Training — to go and grow…
Getting ready for missionary service
Communicating with ministry partners
Donors give money. Ministry partners share lives and give far more than just dollars. Donors are minimally invested. Ministry partners own part of the rock, and want to make sure their Kingdom Investment is being well tended. Donors come and go. Ministry partners stay and help build.
There’s a world of difference between “donors” and “ministry partners.” Longevity on the mission field requires us to develop “ministry partners.” –Dr. John P. Splinter
Fund-raising for missionaries
Successful fund-raising is a two-part equation. Part One involves learning how to present yourself and your mission, identifying potential givers, setting up the meeting, knowing how to structure your presentation, and making the “ask.” Part Two involves keeping your ministry partners for the long haul.
“Most missionaries have to raise their total funds, plus pay for the administrative costs for an agency to manage them. GlobalGrace recommends the following training tools for this purpose.” –Dr. John P. Splinter
Toward a theology of risk and suffering
If being on the mission field brings with it several times the probability of stress, suffering and risk, then it would be wise for anyone heading that direction to prepare for these issues. Scott Shaum’s piece will help one accomplish that objective.
Scott Shaum, (Barnabas International), has given his permission to re-post this piece dealing with creating one’s own “Theology of Suffering.”
Tips for longevity
Not everyone is called to long-term missions, but for those who are, here are ten tips you most likely won't get elsewhere — all aimed at helping you fulfill your sense of God's long-term calling.
Most missionaries get some training before heading to the field. In this piece we'll cover some of the items most missionaries are not taught, but should be. –Dr. John P. Splinter
GlobalGrace’s five-circle member health paradigm
There’s a difference in philosophy between “Member Care” and “Member Health.” GGF chooses the latter approach. This paper includes a wealth of understanding for those new to GGF, or those who have not learned about this approach to tending to the needs of our staff.
“How GGF structures its Member Health” –Dr. John P. Splinter
Platforms and visas
For Christians in mission work, “visa platforms” are identities expatriates use in order to legally maintain a presence in a culture or country, for the purpose of sharing Christ. Visa platforms relate to one’s calling in missions, in that they position one as Christ was positioned in his culture: as a servant with an overarching purpose.
“Becoming a servant with an overarching purpose” –Dr. John P. Splinter
When the wheels fall off — creating your own theology of suffering
Training to be a missionary can be exciting as one pursues a vision given by God. But few missionaries are trained in managing their calling when the wheels fall off. And the wheels will fall off…..
“Creating a theology of suffering” –Dr. John P. Splinter
Wisdom, stature and favor — keeping a balanced lifestyle on the field
Scripture says Christ grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with men and God. We all need to continue to grow, mature, and learn how to balance our lives so as to run the marathon of field missions. It’s not a sprint, or a single spinning of the “top” so that it rotates forever. Those who believe it is, often quickly burn out. Rather, this is for people planning on running mission’s marathon.
“Keeping a balanced lifestyle on the field” –Dr. John P. Splinter
Me or We — advantages of teaming on the field
Missions in the 21st Century is a team-thing. Inter-connected. Yes, there may be miles between us, but teams are always stronger and more versatile than solo players.
“The wisdom of “team” in a missionary world” –Dr. John P. Splinter
The Trampoline — part 1
Mental health has a lot in common with a trampoline. To understand how this is true, the following paradigm will lead you through an in-depth look at your relational support system. Having a strong and healthy “Trampoline” has a lot to do with stress-management, resilience, relational skill-sets, and overall mental health.
“Preliminary Explanation of Attachment Field.” –Dr. John P. Splinter
The Trampoline — part 2
This second part of “The Trampoline” is geared to provide insight, plus a game plan for strengthening one’s Trampoline if needed. Within GGF we want all staff to be able to understand, articulate and manage the overall health of their “Trampoline.” The “Trampoline” model is built upon understanding and maintaining a solid and healthy “attachment field.”
“Understanding Attachment Field” –Dr. John P. Splinter
Questions? Contact us.
Do you have questions or are looking for more resources? Please feel free to contact us. We would love to help.