Partnering for Effective Missionary Care

1. Partnering for Effective Missionary Care Midwest Conference on Missionary Care February 2014

2. A Biblical Theology of Care “Theology is discovering the relevance of God…His grace and revelation…in the context of life’s pain, uncertainty, frustration, joys, celebrations and decisions. When God meets us in our deepest struggles with sin in our lives or in the lives of others, we are doing theology.” Glenn Taylor

3. God is the Source of all Care “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, SO THAT…we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

4. Holy Spirit sent to care for us • John 14:16- 17 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” • Acts 9:31 – “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” • Romans 8:26-27 – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.”

5. Jesus - Our Model for Care • Rooted in Relationship – Mark 3:14 • Rooted in Rhythm & Rest – Mark 6:31 • Rooted in His Realistic Lifestyle – The Gospel’s • Refused the “tyranny of the urgent” • Lived a balanced life • Lived a life saturated with prayer

6. The Legacy of Stephanas “You know the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.” 1 Corinthians 16:15-18

7. What does Scripture tell us? • The Household of Stephanas was among the first converts in Achaia • They were baptized by Paul • They traveled from Corinth some 300 miles to visit Paul in Ephesus • They devoted themselves to the service of the saints • They refreshed Paul’s spirit • They provided what was lacking (“filled the cracks”)

8. Lessons & Observations • Receiving Ministry from Others (What was the outcome?) • Paul was part of helping these new believers find their niche in ministry • We need to depend on one another (Body of Christ) • Do you know when you need care? Do your missionaries know when they need care?

9. Lessons & Observations • Missionary Care was a priority • Paul gives recognition & validates this ministry • Stephanas was not alone • There is value in a missionary care team • Missionary care resources are best delivered in a team • Care for the Caregiver…can be accomplished with in a team

10. Community of Care “A living body of followers of Jesus Christ, each with our own value to the whole. Therefore, mutually beneficial relationships provide a vital place for belonging, care, accountability and spiritual growth.”

11. Acts 2:42-47 • “They devoted themselves to the apostles teachingand • to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continued meeting together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

12. Five Building Blocks for Edification We learn to imitate Christ! We learn to honor Christ! We learn to trust Christ! We learn to love Christ! We learn to know Christ! Knowledge Relationship Confidence Integrity Humility Instruction Fellowship Prayer Stewardship Service

13. Attributes of Biblical Community • Acceptance – Romans 15:7 • Authenticity – Ephesians 4:25 • Commitment – Matthew 16:24 • Mutuality – Ephesians 4:16 & 1 Peter 4:10 • Unity – Romans 14:19 & Psalm 133:1 • Interdependence – Galatians 6:2 • Accountability –Galatians 6:1 • Service – Galatians 5:13 & 1 Peter 4:10

14. Making it Practical – Who gives Care? • Sending Church • Other Missionaries • Mission Agency • Member Care Specialist

15. Making it Practical – Who gives Care? • Sending Church • Send letters; make phone calls; send packages; communicate via email; make a visit; provide financial support; care teams; • Other Missionaries • Peer care; relating to someone that is living in your “shoes”; local; relational; necessary;

16. Making it Practical – Who gives Care? • Mission Agencies • Pre-field training; counseling; someone that understand the culture of the organization; might be a field leader; international MC director or a member care department; reporting; accountability; flow of care/system of care; • Member Care Specialist • Debriefing; spiritual direction; pastoral care; counseling; crisis care; refreshment; restoration; safe people;

17. Strategies for Partnering Together • Get to know the other people who are involved in care of your missionaries. • Find out what each care entity has to offer: validate and celebrate your strengths • Clarify roles (Agency & Church) • Find out what is “falling through the cracks” • Seek to provide an atmosphere of growth/grace rather than judgment – the goal is to “refresh their spirit” • Developing local networks – Derek & Dorothy Washington

18. Questions to consider • How is your church or agency fulfilling the legacy of the household of Stephanas as you care for your missionaries around the world? • When was the last time your “spirit was refreshed” as the result of a timely visit from a Christian friend?