The Concept of Deeper Still Missions
In a three-year period, more than 13,000 missionaries left the mission field. Why?
The REMap Research Report, a study of more than 455 mission agencies, provided some reasons for this exodus of missionaries from the field. Of the reasons cited for leaving, 71 – 84 percent of them were preventable. Those issues point to something vital missing in the lives of our missionaries. When asked, the participants of REMap identified several key factors that would serve to reduce missionary attrition and keep strong missionaries in the field:
(Source: Research Missionary Attrition Project or ReMAP II found in Worth Keeping, Global Perspectives on Best Practice in Missionary Retention, pgs 14 & 15)
These elements, deeply rooted in the heart, mind and soul of the missionary, cannot be adequately addressed without providing a safe place. They need to be open and transparent about the mental, spiritual and emotional challenges they face on a day-to-day
basis.
The REMap Research Report, a study of more than 455 mission agencies, provided some reasons for this exodus of missionaries from the field. Of the reasons cited for leaving, 71 – 84 percent of them were preventable. Those issues point to something vital missing in the lives of our missionaries. When asked, the participants of REMap identified several key factors that would serve to reduce missionary attrition and keep strong missionaries in the field:
- A clear sense of God’s calling to the mission service
- Strong, supportive family relationships
- Good relationships with co-missionaries
- Ability to adapt to different culture and learn a new language
- Maintaining a healthy spiritual life
(Source: Research Missionary Attrition Project or ReMAP II found in Worth Keeping, Global Perspectives on Best Practice in Missionary Retention, pgs 14 & 15)
These elements, deeply rooted in the heart, mind and soul of the missionary, cannot be adequately addressed without providing a safe place. They need to be open and transparent about the mental, spiritual and emotional challenges they face on a day-to-day
basis.
REMap Research Report
Results of the worldwide study was published in a book entitled Too Valuable To Lose Exploring the Causes and Cures of Missionary Attrition, edited by William D. Taylor. This 1997 study was published by the William Carey Library in Pasadena, California.
There exists among missionaries a crisis of leadership attrition, isolation, and character – it is not, however, an isolated problem. The same crisis can be seen in our churches, parachurch ministries and mission agencies. Leadership is assumed rather than developed.
“Missions may want to consider the appointment of a field chaplain, whose only task is to minister to missionaries.” (O’Donnell and O’Donnell, Helping Missionaries Grow, p. 81)
There exists among missionaries a crisis of leadership attrition, isolation, and character – it is not, however, an isolated problem. The same crisis can be seen in our churches, parachurch ministries and mission agencies. Leadership is assumed rather than developed.
“Missions may want to consider the appointment of a field chaplain, whose only task is to minister to missionaries.” (O’Donnell and O’Donnell, Helping Missionaries Grow, p. 81)