The Dominant Obstacle in Missions

An estimated $615 million is spent annually to replace workers who have left the mission field instead of sending new ones to join them.

Approximately 71% of missionaries who leave the field prematurely do so for preventable reasons...

#1 reason: conflict with other missionaries.

The Clarion Model (www.clarionmodel.com) has been developed to address the critical factors that can divide teams before they become an issue and help missionaries identify their 'best contributions' and help teams become more effective in fufilling their God-given purpose.

As a Clarion consultant, Stuart is helping mission teams use an ongoing team assessment process that promotes growth, healthy dynamics, strategic planning, and clear assignment of responsibilities.  This helps mission teams conquer the enemy's dominant strategy...to divide and conquer.

Go on...Mollycoddle Your Missionaries!

"As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country." (Proverbs 25:25)

Missions is for every believer. Some will be called to do the frontline work in reaching the lost. Some are called to support them. For the task to be completed successfully, effective teamwork is essential. Sadly, the role of sending and supporting those who have been sent is sometimes either overlooked or given insufficient priority. This can result in unnecessary pressures being borne by those sent and sometimes means they return home as 'wounded soldiers' or casualties.

During the war in Iraq, I remember hearing a news article highlighting that essential supplies were not getting through to British soldiers in time. Britain's troops were less well provided for than those of other countries and acquired the nickname "The Borrowers" because they had to borrow so much from their American colleagues. Sometimes, what was supplied was inadequate and they ended up having to buy some basic supplies by themselves. In one case, it was reported that inadequate supplies led to the loss of life.

I wish it wasn't the case, but having spent several years on the overseas mission field, I see that the similarities with those involved in Christian missions are only too apparent. If our enemy, the devil, can ensure that those sent are inadequately supported, forcing them to be preoccupied or distracted with trying to cover their own basic needs rather than being focused on the task at hand, or even having to return home, then he will have succeeded in hindering the work that God wants done. Those on the 'frontlines' cannot accomplish the task without a team committed to support them in prayer, finances, and other practical and tangible support, including regular communication and encouragement.

If you or your church are involved with missionaries in your own country or overseas, please do all that you can to ensure they are well equipped and supported. Bless them with more than they expected; increase their finances; make a visit; send some of their favourite goodies regularly; set up a support group. As the sent ones and their supporters both do their part, the Kingdom will be advanced and the Great Commission will be outworked. Go on...mollycoddle 'em!