Posted on by WWNTBM

Ministry Matters

This year included a session devoted to questions and answers regarding the ministry. Here are answers that may be helpful to you.

*Please note that WWNTBM does not necessarily endorse all of the content of these books, nor all books by these authors. Please read with discretion.

Q: What tips will help those just getting to the field?

Click here to read a compilation of testimonies written by some of our missionaries, regarding their first ninety days on the field that we are posting this month. You can read the entire compilation here in PDF format. 

  • Set up your house first. Get it set up and get completely settled before you try to do anything else.
  • Take time early to learn the money, the various denominations, and how the exchange rates work. Roll with it if someone tries to take advantage of you.
  • Start a journal of experiences, including trials, struggles, and blessings. This will be good for you to look back on, and will be a help to your children as well. Along with this, keep a copy of every prayer letter you send.
  • Don’t be worried if those in your new culture think you are weird or different. You are!
  • Don’t expect things to move smoothly. Things in other countries will not work the same as they do in the US.
  • Don’t regret their culture. Their way is ok, even if it is different.
  • Learn to listen to the veteran missionaries on your field. Their advice can help to keep you out of trouble. Ask for and record lessons they have learned.
  • Learn to live on their time.
  • Identify with and circulate in the community. Be seen out and about to develop relationships. Show the locals that you are willing to learn from them.
  • Never forget that you are a guest in their country.
  • There will always be things in your new culture that will be hard. Learn to find what you love about it and focus on those areas.
  • Don’t try to make them American. Part of an indigenous ministry means that it should not be exotic. Don’t try to make your church plant a palm tree on an iceberg. Your church should resemble that culture.
  • When all does not go as you planned, step back and wait on God to reveal His plan.
  • Keep in mind the three major world views, and which one is predominant in your culture. It will help you as you relate to others. 1) Right / Wrong – predominantly a Western mindset 2) Shame / Honor – predominantly an Eastern mindset 3) Fear / Power – predominantly an African mindset
  • When folks are saved, bring them into the discussions and decisions of the ministry. Respect those who live there, and work with them so they realize this ministry is not just about you.
  • Learn what they really need, now what you want to do for them. They might need songbooks rather than more Bibles.
  • Whatever you do, do it legally. It may take more time and money, but it will be worth it.

Q: What tips will help encourage your children to love the ministry?

  • Involve them.
  • Love the ministry yourself, and show that to them. Don’t make it seem miserable. Never speak ill of the ministry or of people.
    Be real. Admit your own mistakes.
    Don’t let the ministry steal family time.
  • Don’t display embarrassing family moments publicly.
  • Help kids realize that the local culture is also their culture, and teach them to embrace it.
  • Remind them that difficulties come to everyone, not just to those in the ministry. Plumbers have bad days too!
    Let them see the blessings of God on a regular basis. Share answers to prayer!
  • Don’t make them feel like they will be second class servants if God does not lead them into a “full time” ministry position. His will is not the same for everyone!
  • Don’t forget about their need of salvation, and until they are saved don’t expect more of them than they are able to do without the Holy Spirit’s enabling.
  • Remember that the only perfect family ever created did not last long. In spite of your good intentions, your children may not turn out as you hope. Not all individuals are the same. Help your children find out who they are, and support them. Be proud of their accomplishments regardless of the area in which they are expressed. Don’t allow them to defeat you and run you out of the ministry. You cannot make their decisions for them. Forgive their mistakes, and let them know you have forgiven them and still love them.