Discouraging News

An email from my missionary friend, Wayne Myers, altered me to an article in today's Swaziland Times.  I was able to access the article online:  More than 50 per cent Swazis Attend Indigenous Churches.  After reading the article, I see why my missionary friend was concerned.  The article referenced data which indicates that "missionary churches" are losing ground in Swaziland.  The article concerned me as well, since First Baptist has invested so much in Swaziland over the past thirteen years.  


Part of the problem is the approach of some missionaries, mission groups, and church planters.  Their approach is to impose a western worship style and structure on a culture which seeks a more expressive form of worship with less structure and formality.  In these cases, a commitment to Christ is not enough.   Evangelization is not complete until the heart as well as the culture has been transformed.  


A second problem is a reluctance on the part of missionaries and mission leaders  to train nationals to lead and to hand over responsibilities in a timely manner.  The study indicated that nationals often become impatient and strike out on their own with little training or resources to carry on the work.


A third problem is a lack of discipleship.  The data points to the fact that many who profess Christ are ill equipped to deal with the pressures of traditional Swazi culture.  Even after receiving Christ many turn to traditional beliefs and intermediaries, leading to the veneration of ancestors in the name of tradition.


As I read this article I was once again reminded of the tough job facing missionaries. I have witnessed on more than one occasion the discouragement over a person who seemed to demonstrate great potential only to discover they had fallen back into their old ways.


I was also reminded of how important discipleship is, irregardless of what culture.  The church has failed to equip believers to face the pressures of world whether in be Swaziland or Washington, North Carolina.  And that is discouraging news!


Blessings,
Jimmy