?



Maybe there are no training
institutes to prepare people for
missionary training
Perhaps the church has no sending
agency - usually a special
department is necessary to
function cross-culturally
There may be no prayer movement

205. African conversions - especially
marginal conversions



Often we leave intact the unsaved person‟s
basic assumptions of life
A missionary sending movement requires
many in the church to make that commitment
Examples:
 Life forever - descendents remember your
name
 Many hold two worldviews simultaneously

206. Marginal commitments show…

Depth of commitment from
beginning






.Evidence
.Behavior
.Ritual
.Values
.Themes
.Basic life presuppositions

207. Obstacles to genuine
conversion



Easy believism - don‟t count the cost
Motivation to accepting Jesus Christ eg learning English, foreign travel,
schooling & employment, etc
Conflicting world views

208. Results of marginal Christian
conversions



Rise of independent churches culturally appropriate and filled with
power
Who is the final authority in their lives
Unhealthy fatalism - no local decisions
and support

209. Results of marginal Christian
conversions



Unlikely to be enthusiastic
missionaries
Unlikely to feel that the church
deserves much of their income
For a dynamic missionary movement,
the Holy Spirit, not the spirits, must
be in charge

210. Results of marginal Christian
conversions




They will not destroy the sacred
objects used in the previous way of life
The former way of solving problems
will not be replaced
Christianity will not be seen as a way of
life worth dying or living for
Answer: evangelism &/or discipleship

211. Conflicting World Views and
the Problem of Dependency

Societies usually work by
consensus - time consuming



Man is seen as family, not individuals
West - project-oriented rather than
people-oriented = broken
relationships if not careful
We need cross-cultural training

212. Conflicting World Views and
the Problem of Dependency


God in his providence places us to
do His will and to encourage others
to be all that they can be
Personal integrity may be
sacrificed to keep the “heavy box”
going

213. Conflicting World Views and
the Problem of Dependency



Worldview of control?
Worldview to be controlled as
victims?
Remember God allows some
things in our lives for His
purposes in our lives

214. Problems with world views



Power encounter = rendering the
other powers powerless.
Sometimes a public confrontation
with the old sources of power is
necessary
People movement - larger groups
turn to Christ, like villages

215. Problems with world views


Westerners tend to look at
worldviews as either/or
Non-westerners often look at
Christianity as merely a
supplement of what they already
believe

216. Worldview problems


When you hold a unified worldview,
this means that you can do some
things, but other things you cannot do
Medicine - example


western - what happened and how did it
happen?
non-western - why did this happen, who
caused it?

217. .Ethnicity and Cross-cultural church
planting: why dependency develops


A truly indigenous church has deep
roots in the culture.
In that society, it is seen as a
legitimate wholesome local
institution to which they can
belong.

218. .Ethnicity and Cross-cultural church
planting: why dependency develops


Often ethnic churches are dependent, and must make decisions
acceptable at the foreign support
base.
Often the music is not indigenous, or
worship service

219. .Ethnicity and Cross-cultural church
planting: why dependency develops



Church structure is often too
expensive
Often the vision comes from outside
We need to be willing to leave
behind that which is not essential
but determined by the outsider‟s
culture.

220. .Ethnicity and Cross-cultural church
planting: why dependency develops


We need to preserve self-respect and
allow expression of good things in
the target culture.
We need to be careful not to
undermine the parents and their role

221. Suggestions of cross-cultural
planters


Inter-ethnic mission societies have
a better chance of starting an
indigenous church
Train in cross-cultural and interethnic institutions

222. Role of business people in
self-reliance for churches


They must be soundly converted
before they will give generously to
the Lord
They may be willing to live in a
more conservative lifestyle

223. Enhancing the role of the
businessman




Make the purpose of the church clear separate out business parts.
Church and business need each other
Both groups should promote spiritual
renewal
Church leaders must show themselves
as hardworking shepherds

224. Enhancing the role of the
businessman


Business people must be certain
that there is economic justice in
how they earn their money.
They can set the example of caring
for employees, giving good quality
service, and generosity to the
church

225. Enhancing the role of the
businessman


Business people must make the
frame of reference the kingdom of
God
Help the unemployed by revolving
loan funds. Local funds are
preferred - better monitored

226. What triggers the move to
Self-Reliance?




Direct revelation from the Lord sometimes supernatural
Divine intervention - God removing
foreign funds.
It partially depends on the
teaching of faithful stewardship
Widespread genuine spiritual
revival is needed!

227. What Triggers the move to
Self-Reliance?


Sound teaching initially with
those sowing the gospel seed
Sound teaching and practices
promoted by committed and
creative local leaders

228. What Triggers the move to
Self-Reliance?



Not so effective = one-sided plan
initiated by missionaries.
The question is one of true
psychological ownership
Outside funds are arbitrarily cut
off - be careful that this is not an
act of paternalism.

229. What Triggers the move to
Self-Reliance?


Serious restructuring of
institutions inherited from the past
Positive shift in the attitude among
the missionaries

230. Avoiding dependency in Crosscultural church planting


When church planting, E2 or E3
congregations should avoid
sending too many persons from the
original congregation to help
Avoid well-paid outside church
planter beyond the capabilities of
the church

231. Avoiding dependency in Crosscultural church planting




Things to do:
Encourage the church from the
beginning to use stewardship
Teach stewardship from salvation
Without adequate base, finances
will prevent building & sending
missionaries

232. Cross-cultural church planting





Don‟t pity people that they cannot pay
Don‟t surrender leadership to outside
wealthier believers
Consider self-supporting church leaders
Consider renting facilities until you can
build
Spiritual renewal is vital

233. Best ideas for change




The funders need to be willing to
change
Spirit of anticipation to change
Do what you need to do to precipitate
change.
Ideally the beginning of stopping
dependence will come from those
who are dependent

234. Best ideas for change


Know the difference between
absolute poverty where help is
necessary, and relative poverty
where change is necessary
You will find those in relative poverty
can give to God

235. What can outsiders do?



The biggest thing outsiders can
do is pray. It is a spiritual battle
Remind dependent people about
the unreached world.
Ask them to help reach, explaining that resources need to be
channeled there

236. What can outsiders do?


Help spiritual maturity resulting in
joyful giving.
Those who fund must look at
how/why they fund. For example,
they be deliberately absent when
funding decisions are made.

237. What can outsiders do?



Cause awareness of local resources
You can work not only to increase
income, but also to decrease
expenses
Have sermons & seminars, etc on
stewardship

238. Initiating the process of
change:



Recognize the role of outsiders in
creating the problem
Have frank discussions about the
current situation
Be humble and admit that altruism
of outsiders may be behind the
dependency

239. Initiating the process of
change:


Seek advice of local people for a
proper solution
True interdependence is best at
the local level among relative
equals

240. Meaningful Ways to Help the
Poor


The poor lack margin - financially
or spiritually
Building in biblical principles will
give you margin against poverty,
sickness, demonic possession, and
depression

241. The good news of God is the best
way to help those who lack margin




Everyone must pay their debts
Christians must pay their taxes
Christians should tithe - start
teaching from day 1. This means
that we recognize that everything
we have comes from God
Christians should put something
into savings

242. Wrong assumptions


The poor have nothing to give back
to God
Change your idea of what can go
into the offering basket

243. Christian demeanor and the
dependency syndrome





Avoid the mandate to rule syndrome
Be willing to let the nationals take over,
even to not showing up at meetings
Defer to the local leadership
We urgently need extensive crosscultural training and sensitivity
Avoid paternalism

244. Reflections on Bible Societies


One Bible society was supported
from the outside by more than
99%
There is a problem of getting funds
to go out of the country “blocked
cash”

245. Reflections on Bible Societies


We need to work to get the
countries able to print their own
Bibles
It is a problem to buy and give
away highly subsidized Bibles

246. Reflections on Bible Societies


We need to use sound business
principles to work with Bibles
There is a problem when directors
also belong to NPO‟s as they are
now in competition to raise funds...

247. Reflections on Bible Societies



We need business-minded
directors.
There is need of men who can use
tough-minded “bottom-line”
mentality
They must be people of integrity

248. Practical suggestions
for Bible Societies



Reconsider who should be on Bible
society boards.
Avoid dependency mentality. Put in
church leaders for questions of
translation and interchurch cooperation
Have the general secretary of the Bible
society get paid directly by the churches

249. Practical suggestions
for Bible Societies



Create a network of market-minded
business men of integrity
Experiment with locally printed
editions of Bibles at lower cost
Get a “can do” mentality at all levels
of Bible Society activity, including
costs related to translation, production, storage and distribution.

250. Sustainability in Medical
Mission Institutions




Dependency in the institutions has its
roots in spiritual issues
The road to dependency is often
paved with good intentions
Some of the best examples were from
places without government subsidy
The key is local ownership with
independent board leadership

251. Sustainability in Medical
Mission Institutions


Short-termers help when visiting teams
of specialists come.
Have an atmosphere where doctors can
feel at home

252. To transfer medical care to
local ownership





Anticipate a change
Precipitate the change - work
proactively
Learn how to get change
Be prepared to do serious restructuring
if necessary
Don’t expect someone to hand you a
ready-made solution

253. AIDS and Orphanages in Africa



Behavior change is the biggest need to
control AIDS - a closed sexual
relationship with spouse/spouses
Accurate information of HIV carrier vs.
AIDS is important
What to do about orphans - but
orphanages may bypass the extended
family and the local church

254. AIDS and Orphanages in Africa






What can outsiders do to
strengthen the extended family?
.Increase food production
.Stimulate job creation
.Give appropriate job training
.Revolving loan funds
What are the roles of the nationals
in making decisions???

255. Maximizing the benefit of
short-term missions


Cultural sensitivity is very important - both
listening and being are important in ministry
Positive methods:




Serious training in cross-cultural issues, including
other religions
Spiritual warfare training
Awareness of how the rest of the world views
Americans
Self-examination for areas of personal strengths
and weaknesses.

256. Problems with short term
missions





More doing than being
Attitude of superiority
We think that we can do the job better
than the local people. We must not
undermine local initiative and resources
Ownership of projects
Insensitivity to cultural issues

257. A positive civic organization
example



The group went to learn
.They were not isolated in western
mission stations or hotels. They lived
with Indian hosts
They had preparation to be learners

258. Suggestions for short term
missions




Come to learn
Remember you are guests, not specialists
Don’t look for simplistic answers to complex
cultural issues
Your testimony has value, but share it
discreetly - better to listen to the testimonies
from the people where you go

259. Suggestions for short term
missions




Who you are is more important that
what you do
People in absolute poverty need help to
survive. Relative poverty - they are
quite capable of surviving
Take time to learn about the country
The course: Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement is helpful

260. PART III –
TO GIVE OR NOT
TO GIVE
A number of financial options are
available

261. Part III Summary from To
Give or Not to Give: Rowell



Money is amoral – but can bind the
owner
We need to model dependence on God
and not self-reliance
We need to show the cross

262. Preoccupation with money

Focus strictly on budgets, marketing
schemes, and numbers may leave us
without spiritual power!

263. To work for God’s glory:




More cooperation and less competition
More self-denial and less self-sufficiency
Less ambition to lead and more
willingness to serve
More willingness to develop and less
desire to dominate

264. What sort of poverty?



Absolute poverty = lacks food, safe
water, sanitation, health care, and
personal safety
Relative poverty – denied regular
amenities of that society
Social exclusion – denied opportunities
for education, advancement; living in
dangerous situations

265. Western missionaries must be
careful



Not to use fear of dependency as an
excuse for not giving
Instead- help impoverished people find
their true identity as humans
Have true unity with God, with others,
the environment, and with themselves
too

266. We need to



Have an approach which pleases God
Have staying power, and not just
respond to a crisis
Help the culture correspond to Christ

267. Problems with dependency


Unhealthy reliance on Western support
limiting their vision
Subjugation of native workers, making
them passive or at least considering
them inferior to the donors

268. This is NOT to discourage
western giving


Most problems with giving is the strings
attached to the funds
Western organizations as well as NGOs
will sometimes compete for the best
talented nationals, removing them from
the churches which are struggling to
become self-sufficient

269. The right attitude




Humility, not patronizing
Sharing is not patronizing
No double standards of lifestyle
choice, financial support and
ministry responsibilities
Honor each partner‟s
responsibilities

270. The right attitude


Allow nationals to cast a vision or initiate
ministry – this will reduce the risk of
dependency
Foster interdependency. This is illustrated in
I Cor. 12:14-26 where we see that various
parts of the body of Christ work together [14]
For the body is not one member, but many.

271. The right attitude

[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the
hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not
of the body?[16] And if the ear shall say,
Because I am not the eye, I am not of the
body; is it therefore not of the body?[17] If the
whole body were an eye, where were the
hearing? If the whole were hearing, where
were the smelling?

272. The right attitude

[18] But now hath God set the members every
one of them in the body, as it hath pleased
him.[19] And if they were all one member,
where were the body?[20] But now are they
many members, yet but one body…. [25] That
there should be no schism in the body; but that
the members should have the same care one
for another.

273. The right attitude

26] And whether one member suffer, all the
members suffer with it; or one member be
honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

274. Interdependency



We need to receive as well as give
We need to be able to teach and
learn from each other, and even
reprove and offer correction to
each other
Reciprocity is tied to responsibility

275. The three-self paradigm


Self-governing, self-supporting, and
self-propagating started with Henry
Venn and John Nevius.
Both were trying to avoid European
dominance in a time when Europeans
were feeling superior and colonial
imperialism occurred. They were not
worried about dependency

276. The goal of Nevius



No outside dominance
Outside assistance is OK
Remember God calls us to generous
giving. In Mt. 25:31-46, Jesus tells
about how those who treat others at
the end of the tribulation will be
considered as to serving Himself

277. Jesus judgment after the
tribulation: Mt 25:31-46

[34] Then shall the King say unto them
on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of
my Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of
the world:[35] For I was an hungred,
and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty,
and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger,
and ye took me in:

278. Jesus judgment after the
tribulation: Mt 25:31-46

[36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick,
and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye
came unto me.[37] Then shall the righteous
answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee
an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and
gave thee drink?[38] When saw we thee a
stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and
clothed thee?[39] Or when saw we thee sick,
or in prison, and came unto thee?

279. Jesus judgment after the
tribulation: Mt 25:31-46

[40] And the King shall answer and say unto
them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.[41] Then
shall he say also unto them on the left hand,
Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting
fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…[46]
And these shall go away into everlasting
punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

280. Some Biblical principles on
giving


We are hypocrites if we see others in
need, and fail to help them, particularly
fellow believers:
James 2:14-17[14] What doth it profit, my
brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and
have not works? can faith save him?[15] If a
brother or sister be naked, and destitute of
daily food.

281. Don’t be a hypocrite

16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in
peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things
which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit?[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is
dead, being alone.

282. No hypocrisy

I Jn. 3:16-18[16] Hereby perceive we the love
of God, because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the
brethren. [17] But whoso hath this world's
good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from
him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word,
neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

283. Biblical principles of giving

Galatians 6:9-10[9] And let us not be
weary in well doing: for in due season
we shall reap, if we faint not.
[10] As we have therefore opportunity,
let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of
faith.

284. God Himself owns all
resources



Psalm 24:[1] The earth is the LORD's,
and the fulness thereof; the world, and
they that dwell therein.
Haggai 2:[8] The silver is mine, and the
gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Thus God has ultimate control of
what happens to all resources

285. God Himself owns all
resources



Psalm 24:[1] The earth is the LORD's,
and the fulness thereof; the world, and
they that dwell therein.
Haggai 2:[8] The silver is mine, and the
gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Thus God has ultimate control of what
happens to all resources

286. God controls all resources


I Chron. 29:11-12[11] Thine, O LORD, is the
greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the
victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven
and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O
LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.[12]
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou
reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and
might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to
give strength unto all.
Deut. 8:17-18

287. God controls all resources

Deut. 8:17-18[17] And thou say in thine heart,
My power and the might of mine hand hath
gotten me this wealth. [18] But thou shalt
remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that
giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may
establish his covenant which he sware unto thy
fathers, as it is this day

288. Stewards must be faithful:

I Cor. 4:[1] Let a man so account of us,
as of the ministers of Christ, and
stewards of the mysteries of God. [2]
Moreover it is required in stewards,
that a man be found faithful.

289. We are dependent on God:
[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure
transferred to myself and to Apollos for your
sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of
men above that which is written, that no one of
you be puffed up for one against another.[7] For
who maketh thee to differ from another? and
what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now
if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory,
as if thou hadst not received it?

290. God wants our blessing to call
others to Himself:

Ps. 67:[5] Let the people praise thee, O
God; let all the people praise thee.[6]
Then shall the earth yield her increase;
and God, even our own God, shall bless
us.[7] God shall bless us; and all the
ends of the earth shall fear him.

291. God wants us to share:

2 Cor. 8:[13] For I mean not that other men
be eased, and ye burdened:[14] But by an
equality, that now at this time your abundance
may be a supply for their want, that their
abundance also may be a supply for your
want: that there may be equality:[15] As it is
written, He that had gathered much had
nothing over; and he that had gathered little
had no lack.

292. Some Biblical principles on
giving: God wants us to share

Proverbs 11:[24] There is that
scattereth, and yet increaseth; and
there is that withholdeth more than is
meet, but it tendeth to poverty.[25]
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and
he that watereth shall be watered also
himself.

293. God repays giving to the poor:

Proverbs 19:[17] He that hath pity
upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD;
and that which he hath given will he
pay him again.

294. Fools hoard

Luke 12:[16] And he spake a parable unto
them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man
brought forth plentifully:[17] And he thought
within himself, saying, What shall I do, because
I have no room where to bestow my
fruits?[18] And he said, This will I do: I will
pull down my barns, and build greater; and
there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

295. Fools hoard

Luke 12:[19] And I will say to my soul, Soul,
thou hast much goods laid up for many
years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be
merry.[20] But God said unto him, Thou
fool, this night thy soul shall be required of
thee: then whose shall those things be,
which thou hast provided?[21] So is he that
layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich
toward God.

296. God gives extra weight to the
gifts of the poor

Mark 12:[41] And Jesus sat over
against the treasury, and beheld how
the people cast money into the
treasury: and many that were rich cast
in much.[42] And there came a certain
poor widow, and she threw in two
mites, which make a farthing.

297. God gives extra weight to the
gifts of the poor

Mark 12:[43] And he called unto him his
disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say
unto you, That this poor widow hath cast
more in, than all they which have cast into
the treasury:[44] For all they did cast in of
their abundance; but she of her want did
cast in all that she had, even all her living.

298. How to Give Without Dependency
Dependency
 Giving with domination
 Subjugation of nationals
 Competition via westerns
 Patronizing favorites
 Complacency re
multiplying
 Giving minimalized
 Western agenda/control
 Stagnates growth
Investing
 Model of discipleship
 Sponsorship of nationals
 Model sacrificial giving
 Promoting their fellows
 Capacity for multiplication



Giving maximized
National agenda/control
Stimulates growth

299. God changes lives


Zaccheus gives generously
God changes thieves who steal to those
who work to help others: Eph. 4:28[28]
Let him that stole steal no more: but
rather let him labour, working with his
hands the thing which is good, that he
may have to give to him that needeth.

300. Serving God vs. mammon

Poor believers are prized as those rich
in faith. James 2:[5] Hearken, my beloved
brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of
this world rich in faith, and heirs of the
kingdom which he hath promised to them
that love him?[6] But ye have despised the
poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and
draw you before the judgment seats?

301. Prosperity is spiritually
dangerous




Brings pride and self-reliance
Often the poor are despised
See the poor as spiritual assets and not
as financial liabilities
Give them dignity

302. What we should do



We should serve God and use money
We must not use God and serve money
The church at present time is only 0.02% of
giving to reach the lost. The rest is for
Christians

303. Principles of giving


Manna – in the wilderness, everyone was
equal economically. We should be generous
and share.
The example was the Macedonian church in 2
Cor. 8:[12] For if there be first a willing
mind, it is accepted according to that a man
hath, and not according to that he hath not.

304. Principles of giving

[13] For I mean not that other men be
eased, and ye burdened: [14] But by an
equality, that now at this time your
abundance may be a supply for their want,
that their abundance also may be a supply for
your want: that there may be equality: [15]
As it is written, He that had gathered much
had nothing over; and he that had gathered
little had no lack.

305. Remember


We cannot serve two masters – both
God and mammon
2 Cor. 9:[8] And God is able to make all
grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in all
things, may abound to every good
work:

306. Initial principles of helping in
the United States



God intervenes in human troubles; man
who is created in His image should do
so and help also
Charity is best experienced in close
personal relationships
Man’s greatest needs are spiritual

307. Principles of help…



Sharing comes in the framework of
church, family and neighborhood
Mostly help was in kind
Distinction between worthy poor
(situations are difficult) and wayward
poor – they make their own problems

308. Principles of help



Avoid public statutory relief – which
promotes indulgent lifestyle
Personal involvement in the spiritual
aspects of life
Over time, repentance and change in
life show true change

309. Problems in the USA


Social darwinism – ignored the poor
and favored the rich – bad
Social universalism – better, but asked
the government to care for the poor –
their power, money, and size. They
substituted tax for tithe, and material
aid was separated from spiritual
considerations

310. USA and welfare


Johnson’s administration was worse –
bureaucracy without productivity.
People wanted their entitlements.
there was a redistribution of wealth but
no moral transformation

311. Warfare, not welfare


During World War II and afterwards,
the USA put full effort into the war
without requiring paybacks. There was
a commitment to thrift and generosity.
We need the same warfare mentality in
the war against satan now

312. Christians in the USA do not
want to give





They keep 98.4% of their weath
6% of evangelicals tithe
USA holds 80% of evangelical wealth
Only 0.2% go for reaching others
The USA government budget – true
foreign aid is only 0.14% of the federal
budget

313. In the world today



The wealthiest 20% consume 80% of
goods
The poorest 20% consume 1.4% of
goods
Be careful that affluence does not spoil
your influence

314. Problems in USA lifestyle





Insulation from the culture you wish to
impact
Isolation from neighbors in our passion
for privacy
Pace of life which is too hectic
Illusions of superiority
Good may lead to hostility and envy

315. Rules to help: Affiliation




Interpersonal networks to support
indigent people
Social nets of family and friends
Rebuild families and put orphans in a
family
Support system for material assistance

316. Rules for help: Bonding



Material support must combine with
persistent ongoing commitment
We suffer with others in need
Personal involvement is key

317. Rules for help: Categorize



Distinguish between the worthy poor
and the wayward poor.
Help the worthy poor
The wayward poor need jobs



Test the willingness to work
Train – social and employment skills
Accountability

318. Rules to help: discern





Gifts of the Spirit – so we are not
relying on human worldly wisdom
Remember that people are lost
Employment – top priority
Freedom to choose work and a career
with a fair day’s pay
Receive God’s grace

319. Principles of sending groups


The primary group responsible for
missions is the church, not the mission
agencies
Providential provocation – consider
going where the need is greatest, with
doors open to new ministry
opportunities. But commit for the long
haul

320. Principles for sending groups



Romans 5:20 Where sin abounds,
grace abounds much more.
We must be willing to go and even
suffer to experience this grace
Prophetic view – sometimes it is
prudent to get property in perilous
times if God wills it (Jeremiah buying
land occupied by the Babylonians)

321. Principles for those who go


The poor need our friendship as much
as our finances
We need a long term covenantal
relationship – not a commercial or
contractural one

322. Principles for those who go


Promote the nationals: teach them to
see with spiritual eyes and speak for
themselves
The kingdom of God is populated by the
meek, the poor and the persecuted

323. Principles for those who go




Stand at the side of nationals as a
committed ally and encourage them
Proportional sacrifice: Money,
manpower, language acumen, cultural
knowledge, disciplined austerity
Peacemaking prayer including others
Personal covenants with close personal
relationships