Mission work is a tough business to be in. And what I mean by that is, the business of mission work is a monster. It is often very difficult to find people and churches willing to support you enough to even get by. That happens so often, in fact, that when a support opportunity makes itself available, we missionaries are all too willing to jump at that opportunity without much question. I think that can sometimes be dangerous.
My case and point is my own personal search for a sponsoring congregation. Katie and I desperately need a home congregation to help us get to Ukraine and we are really feeling the time crunch of our departure date. Since sponsoring congregations are hard to come by, it can be very tempting to jump at the first one that expresses any sort of interest, regardless of whether or not the two are right for each other.
I spent a good part of my day today crafting a letter of expectations to present to any church we end up talking to about being our sponsor. Sponsoring congregations usually have their list of expectations for the missionaries they support, but I’m not sure enough missionaries are making their own expectations known. And unless I know exactly what it is I’m expecting from my supporters, it’s too easy for both parties to be cheated. I want any congregation we’re talking to know that they are not simply choosing us, but we are choosing them as well.
Unmet expectations are the source of all conflict and disappointment. You thought it was going to be different. You didn’t expect that reaction when you said what you did. I didn’t know you felt that way. When two parties enter into an agreement thinking two different things, you can be guaranteed there will be conflict.
I don’t want just any congregation looking for a missionary to sponsor. I want to find a good match. I want a partnering congregation. I want a congregation that dreams with me and wants to stand behind me in my work. I would hate to sell out on my dreams just so I can get to the field by a certain date.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
This is really interesting; I had never really thought about it! I’ve learned to talk about expectations with congregations whenever they are hiring you to work at the congregation, but I never realized that just because you’re not working at the building doesn’t mean the relationship should be different from someone who is.
Thanks for the insight! You should share the final list once you’re done, if you don’t mind.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Well said Brandon! I hope you are able to find a church that is able to stretch and challenge you! We are praying for you in this area!