Pros and Cons of Deputation

The resources are clearly there - of that there can be no doubt. There is PLENTY of money, it is how the money is applied.

 

Let us remember- in the end, it is not the churches that provide the resources, it is GOD! Matthew 6:24-34

 

However, He uses churches and so many are missing the Philippian 4 blessing that is available to them.

 

Been on deputation for 1 year now. Enjoying most of it. CHurches and Pastors are sweet. But I do sense a lack of passion for world evangelism among the people

 

I will say for the most part, churches do want to give and support, but the funds are not there. Now I know, it comes back to the people not giving. Where is the money? Tenns have to have cars and cell phones. Where did they learn it? Moms and Dads have to have new cars and incredible houses. Sorry, just venting a little

 

I think if churches TRULY wanted to give they would. They say it with their mouths, but don't mean it with their hearts or actions.

Praise God for the churches who do have a heart for giving!

 

Don't want to post long, because I am writing a prayer letter atm, so I'm feeling rather cynical.

We are (hopefully) nearing the end of our deputation time and I can't go back and see how much we have expended in travel all over the country. It does seem rough that the average church supports for somewhere nearing $100 per month in this day and age.

I talked to a missionary last week who has not seen new support in 10 months, and that not for lack of trying. I only wonder now that the economy is booming again and gas prices are dropping daily..... what will the next pastoral excuse for lack of giving be?

After all the deputation we have done, we appreciate hospitality, but a private place (hotel or prophet's chamber) is MUCH preferable to being in a home.

I think we could improve deputation by ending the missionary-a-month idea when there is a snowball's chance in Phoenix of support. At least pastors could be honest about whether or not support is there.

Sorry for the ramblings of a road weary pilgrim.

 

Don't be weary guys - God's timing is always perfect.

Easy enough for me to say. I am already here .

 

No ramblings rpm. I Know what you are saying. I would like to add that I think the frustartion for many of us is the lack of communication between the missionary and the Pastor. And then when you see "God work" you think, "This is a good fit." Then nothing happens.

 

Adding 2 things here.
1) I need to be real careful because MOST churches and MOST Pastors are wonderful. I feel so unworthy for the blessings along the way. It is very humbling!

2) I like staying in the homes with the folks at the churches. We haven't had a "bad experience" yet so that may be the reason but I do enjoy staying in homes.

edited at poster's request

[ November 03, 2005, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: C4K ]

 

Whew - I caould share some bad experiences with you .

Tough staying in homes when you have young kids as well.

 

Boy, I leave town for a couple of days and you guys start this great thread without me!

Seriously, don't have time to say much today. Later I'll go back and read everything and maybe comment some more. Right now, just two things.

(1) When I began deputation back in 1977, Dr. Monroe Parker, the great evangelist/scholar/mission leader told me, "John, deputation will be like seminary for you. You will learn much from the churches you go to and the pastors you meet." And it was so.

(2) While I was in language school many moons ago, I discussed our different ways of doing things with a Southern Baptist missionary. He ended up envying me when he found out how many churches we had contact with and how many people prayed for us daily. When a SB missionary comes here he gets a nice house, language school paid for, a nice car--but the only people who pray for him are his loved ones and friends and home church!

 

I will!

 

"Oh the beds I have slept in"

Boy oh boy can I identify!

 

I meant I want to read your book, not write one yet!

lol

 

The other thread about pressures on the mission field reminded me of something I heard from a missionary couple they'd heard.

They said as they travelled around lots of churches would give them some sort of questionnaire to fill out....asking them all sorts of things. Some of the questions were really downright inappropriate, like what the lady wore to bed (Im embarrassed just typing it).

But did you all here find that happened alot with your deputation?

And I guess Im wondering if you thought it was useful to actually have those questionnaires, and if you went ahead and filled them out in that context.

 

The ratio of churches that have given me a questionair is relativaly small to the ones that have not. If you are with a good respected mission agency, most churches don't feel the need to give a questionair since they know where you stand.

 

It is difficult to stay in homes with young kids, I have two of them and soon a third. There is no such thing as a routine on deputation, which can be very hard for some children. Thankfully we are almost done!

 

I received a questionnaire with that question on it. I returned it unanswered.

Having a good reputable mission agency does go a long way is solving that dilemma as 4HG mentioned.