Message from the Executive Director

by Richard Haney

In many ways, the world is growing smaller. Technology has connected people like never before. Business, tourism and education take us to destinations across the globe in a matter of hours. People are migrating and moving in search of opportunities, freedom and refuge. We have greater access to new ideas and people who can help us see the world in different ways.

Some years ago in Brazil, I had the opportunity to meet long-term missionary Sherron George. She later wrote a book on partnership (Called as Partners in Christ’s Service: The Practice of God’s Mission), grounding her understanding of it by reflecting on the relationship of the Trinity:

Partnership is a fundamental dynamic of the triune missionary God of love who is, acts and relates in mutual partnership in sending the Son, the Spirit and the Church into the world as instruments of God's saving mission.

We see that interdependency modeled throughout the New Testament as the early Church worked together to carry the Good News to others. The apostle Paul had numerous ministry partners throughout the Roman Empire (Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Timothy, Lydia, Priscilla, Aquila and others) and wrote repeatedly of their service together. Today, the global Church echoes the partnership of these disciples while continuing to build God’s Kingdom.

As we look to the frontier of missions, we’re learning how the Gospel is translated into new languages and cultures. We’re seeing how indigenous followers of Jesus are often the best equipped to reach their communities because they already understand the unique realities of their contexts. They’re essential coworkers, informing and inspiring our vision.

Is there still a role for the Western Church? We believe there is. But our place is increasingly not at the helm. A growing majority of the world’s Christians live in the Global South. The Church is flourishing in new places and mobilizing men and women to take the Good News of Jesus where it’s not yet known. Those of us in the West have the privilege of coming alongside to learn from, amplify and reimagine frontier mission through these indigenous movements.

Just as we rely on God’s Trinitarian love, we depend on our global brothers and sisters to help us discover His Kingdom expressed in new ways and among new communities. We’re grateful for their voices and perspectives that help us recognize the truth of the Gospel more clearly and care more deeply for His world.