Propempo International

In today's environment of economic challenges and proliferation of strategic options for our support in local church missions, it's a good thing to step back and revisit foundational principles to any decisions for support or partnership. Here are some good ones, gleaned and genericized from our consultation with churches:

Thanks for visiting Propempo's website! It is our prayer that the information and resources here will help you be more effective at achieving your involvement in cross-cultural outreach.

The term "contextualization" has been hijacked by heretics. It used to mean something good and right in missiology. These days there are folks who are saying that, unless you are willing to abdicate certain doctrines, you are not truly contextualizing. It used to be more obvious that such a stance was heresy.

OK -- here are ideas on the most basic keys to effectiveness:

0. Serve the church - This should be understood; but it's better to articulate it because, unfortunately, the minority of church missions teams have this orientation.

OK, I'm letting the cat out of the bag. Yes, I've organizing some of my teaching on this subject into a draft booklet. It's not finished yet; but, I've decided to share the outline. See if it doesn't stimulate some positive thoughts and prayers and actions in your heart and mind.

Missionaries ought to be highly qualified in every respect; good education, good sense, and good temper are indispensable. ... A sound mind and a sound body, independence of character, strength of judgment, aptitude both to learn and to teach, are of great consequence. An ability to acquire and retain languages; tact in managing others, so as to conciliate and yet to retain proper dignity and self respect are of great importance.

Have you ever read the second version? It's rarely in our hymnbooks. The text of So Send I You, sometimes called the finest missionary hymn of the twentieth century, was written by 22-year-old E. Margaret Clarkson. The original version is certainly one of the best known missionary hymns. However, few people know the second version and the story of her re-writing the original to be far better.

First, anyone planning a short term missions ministry should become aware of the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission. Even if someone is hoping to gain exposure by joining an agency planned trip, they should ask the questions implicit in the SOE document.

An overview of those guidelines are, as follows:

... ran across this. See if you like it, too. It appeals for churches to adopt a strategy of sending "church-based teams" to some of the most difficult areas of the world. Churches sending their own folks and being vitally involved in the whole process from selection through training, appointment, and resourcing to ongoing pastoral care and assistance IS THE ESSENCE OF IMPLEMENTING THE NEW TESTAMENT WORD "PROPEMPO."

... ran across this. See if you like it, too. It appeals for churches to adopt a strategy of sending "church-based teams" to some of the most difficult areas of the world. Churches sending their own folks and being vitally involved in the whole process from selection through training, appointment, and resourcing to ongoing pastoral care and assistance IS THE ESSENCE OF IMPLEMENTING THE NEW TESTAMENT WORD "PROPEMPO."