Some of you were probably wondering after reading my post from the other day (08.09.2010): “What was that innovative idea about using interns that David had come up with while on that trail in southeastern France?” The idea was not what was most important. It was the principle(s) which caused me to look at a project from a different perspective, an “out of context” perspective, and which gave rise to innovative ways of approaching a project, namely working with interns.
Priscilla Stothers, in her article in the most recent eLink (July/August edition): Why Bother With Short-Termers? A World Teamer’s Perspective, does an excellent job of rehearsing this very thought, that it is a principled approach that can give rise to innovative ideas. She writes: “The missionary can play a key role, serving as a bridge between two worlds, preparing both the team and nationals for the enriching experience that will bless all involved. If a short-term team humbly offers their talents and resources to the church / community and invite missionary and national leaders to be involved in deciding how best to use their gift for the sake of the Kingdom, good things can happen. When both the team and the nationals work alongside one another in a mutual effort the team is challenged to listen to the “heart” of the host and to deepen their grasp of what God is doing here.”
Rather than seeing interns and short-term teams as an intrusion or a bother, Priscilla pushes us to consider how they can actually grow in spiritual character formation as well as help us (long term workers and national churches) complete needed ministry tasks while serving alongside of us. The ultimate goal is not to give people a good experience, but to help them, and us, “deepen their grasp of what God is doing here.” Now that would certainly change the way we approach workers and teams coming out on a shorter term basis.
So, what do you think? Part of the Global Mobilization Project Plan approved by the WT International board in May 2010 is to increase the number of opportunities and avenues for people to experience and engage in cross-cultural ministry (short and mid-term workers). What “out of context” approaches should we be considering or avoiding?
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Thoughts Along The Journey 