A week in the rarified air of the seminary on the hill brings an opportunity to think. The company of academics in the field of theology and mission stimulates discussion. Lessons of the week are simple, but refreshing.
One: international teams working cross culturally are more effective than teams born and built together in a home country that arrive with walls already built that are higher than the oldest mission compound.
Two: singing melody is fairly easy but learning to play the harmony line in another culture takes far more time and effort.
Three: short-term mission is not an end in itself. If it doesn’t lead to and link with long term local involvement, don’t waste the money.
Four: churches that endure, fellowships that last, assemblies that will bridge the culture, are those that intentionally reflect the world in which they are established.
Five: effective servants are able to handle change. Peter’s world was rocked with a canvas sheet of items he abhorred (Acts 10) but by being willing to accept huge cultural change, God was able to use him to change the world. For every servant, there are change points in life. If we hang on to the past, we will not make it into the future. What we give us is insignificant in light of what we gain.
Six: western minds are good at strategic thinking; non-western minds are better at patience and long obedience in a faithful direction. Both are important. Neither rules alone.
We leave the hill refreshed in mind and spirit.
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