The Church in Mission

Over the last 30 years as a missionary I have learned that the most exciting ministries we established or seen established are those which were self-reliant from the beginning. Self-reliance in terms of material resources translates into instant local “ownership” in terms of the personal and spiritual dynamic that governs the ministry and that is one of the most important keys for the emergence of long-lasting ministries with deep impact.

Westerners often assume, however, that overseas projects just cannot get along without us and consequently, faithfulness in world mission becomes a matter of writing checks. Glenn Schwartz of World Mission Associates, in his recent book, gives good insight and offers sound advice to churches who seek to encourage self-reliance and curb dependency in their desire to further God’s rule throughout the world. Check it out:

• When Charity Destroys Dignity. Overcoming Unhealthy Dependency in the Christian Movement. by Glenn J. Schwartz (World Mission Associates) available through www.wmausa.org