DEVELOPING OUR STAFF FOR A CHANGING WORLD

When we returned to Lusaka, Zambia, after five years away, we were shocked by the changes we saw in the city, the roads, the stores, and the people. The Lusaka we left was no longer the same. These changes give evidence of rapid change, even in Africa. Every mission leader is surrounded by changes that require discerning thinking and responses. “Change is inevitable,” Hanz Finzel (2000) states (p. 183). Finzel challenges us, “Whether we like it or not, we are in the midst of a paradigm revolution. Things are changing dramatically on the economic, technological, sociological, generational, and spiritual fronts. If we don’t flex in our response to the changes external to us, we will become obsolete” (p. 187-188).

Our challenge as a mission is to discern what the changes in our context are, know how we as a mission must change in order to be relevant to our world, and determine what training will equip our staff to face these changes. While visiting in Nairobi this year, we discussed with John Kisamwa and Brian King some of the changes evident throughout the continent. One of the crucial changes is among our young people. We are seeing a new generation emerge that we might call the African urbanite. Having been exposed to global media and music, they have a very different perspective on life, different expectations, and very unique needs. How will YWAM Africa respond to these changes? What changes do we need to make in our recruiting plans, our training plans, and our ministry plans? Once we can envision the changes we might need to make, we must consider what kind of knowledge and skills our staff need in order to be equipped for new challenges. This will guide our staff development plans.

Some other changes you might consider addressing are rapid changes in technology, adverse changes in the Muslim communities, the growing AIDS crisis, and changes in governmental policies and requirements. You could probably list many more changes evident in your nation or community. Why not take some time to reflect on the changes in your nation and community and evaluate how you as a mission are doing in responding to those changes. Then jot down several key ideas for developing your staff so they will be better equipped for the future that is coming.