The patron-client style of discipling is practiced naturally by many national Christian leaders.

Before we jump on the bandwagon, we have to answer some basic questions.

I’m glad our Shepherd doesn’t work by percentages. If he did, I’d still be in the bushes.

To answer the question, “How well do the children of missionaries do in different dimensions of their lives as adults?,” MK CART/CORE undertook a multimission research project entitled “AMK Study.”

Some suggestions from my experience to help your mission partnerships take shape and function effectively.

1. Effective partnerships are built on trust, openness, and mutual concern. Partnerships are more than coordination, planning, strategies, and tactics. The heart of the Gospel is restored in relationships.

I see our missions enterprise moving inexorably toward what I call the scorecard mentality.

In a relational culture, not surprisingly, relationships are primary.

This month marks 13 years of missionary service for me. I have learned that missionary and national church relationships are never static. They are always changing.