Mission Leader

I just completed my reading of Charles Fielding’s new book, Preach and Heal, which advocates a unique bent on holistic cross-cultural ministry.

First of all – this book is NOT just for doctors, faith healers, and preachers. For that reason, I wish it had a different title so that more people would be drawn to the book.

Regardless of the title, if you want to gain a better understanding of the nuts and bolts of how 12 disciples became Jesus’ instruments in the advance of the Gospel – read this one. If you want to understand the most basic principles of cross-cultural ministry, read it. If you live in North America and you think you understand international missions, you need to read this book before you speak another word about missions, preach another sermon on missions, or plan another mission trip.

Bear in mind that Charles’ experience in implementing this biblical missional model has primarily been tested among unreached people groups in some of the most restricted access areas of the world. Don’t think that this is primarily North American.

Having lived and worked in some of the areas where Dr. Fielding tested his principles, I would especially encourage volunteers and Christian workers heading to those missional hard places, to read this one before you plan your local-church-based mission endeavors! By the way, don’t be turned off by the fact that it’s 256 pages. I’ll give you a hint about how to use this book.

Read Appendix E, then Parts One and Two. Then read chapters 9 & 10 of Part Three and scan through the remaining chapters of Part Three (chapters 11-22.) You will find those chapters that most interest you and you will come back to the other chapters when you need them. But definitely look carefully at the appendices, especially Appendix E. I think Appendix E should be brought to the front of the book because it is central to the author’s model of cross-cultural communication of the Gospel message. I’ve heard Dr. Fielding teach this in person and – I’m disappointed that it’s tucked away at the back of the book. Don’t miss Appendix E!

Mission volunteers should read and study this book, even though the title is Preach and Heal.

The title doesn’t say, “Mission Trip Training Guide” so you may not realize that it could serve that purpose. Why is this particular book special? For the same reason that Purpose Driven Life is a great book. In both cases (PDL and Preach & Heal) the author took truths as well as Truth and simplified them – bringing the cookies down to the bottom shelf for all to reach.

Charles took proven missional truths, practices, and principles and he boiled them down into simple statements, lists, and charts. He also took a simple chronological storying approach and “taught it” in Appendix E. The book is also worth buying just to flip through and find the charts (simple lists) which serve as the outline for each section.

Who really needs to read this book, perhaps more than others?

Anyone who primarily has a bent toward ONLY preaching the Gospel, as well as those who have a nearly exclusive preference toward humanitarian work: medical, social, community development, wells, and orphanages. Those are two different groups, so what do they have in common? Each can not seem to understand international missions from the other’s perspective. Both groups are right and both are wrong. Charles reasons with both, particularly in Part One where he deals with this very debate.

Breaking It Down

Part One (Chapters 1-4) builds a case for holistic gospel ministry that blends preaching, ministry to the entire person, and multiplicative church planting. If you find those three parts of what I call The Entire Gospel Ministry demarcated or truncated in your church’s overseas work, then you need to read this. Part one builds the case for Charles’ cross-cultural missional model.

Part Two (Chapters 5-8), in my opinion, is the unique part of this book. This is the part that should be extracted and reprinted in little booklets that are used in training folks going to restricted access countries. I say that not because this material is original, but because it is simplified and easily transferable. Some of the foundation comes from David Garrison’s Church Planting Movements. Other lessons come from the experiences of many missionaries in numerous countries around the world. The Truth of all this comes from Scripture.

For example, Dr. Fielding takes Garrison’s goodies and makes them more accessible. The ten elements found in church planting movements come straight from Garrison; but Charles breaks those ten points down into three parts: ingredients (what we add), methods (how we add it), and products (the results of ingredients and methods). He then builds the section around those three major headings.

The other great little list that Charles uses is what he calls Paul’s Church Planting Strategy.

1. Enter the community.

2. Make disciples.

3. Empower the Church.

I won’t give away any more of that.

He also puts forth his own A, B, C’s on the subject, a great simplification of some proven cross-cultural practices.

A word of caution – American church planters will struggle in trying to implement everything in this book in a US cultural setting. Charles’s approach is apostolic (read the book to understand this) and is totally a house church, church-planting-movement model. It’s the most basic and the most transferable, cross-cultural form of church planting. The model can work around the globe.

But if you are going to try to rigorously implement this type of church planting in Atlanta, you have got to totally unlearn much of what you’ve learned all of your life about what church looks and feels like. So, be forewarned.

Part Three is what I would call an abridged resource for all kinds of health and humanitarian strategies. Having seen and tested a number of strategies on the field, Charles demonstrates in this section that health ministries (and actually any kind of ministry) can be implemented in such a way as to ensure the maximum impact for multiplicative church planting. But beyond that he breaks it down into chapters on HIV/Aids, Hospice, Community Development, Clinical, Home Health Care, etc., etc. Whether you are a doctor or church missions leader, dog-ear Part Three and go there anytime you are considering involvement an any kind of ministry around the world. Short chapters on each type of ministry give simple hints on getting the maximum impact. Other books go deeper in each of those types of ministry, but this one gives you a bird’s eye view and some hints at getting the greatest possible result.

In my opinion this is a very helpful book. The forward is by Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board. It comes recommended by Franklin Graham, Rick Warren, David Garrison and David Stevens, MD and CEO of Christian Medical and Dental Association.

So….I guess I don’t mind adding my obscure name to the list.

If you want to understand effective ministry that results in church planting movements around the world – read Preach and Heal!

How about some radical giving?!

As many of you know my wife, Cindy has been in a year long battle with Multiple Myeloma. Read more about that journey below. We spent a big part of the last 12 months traveling back and forth between Memphis and Nashville in order to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant at . Unlike many patients, Cindy was extremely blessed to be eligible to donate her own stem cells for cleanup and later re-infusion back into her own body. This process was grueling, extremely risky, but has prolonged and improved Cindy’s life. There will be more treatment for Cindy and possibly another transplant.

Through this journey, we met some of our fellow patients who were unable to use their own marrow or stem cells for treatment. Some have waited for years for a match, their condition deteriorating slowly in the process. Others never find a match and succumb to their disease. Seeing the dramatic impact on Cindy’s well being, I made an easy decision. Without hesitation, I committed myself to become a bone marrow or stem cell donor. I contacted the bone marrow donor society and began filling out the required survey to donate. I was very, very disappointed to learn that my particular back problem disqualifies me from being a donor. I’m not giving up though. I’m going to keep pursuing it to see if there is some way I can donate.

We’re living in a time of increased willingness of young adults to make personal sacrifice for a higher cause. Young christians are making a difference in our world through radical expressions of brotherly love. The Green Revolution leads us to recycle, turn off the lights, down-size our vehicles, and donate funds to produce clean water around the world. We know that every good citizen donates blood regularly. On and on grows the list of sacrifices we make for saving our planet, helping our fellow man, and serving the common good.

Here’s what I’d like you to consider.

I’m not asking you to give up an organ or limb. I’m asking you to pray about offering up a few million of the youngest cells in your body in order to save a life or two. It does involve some sacrifice. Adult stem cell donations require seven days of getting an injection to cause your stem cells to rapidly reproduce. Yes that’s a pain. When you are “ripe” you will begin to have some back pain which will tell you “it’s time.” The stem cells are drawn from your blood during a 4 hour process of being hooked up to a machine that extracts the stem cells. It’s the easiest way you’ll ever save a life.

Take the first painless step by going to the international donor site. Complete the online questionnaire to see if you are eligible. If you find that you are eligible, pray about what’s next.

I saw my wife’s life extended and improved by her stem cells. I desperately want to do the same for someone else, but I’m not eligible.

It’s a great way to give about a gazillion pieces of yourself, in the form of stem cells. This small sacrifice could save a life.

Pray about it.

*Do me a favor – if you complete the donor survey, come back to this article and leave your comment. You might encourage someone else to do the same.

You may be wondering what I think about The Shack. By the way in Josh Davis’ interview with the author we learned that he goes by Paul not William P. Young. Josh’s interview opened my eyes to the nature of the author, not for an audience of three million, but for his children.  Later friends convinced him to self-publish 10,000 copies and to put up a web site. With ZERO marketing budget – its a best seller. Paul called it a God thing. He’s a very humble man.

So here’s what I think about the book.

First of all – it’s fiction, and then some. In fact, it is superbly written fiction. Man! Paul has an uncanny ability to string together fantastic images that illuminate the beauty, power, and majesty of the One True God. This fiction kept me glued to the book and drew me personally into God.

The edgy imagery, which has raised questions in Christendom, accomplished its purpose. I’m reminded of my favorite worship leader, Miller Cunningham. He’s a gifted worship leader not only because of his musical ability, but because God uses Miller to lead people humbly, deeply, personally, repentantly, and delightfully to the throne of Grace.

When I finished the book, I found myself drawn to my Savior sitting and talking to God for an hour or more – just enjoying my relationship with Him. So I guess you might call Paul, author of The Shack, a very effective worship leader, at least for me.

Finally – yep, I only needed a “first” and a “final” here- Paul used trinitarian dialog (among the persons of the trinity) to make some profound theological statements.

Here’s some favorites:

We (the trinity) are already fully fulfilled within ourself. You are designed to be in community as well, made as you are in our very image.

Judgment is not about destruction, but about setting things right.

In a discussion between Jesus and Mack on Jesus’ passion for his bride, the church, Jesus (in The Shack) said the following, Mack, that’s because you’re only seeing the institution (of the church), a man-made system. That’s not what I came to build. What I see are people and their lives, a living breathing community of all those who love me, not buildings and programs…My church is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can’t build it. It’s my job and I’m actually pretty good at it.

God the Father speaking on the central role of Jesus and his nature – being fully God and Man and fully one with the Trinity – Like I said, everything is about him. Creation and history are all about Jesus. He is the very center of our purpose and in him we are now fully human, so our purpose and your destiny are forever linked. You might say that we have put all our eggs in the One (Jesus) human basket. There is no plan B.

I couldn’t help but make notes one some of the more outstanding dialog on the following topics:

God is Spirit, neither male nor female- p.93

Green living – p.132,144

Evil – p.136,137

Personal Rights?, p.137

Fear -p.142

Submission – p.145,149

Spirit Empowerment & Relationships – p.148-149

Purpose of Judgment – p.169

Church as The Bride – p.177-178

Trust – p.180

Anti-pluralism – p.182

Grace & Suffering – p.185

Jesus – p.192

Perceptions & Assumptions – p. 197

The Self-fulfilled Nature of God – p.201

The Old Law – p. 202

Freedom in Christ – p.203

God is a verb! – p.204

Forgiveness – p.225-227

So, I guess you could conclude that I really like this book because it drew me into the nature and the person of God who is a verb. To quote The Shack, God says,

I am a verb. I am that I am. I will be who I will be. I am a verb! I am alive, dynamic, ever active, and moving. I am a being verb.

So what do you think about the NY TImes best seller, The Shack, by William P. Young?

The book is a craze among students. They are swarming it like ants to a church picnic.

However, many our concerned that the theology falls short.

Many are aghast at the author’s presentation of God in the form of a woman. The storyline makes it clear that God presents himself in such a form to the main character because Mack grew up under a father figure who was an abusive, alcoholic who beat his 13 year old son for two days straight. Ultimately Mack ran away from home after nearly being beaten to death by his father. With that background, how could Mack be receptive to a male representation of the Eternal Father?

If you can get over that issue, there are a few more hurdles.

Another issue discussed among Christians is the fact that the author presents an absolutely equal state of each person of the Trinity. The Trinity is therefore, completely non-hierarchical.

Still others are concerned that the teachings put forth in the book are contradictory on the sovereignty of God.

The list of concerns goes on and on, but others retort:

“This is fiction and it is harmless. Besides, it is markedly Christian and the book holds great potential to draw non-believers into a conversation that could lead to redemptive faith.”

Regardless of what we may think, students and non-students are reading this book like crazy.

If you and I are familiar with the most popular book among students, maybe you and I can speak into their pursuit of the One True God?! Besides, don’t stats show us that of all age groups, young people are the most receptive to the Gospel? Shouldn’t we be ready to speak to them about what they are reading rather than simply condemning the book and closing the door to any conversation?

So, my wife finished the book yesterday and immediately started reading it. I read 100 pages last night and plan on finishing it by Thursday. Why am I pushing to read it by Thursday?

Because I want to understand the craze and I want to be able to speak into the conversation students are having about God. But that’s just one reason.

The other reason I’m pushing to finish it by Thursday is because a friend of mine, Josh Davis has scheduled a 45 minute radio interview with the author at noon Central Time here in Memphis on Kwam 990. Josh’s show is called “The Josh Davis Show: Shining The Light of Truth on our Culture” and it airs just prior to The Dave Ramsey Show. For those not in Memphis you can Listen Live on line at 12pm Central Time on Thursday.

Better yet, if you have questions about the book, send them to Josh tomorrow. I’ve heard him tactfully ask some tough ones so write Josh and he’ll try to work them into the 45 minute interview.

So, if you have an opinion or concern or question about The Shack, don’t ask me, ask the author on Thursday.

Dreams do come true! Several weeks ago it was unclear as to whether my dream of some family fun on the beach would be possible. Well, we’ve just returned from a great time together in Florida. At one point, Betsy pulled us aside for a family photo; to be honest, we were not all “happy campers.” Her request meant that we had to drag ourselves out of the water or out from under the comfortable umbrella for a hot, sandy walk to a certain deck. BUT…at the second of the snap, Betsy set the camera timer, ran from her tripod and jumped in the middle of us with a beautiful, BIG grin to announce: “One, Two, Three…everybody say BETSY’S PREGNANT!” The shocked excitement was captured on film–“Very clever, Betsy!” We are so delighted. John recently returned to Iraq from an 18-day “R & R.” It was so wonderful to see him. Ask God to grant focus to John’s platoon and patience and health in the 130 degree, grueling heat! Back in Clarksville, Please remember Betsy and the health of the baby, as she starts up a kindergarden job soon. Thank you.

Best News: Jesus

Thank you for praying that the “aroma of Christ” spread even though the situation regarding our friend who is missing in Afghanistan is still unresolved. May God’s fame extend all over that nation, as the Holy Spirit directs and empowers His people.

We regret that we won’t be attending the Concerned Christians for Afghanistan gathering in Ohio at the end of July. Pray for those will be there. Please remember Afghans and so many across the globe suffering under severe famine/drought/economic woe.

Will you also please pray for Steve Moses and interns Ashley, David, Katie, Elise, Pace, Ryan, Heather, and Alex who have spent the summer in missional training? They are concluding their summer right now with a ministry trip among the least reached.

Personally, Mark and I have started studying the book of Hebrews. There is nothing better to adjust one’s perspective like a fresh reminder of the person of Jesus:

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)

May we daily acknowledge the perfect Character of Christ and by so doing know afresh of His agape love for us, a love we pray will overflow to those near and even those a far—all for His pleasure.

With you on the journey,

Cindy and Mark