Last time we talked about some of the reasons why overseas programs don’t work.  Lest we stay too negative, let’s remember that lots of overseas programs do work.  They are effective and are bringing real change to the lives of the neediest around the world. So, let’s talk about some of the reasons these programs work.

1.  The Lord is in it. This may seem too obvious to mention, but it can be a real issue when planning a mission strategy.  While there are some major categories of activities that every person and every church is called to be involved in (evangelism, helping the poor, etc.) not everyone is called to do everything or be everywhere.  Focusing on a relationship with the Lord and hearing instructions from Him is always the first step.

DPI Ministries is not rushing in to help in Haiti.  Why?  Because the Lord hasn’t yet called us to Haiti and we don’t have relationship there.  Instead we are encouraging people who want to help to contribute to the organizations that have the experience, connections and authority, such as Compassion International, that the Lord gave them in Haiti through their relationships long before the earthquake.

2. Knowing our target. What are we trying to accomplish?  Is it relief?  Is it development?  Is it church planting?  Is it church growth?  Evangelism?  A combination of all of the above?  Unless we know what target we are trying to hit, we can’t know if we are successful.  Of course, the Lord is free to adjust our aim and we need to leave room for that.  But, having a target helps us pursue excellence in what we do.

3.  Focus. There’s an old saying in missions about a program being a mile wide and an inch deep.  By focusing on what the Lord is calling us to do, whether in a particular region or with a particular area of ministry (orphans, single mothers, malnutrition, the disabled, etc.) we can become experts in that area and benefit from accumulated wisdom over time.  More importantly it allows us to learn about, and from, the community we minister to as well as build all important relationships.

4.  Not too focused. Too narrow a focus, however, can have the unintended consequence of exacerbating problems instead of eliminating them.  For example, as we’ve discussed a key element of poverty is fatalism.  The poor are inundated with the message, “You don’t matter and no body cares about you.”  When a church or organization pours itself into a narrow focus, such as an individual church, neighborhood or village, the message sent to the neighboring churches and communities is, “You’re right. You are not important enough to be helped.”  Deciding if our focus is too large or too small is a delicate balance, but it is important to reach that balance.

5. Based on partnership. This topic deserves an entry all its own, but just to touch on it, a true partnership is one where each party has an equal contribution, an equal responsibility and an equal say in the outcome.  Too often missions programs lack accountability and create dependence, or they are domineering and impose unwelcome “solutions”.  Here are a couple of good questions to gauge the quality of our partnerships:  Can our partners say no to our ideas?  Will they?  What are your partners able to give back to us?  Do we let them?

6. Based on relationship instead of resources. Once again here is the “R” word.  This is what it is all about.  The fundamental key to understanding and alleviating the suffering of the poor is relationship.  Relationship allows a church or ministry to get inside a community, alongside people who truly understand it.  It allows them to build up people, which is a key to solving fundamental problems.  It allows our friends to build us up as well.  It brings accountability and partnership.  And, it follows Jesus’ model.  A building, a computer, cash, clothing, a car, a bicycle or even a Bible may be important, but they are never more important than the people who need them.  Relationship is the most precious, and strategic, thing we have to give.

We pray that this series about “What is Poverty?” will help you shape and guide all your ministry opportunities, whether as an individual or an organization, in the future.

Response:

–What and in what sphere of influence has the Lord given you authority to speak and minister?  If your not sure, make a list of relationships you have and follow them.  They will lead you to the answer!

–If you are responsible for a ministry program, take an honest look at the partnership aspect.  Ask yourself the questions outlined above.  Are you in a true partnership?  Or, does something need to change?

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