WEA SURVEY: KEYS TO RETAINING MISSIONARIES: Finances
What are the greatest hindrances to missionaries' effectiveness on the field? This is a significant question worthy for consideration by mission leaders. In the WEA ReMAP II study, Bloecher identified those factors mission agencies named as the top four hindrances. In newer sending countries, including African nations, mission leaders named lack of finances as the greatest hindrance to missionary effectiveness (52% named this as one of the top four hindrances) (Bloecher 2004, 2). While most missionaries working in the African context could state this without the survey, seeing this confirmed by a credible report at such a high percentage is staggering.
Mobilizing the great potential mission force from within Africa is vital as we face the challenge of unreached people groups and difficult locations still needing missionary teams. Some West African nations are taking the lead in sending out missionaries, and some churches are catching the vision for participating financially and materially in reaching the unreached. However, these statistics show that even these vibrant mission movements are under supported. It is to their credit that they are still serving.
Most mission leaders are unable to provide the support needed. Missionaries however, can and must raise the awareness of missions in churches and denominations. Leaders can also proactively develop staff in how to raise a support team by providing training in consistent high quality communication with churches, friends, and family. If not equipped, the leaders must seek out trainers who can help their staff grow in this area. While no leader wants to focus only on the financial hindrances at the expense of seeking the Kingdom of God, they cannot afford to lose their much needed missionary staff. They cannot ignore the challenge posed by this hindrance. Let's prayerfully and strategically face these facts and seek God's solutions for the sake of the unreached waiting to hear the Good News.
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