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How do you view preparation?
Inadequate : Attempt to learn everything before you go.
Better: Develop the basic attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed for effectiveness, then, through a cycle of action and reflection continue developing throughout your career.
In your preparation, avoid a narrow perspective. Seek to become a well-rounded missionary. Make the connections between and among the disciplines. Learn from and apply all of them (biblical studies, church growth strategy, anthropological/ethnographic insights, personal factors, spiritual factors).
Learn to be a self-directed learner.
Make reflective practice practice a lifelong activity.
1) Be aware of your experiences; observe whether or not others have these experiences; identify the ways in which your experiences lead to desired outcomes or not.
2) Practice performing your skills and learning new skills; emphasize doing, emphasize serving others.
3) Reflect on practice. Consider the results of your activity. Make decisions about how to modify or alter your practice in order to increase your effectiveness. Decide whether and what additional information may be needed. Then engage again in your activity.
What fundamental Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge do you need to develop in order to be effective as a missionary?
In order to get the most benefit from your training/ preparation, you must be clear about the desired outcomes. What attitudes, skills and knowledge would you add to this list? Attitudes & Values: love for God, love for people deep desire to act for God glory and the peoples good positive, faith-filled perspective, able to rebound from hard times, not become paralyzed by discouragement confidence in the power of God through the gospel to change lives
"deparochialization:" recognizing ones own narrowness; becoming open to appreciation of diversity; "different is not wrong; its just different" willingness to set aside personal preferences desire to build up others; let them shine willingness to practice self-evaluation; willingness to be assessed by others
skills & Abilities :
evangelism
ability to facilitate personal growth in others
preaching & teaching skill- including preaching to large groups a d facilitatin small groups
ability to nurture leaders for the church
practical skills -writhing, computer, building, or maintenance
Knowledge & Understanding:
know the Scriptures
know people
understand the nature and mission do the church
Know the heart language of the people, their other tongue
know the history, geography, & culture of your adopted land
know world religions
know answers to objections
Resources for preparation
The local church - theologically - mission flows from the church and results in the church practically - there is no better place t nurture and develop your Good-given missionary gifts than serving in the context of the church.
Formal Bible & missiological training
Field experience, internships & apprenticeships
Veteran missionaries. Don't miss the valuable resource of experienced missionaries. Whenever you can, ask them the following questions:
1) What do you have to know, Be, and Do in order to be effective in your life and ministry as a missionary?
2) What experiences proved to be the most significant in preparing you to be a missionary?
3) What recommendations do you have for me, a volunteer for missionary service?
Reference list
Chew, Jim, 1990, When you cross cultures: Vital issues facing Christian missions, singapore: Navigators
Harley, David, 1995, Preparing to serve, Pasadena, Cal. : William Carey Library
Lingenfelter, Sherwood, G. and Marvin K. Mayers, 1986, Ministering cross-culturally, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
Reed, Lyman E., 1985, Preparing missionaries, Pasadena, Cal. : William Carey Library
Ward, Ted, 1984, Living overseas : A book preparations, New York, N.Y.: The Free Press (MacMillan, Inc.)
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