Retention is often used as the primary metric for missionary success, yet staying on the field is not the same as being effective or healthy. In an era where 47% of workers leave the field within their first five years, how do we bridge the gap between “going” and “enduring”?
Join us for an inside look at a training model developed in Western Asia that moves beyond mere retention. We will discuss why the goal of training must shift from surviving to thriving, and how integrating spiritual vitality, relational maturity, and ministry effectiveness creates workers who don’t just stay, but complete their mission in hard contexts.
This webinar is designed for Mission Agency Leaders, Mobilizers, and Church Missions Pastors who are responsible for the pre-field preparation and long-term care of global workers. It is especially relevant for those sending workers into “hard” contexts where traditional support systems are limited.
Participants will explore a holistic framework for missionary formation that balances academic rigor with real-world immersion. Key takeaways include:
1. Redefining Success: Moving the metric from “Years on the Field” (Retention) to “Mission Completion” (Effectiveness).
2. The Three Pillars of Readiness: How to intentionally develop Spiritual Vitality, Relational Maturity, and Ministry Effectiveness before a worker ever reaches their long-term destination.
3. The “Lab” Model of Training: How a rhythm of classroom theory, community engagement, and veteran mentorship creates a sustainable “field-ready” lifestyle.
4. Collaboration Over Isolation: Identifying how agencies and local churches can partner with specialized training centers to fill the “equipping gap.”
Presenter:
Barry and Ruth Rempel have been engaged in global ministry for nearly 40 years. During this time, God has led them through a wide range of locations and ministries including church planting, teaching and leadership development in Europe, Latin America and North America. Barry also has extensive experience in ministry leadership and strategic planning. Most recently, Barry & Ruth have been focused on training and mentoring the next generation of global workers in Western Asia.
Barry’s background includes an M.A. degree (evangelism and church planting) and a DMin (organizational leadership). He serves Safir as Program Coordinator and an instructor in a variety of courses such as Intercultural Communication and Global Ministry Team Dynamics. Ruth participates in event planning and program support. Among many things, Barry & Ruth enjoy motorcycle rides and visiting museums, but nothing beats spending time with their 4 grandchildren…oh, and their two daughters and sons-in-law as well!!
Missio Nexus encourages interaction on diverse and difficult topics. Be aware that the information shared in this event may not reflect the views of the Missio Nexus staff, board, or other community members. Virtual events are recorded and the recordings are available as a MEMBER ONLY resource in our Media Library.Â
