Missionary training, at least that we’ve experienced, is often full of methods--evangelism tools, church-planting models, prayer methodologies. These tools are extremely useful and impactful. They help bring order to chaos and focus to the competing demands of missionary work.

 

However, we are firmly convinced that there is no one-size-fits-all model, no silver bullet, no tool that will solve every problem, or even that should be implemented in every scenario. The cultures and people of the world--and the personalities of those trying to reach them--are all so diverse. Certainly there are broad strokes that we as evangelical believers can agree on: exalt Christ; share a Gospel of grace, not works; live a life that honors that Gospel. But the how--how to share, when, after how long, which words or metaphors to use, what topics to focus on for short-term discipleship, when to baptize--there is no one model that answers all these questions for all people for all time.

 

So, then, how do we employ methods that we think will help our people grow, and yet allow them to grow at their own speed, and according to their own culture? As we have wrestled with this question in countless scenarios, three guiding principles have emerged:

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1.  Be a learner. Listen, observe. How is it working? Ask for input. Assume you’re the one missing something--keep learning. Part of being a learner means not having all the answers. As new believers wrestle with how to apply Scriptural insights to their culture, give them time and space to work this out together, with the help of the Holy Spirit. They will embrace new insights more deeply when you don’t simply give them an answer, but allow them to arrive at one on their own.

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2.  Cling to the Gospel, not the tool. Try things, but be willing to adapt.

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Example: We came from an evangelism culture focused strongly on one-on-one conversations at home and house churches abroad. These are both great tools! But our people almost never meet in anyone’s house (issues of jealousy, as well as the logistics of hot, tiny houses), and one-on-one conversations breed suspicion . . . so those models haven’t worked well for us here. But the point is not whether the conversation is one-on-one or with a village, but what the conversation is about--the Gospel!

 

3.  Think of church-planting like actual planting. We use the “church-planting” term constantly, but have we ever stopped to think about the implications of this metaphor? Have you ever planted a garden? With gardening, there are definite best practices. Tilling helps, watering helps, of course you need to plant seeds . . . but, just as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:7, God is the One who gives the growth. And if you’re a gardener, you probably understand this experientially. You can till, plant, and water, giving your best effort. Still, when you wake up in the morning and discover that a tiny, furled green bud has appeared from beneath the soil--God did that! You can’t make a seed grow. Evangelism, discipleship, church-planting are the same. Study, do, and adapt the best practices. Cultivate growth with all your effort and all your prayers. But, in the end, know that God is the One who makes His church grow.