Training Missionaries for Today’s World

by George W. Peters

We have laid down the principle that the missionary’s preparation must be commensurate with the task assigned. Further, we have defined the missionary’s task, pointing out its changeless as well as relative aspects. (Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Summer, 1965.) Thus we know the quality of men needed, and we now turn to the missionary’s preparation.

We have laid down the principle that the missionary’s preparation must be commensurate with the task assigned. Further, we have defined the missionary’s task, pointing out its changeless as well as relative aspects. (Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Summer, 1965.) Thus we know the quality of men needed, and we now turn to the missionary’s preparation.

We are conscious of the fact that, ultimately, only God can qualify a man for missions. Yet God usually chooses to prepare men through human molding forces. He uses men, experiences, and institutions to make us into instruments He can use.

It has become common to think of preservice preparation, inservice preparation, and preparation during first furlough. To this may be added the orientation studies that numerous mission societies offer, or even require of candidates. We shall concern ourselves primarily with preservice training, and courses and institutes available to the average missionary.

PRESERVICE PREPARATION
Level of Preparation. Extensive research reveals that no generally accepted level of preservice preparation prevails among the numerous missionary agencies. It is generally assumed that denominational missions require college and seminary training of their candidates, while interdenominational missions will accept a candidate with Bible institute or Bible college training. A survey of missionaries on various fields will reveal, however, that there are variations both ways. Denominational missions do not always hold to this rigid requirement, and more and more college and seminary graduates are choosing to work with interdenominational missions. Evangelical and interdenominational missions are pressing forward to higher levels of missionary preparation. Witness the fact that Columbia Bible College has developed a graduate department of missions; Dallas Theological Seminary is offering a master of theology degree in missions; Wheaton Graduate School has appointed a professor of missions; the Christian and Missionary Alliance has created Jaffray School of Missions at Nyack Missionary College for graduate level study; and Fuller Theological Seminary is contemplating a graduate school of missions.

Pattern of Preparation. Though the level of preparation is important, the content of studies and pattern in preparation are more determinative. It is here that our interest centers.

It can be stated that all agencies agree that a missionary, whatever his calling and assignment, should have a thoroughknowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith. In the area of additional studies great differences prevail.

Norms of Preparation. The Conference of the Inter-denominational Missionary Fellowship of Great Britain in a pamphlet entitled "Minimum Training for Missionary Candidates" lists the following areas of study in addition to Bible and theology: church history (including the modern expansion program), comparative religion, social anthropology, government and countries, missionary principles and methods, principles and methods of teaching, homiletics, phonetics and linguistics, elementary practical work (including hygiene and first aid, business methods and bookkeeping, domestic science, cobbling, agriculture, sanitation, building, station planning, sinking wells, etc.).

The 1952 missionary conference of the International Missionary Council in Willingen, Germany, recommended a detailed and comprehensive program for missionary training. This recommendation presents valuable directives. In 1959 the same council (now the Division of Evangelism and World Mission of the World Council of Churches) was asked to undertake a study of missionary training on a world basis. The reason for this was expressed as follows: "Ever since the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh in 1910 emphasized the need for training of foreign missionaries, mission boards of the West have been giving some training to an increasing number oftheirmissionaries, but there has been little, if any, opportunity for the churches receiving the missionaries either to express a judgment on the quality and usefulness of that training or to take any share in its planning and execution…."

After considerable preliminary paperwork had gathered much valuable information, a world consultation convened in Toronto, August 10-16, 1963, to consider the subject of "The Preparation of Missionaries." The composition of the consultation is evident from the following report: "The consultation was presided over by Pastor Jacques Rossel, chairman of the Basel Mission, and among the sixty persons present were about twenty leaders of the churches in Asia, Africa and Latin America, Western mission board secretaries, teachers in training institutions, and some missionaries, including a Filipino pastor from Thailand and a Ceylonese doctor working in a Christian hospital in Nigeria." Thirty-four countries were represented.

The consultation was conscious of the tremendous change in the decade between the Willingen and Toronto meetings, i.e., "The existence of so many independent nations in Asia and Africa, the achievements of science, the growing secularity, the renewal of the ancient religions, church unions and negotiations for union, the work of the Second Vatican Council, etc. The integration of the International Missionary Council and the. World Council of Churches was made a reality to the whole consultation by the presence of a Bishop of the Orthodox Church and the Vice-Principal of a Coptic Theological Seminarv."

In light of these changes, the men worked on specific recommendations. Whatever our attitude toward the men gathered or our evaluation of their findings, the report reveals that they did not remain in the clouds of wishful thinking or idealistic speculation. They were realists, facing circumstances with conviction and confidence, wrestling with down-to-earth situations, determined to meet needs. The necessity to create a new image of the missionary pressed heavily upon them. In the words of the report: "The old popular image of the missionary, still too prevalent, is becoming increasingly irrelevant, though the new image is only slowly emerging…"

On the subject of preparation the report makes the following recommendation: "The plan which is outlined below should involve a minimum of one year of training. The course should include Bible study (Old and New Testament) and Christian doctrine, and their application to life in the contemporary world; church history, with special reference to the church in other countries and its ecumenical character; missions; nonChristian religions; religious education and communication techniques; and methods of evangelism. It should also include a general broadening of historical and geographical knowledge with special reference to the countries to which the candidates are going, and an introduction to social and political realities. Some practical skills may be learned with advantage, particularly by those with exclusively academic background." Courses in linguistics are also urged.

In addition to these specifics, emphasis was laid on the importance of "spiritual growth and training in personal relationships" as well as on "ecumenical preparation" and "cultural preparation."

From the report two basic principles evolve: (1) Missions has moved from paternalism to partnership (in 19552) to servantship (in 1963) . The missionary is not a leader, administrator of missions nor counselor of the receiving churches. He is a servant. This is "going all the way" for Christ and His cause. (2) Missionaiv preparation must. specialize on personal relationships more than job efficiency. While the latter is important, the former is all-important. Life and ministry are more than efficient activity. Missionary service is, supremely, personal relationship. Life is communicated bylife inhealthy relationships.

The nonhistorical missions represented by the Evangelical Foreign Missions Association and the Interdenominational Foreign Mission Association have thus far not come to such specific recommendations though they have separately and jointly from time to time wrestled with the problem. In general, the training of missionaries has been left in the hands of the institutions that have furnished the bulk of candidates.

Study of the missions curriculum of many of these institutions reveals that their offerings are meager and sometimes almost hopelessly outdated. Many curricula still follow the old prewar pattern of preparation at least as far as subjects are concerned. Upgrading and updating are long overdue if a new image of the missionary and missions is to be created. Redeeming features of this situation are the unswerving loyalty to the Gospel, the biblical approach to evangelism and church planting, the fervent spiritual zeal, and total commitment to the cause that characterize many of the missions graduates of these schools. These are commendable but are not a substitute for broader academic preparation.

It is evident that many evangelical missionaries from the United States are better equipped to fight "personal spiritual battles" than to lay out missionary strategy, cope with complex cultural problems, become critically involved in the sweeping social, philosophical, theological, and ecclesiastical movements that threaten the younger churches, and to provide positive leadership and direction where it is desperately needed. There are exceptions, of course, and for these we are grateful.

SUMMER INSTITUTES
Ten years ago at a meeting at Winona Lake the question of the preparation of missionaries was thoroughly considered by mission executives, missionaries and educators, and a motion prevailed to institute a limited summer training program at Wheaton College to supplement, unify, and integrate the training received in various institutes, colleges, and seminaries. Emphasis has been upon: methods and philosophy of missions; cultural anthropology; missionary evangelism; writing and literature. Participation, however, has been low. Mission societies need to support this program, if it is to accomplish its purpose.

Recently an annual "Seminar on Church Growth" has been sponsored at Winona Lake. All these efforts are appreciated and serve the cause of missions.

SPECIAL ORIENTATION STUDIES
In addition to the regular preservice training, numerous missions conduct special orientation studies. The most elaborate of these programs is offered at Stony Point and Drew University under the direction of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches. A pamphlet entitled "A New Approach to Missionary Orientation" by Donald P. Smith sets forth the philosophy and general program of these studies. Most orientation programs are conducted by individual missions and are designed to "orientate" the missionary candidate into the family, philosophy, procedure, and program of the mission rather than to continue his preparation for a ministry.

A more extensive orientation program is conducted by the Assemblies of God at Springfield, Missouri. This "School of Missions," though lasting only twelve days, presents a broad program of specific subjects and draws upon experts from various missions, institutes, and professions.

A unique "Missionary Apprenticeship Program" is being developed by Baptist Mid-Missions. The program is directed primarily to students during the summer between their junior and senior years. Arrangements are made for students to spend six weeks under the supervision of missionaries on one of MidMissions’ English-speaking fields. The primary goal is to integrate the young people into actual mission field experience. At the end of six weeks the missionaries are requested to prepare a summaryofactivities and give an evaluation of the student’s missionary potential. A similar program on an interdenominational basis is offered by Practical Missionary Trainin,14 of Fullerton, Calif. Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship each summer has a four-week missionary camp at Cedarville, Mich., that combines lectures on missions with practical field work in the community. Missionary Internship of Detroit has a practical one-year program that proves helpful in developing maturity and experience for the various life situations awaiting the missionary.

INSTITUTE FOR FURLOUGHED MISSIONARIES
A special five-week Institute for Furloughed Missionaries is conducted annually at the School of Missions of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. The institute is designed "to provide both general and specific refresher training opportunities, for missionaries with previous field experiences." It is under the direction of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches.

Last winter Victorious Life Testimony, Keswick, N.J., sponsored a special week of training on missionary management and leadership principles for missionaries on furlough. A second one is scheduled for February, 1966.

CONCLUSIONS
After studying the various programs we can summarize our suggestion about academic preparation as follows:

Let it be stated again that there must be no lessening of emphasis upon the spiritual development of the individual, nor dare we cut down on studies of the Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology. These studies, however, must be supplemented by knowledge in the area of:

• Cultural anthropology.

• Modern world philosophies and religions, with emphasis upon nationalism, communism, religious syncretism and new religious systems and phenomena. (It should be noted here that the traditional approach to comparative religions is not sufficient today – the phenomena of the new religions is largely a syncretism that gives the ancient religions not only a new face but new content, a new dynamic and new hold upon the people.)

• History, philosophy and culture of the lands of the younger churches (i.e., area studies): Asia, Africa, Latin America, etc.

• History of Christianity in the lands of the younger churches, which should replace the heretofore much-cherished history of missions through which the old image of the missionary continues to live in the mind of the student.

• History and goal of modern ecumenicity.

• Biblical principles of church unity.

• Principles of evangelism and church growth.

• Indigenous principles of organization.

• Adult literacy and literature.

• Counselling.

I realize this is a large program. But it is not too large for the greatest cause committed to man.

It may seem visionary, yet I believe that the time is com ing when evangelical missions will be ready to give specific directives to training institutions about the preparation of missionaries. Thus, instead of merely accepting the product of the schools, they will assist the institutions in providing the type of missionary demanded for our day. Certainly the academic needs to be missionary by the pragmatic.

Further, I anticipate the time when evangelical missions will unite in conducting a joint missionary institute of several weeks or months’ duration at some central place (or several places) for all missionary candidates and furloughing missionaries. This could result in tremendous advantages to the cause of missions.

First, it would pool insights, experiences, resources, and strengths of evangelical missions to the advantage of all. Certainly the evangelical forces need to unify and coordinate their attitudes toward the cultural, social, political, and philosophical movements in the lands of the vount~er churches. Rev. A. J. Dain has outlined four possible attitudes as "total separation, or isolation, or absorption, or critical involvement." It is definite that we cannot compromise. Only traitors do that. Nor can we abandon. Only cowards do that.

Second, it would! unify the thinking of those going overseas and contribute to a more unified strategv, as well as help coordinate resources to avoid duplication and overlapping. Dr. John R. ~Iott spoke words of wisdom at the World Missionarv Conference at Edinburgh in 1910 when he declared that wellplanned cooperation between missionary forces would be equivalent to doubling the number of missionaries at work in the world without adding a single person. Perhaps this is as great as the need for more candidates.

Third, it would foster a spirit of "belonging" among missions and missionaries, greatly needed in these days when the ecumenical mood strongly prevails in the world of the younger churches. I am no ecumenist in the modern use of the word, but neither am I blind to the fact that God has permitted the ecumenical mood to arise. Such a mood is not man-made, but is inherent in the Gospel. It arises from the fact that believers are baptized by the Spirit into one body, the body of Christ. This spiritual fact has been converted into a mood through numerous and serious pressures upon small, more isolated Christian groups. The question is, who capitalizes on the mood and gives it content and direction? Isolation and fragmentation of evangelical movements will only weaken the cause of the Gospel. We belong together and we must build together.

GOAL OF PREPARATION
The goal of missionary preparation is not merely to accumulate knowledge but rather to prepare: (1) Men of God, men of inner strength, repose, and stability, men of purpose and resourcefulness. Textbook knowledge will soon give out in new and changing circumstances. Today’s missionary faces circumstances for which missionary history provides no precedent, and a new missionary cannot be regarded merely as a replacement for his predecessor. He is a pioneer in deeper dimensions even though not in geographical expansion. Onlv creativity and resourcefulness will save him from a life of frustration, inefficiency, or defeat.

(2) Teacher-preacher missionaries, who have a message and who are able to communicate it within the framework of national culture, psychology, and sociology, to make it relevant to present situations. This is more than exposition. It is exposition plus implications for our personal, social, and cultural life.

(3) Missionary statesmen and compassionate evangelists, who are able to enter into the strategy of the Holy Spirit in effective programs of evangelism, and who are able to lead others into them as well. (4) Churchmen, who build the church and inspire her to build herself according to the purpose and plan of God in keeping with indigenous cultures as far as possible and vet as a light in the community.

(5) Disciples, who are willing to identify with believers of other lands and cultures, to help them individually and as churches to grow into Christ’s disciples. His command is to "make disciples." This can be done only through identification and intimate fellowship. (6) Brethren, who are willing to deAmericanize and to be integrated into the churches of other cultures and lands, and together minister to the needs of the world.

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