Dear Friends:
In this issue we feature a back to basics look at the foundation of mission and world evangelization. Steve Hawthorne, co-editor of the Perspectives reader does a great job of introducing some of the basic concepts of what God has asked us to do. Dr.Winter describes this issue as "the most difficult one he has ever worked on." He is refering to his special article, "The Six Spheres of Mission Overseas," where he takes an honest look at the major areas of mission work around the world and presents their strengths and weaknesses. Each sphere has a presentation from a leader in that area. For example, George Verwer of Operation Mobilization talks about short-term missions. You don't want to miss this foundational presentation of the current mission efforts.
We hope you find this issue inspirational and encouraging as you seek to mobilize your church. Please tell your friends about this web site and encourage them to take a look..
Editorial Comment
-Ralph D. Winter
This has been for me the most difficult issue of Mission Frontiers. I have struggled and struggled with the whole matter of trying to be 1) completely fair to the different kinds of missions and at the same time trying to be 2) completely honest about what is lacking or needs improvement. I have even gone so far as to suggest what the future ought to be.
Find out what Dr. Winter has to say!
MF Behind the Scenes
—Rick Wood, Managing Editor
Rick explains this issue's emphasis on the basics of missions, and announces a major step forward for Mission Frontiers.You are invited to have a part in this major new effort to spread missions vision.
Letters to the Editor.
Laying a Firm Foundation for Mission in the Next Millennium
by Steve Hawthorne
As we approach the dawn of a new millennium in world evangelization, we need a clear understanding of what God has asked us to do. The following article first appeared in World Christian Magazine in 1983, the March-April issue, and remains a classic expression of the basic concepts of fulfilling the Great Commission. We present a revised version to lay solid ground for advancing the Gospel toward completion in the next millennium.
Winning Individuals or “Reaching Unreached Peoples.”
Whenever we hear someone saying “What will it take to win the world to Christ?” we probably encounter a point of view based upon winning individuals or “reaching people.” Is this the task we are called to by Jesus?
Looking at a Country as People Groups
As Christians look to other countries, the national churches naturally draw our attention. In many countries, hundreds of churches, thoroughly rooted in local culture and leadership, can easily give us the impression that the day of missions is over. Is it?
Mission Leaders Agree on the Strategy
A bite-sized article with two crucial definitions: What is a People Group? What is an Unreached People Group?
The Meaning of Mission
By Ralph Winter
The future of the world hinges on what we make of this word “mission.” Yet at this moment it is almost universally mis-understood—in both liberal and conservative circles.
The Six Spheres of Mission Overseas
by Ralph Winter
Introduction
Sphere 1 Standard Missions
Sphere 2 Service Missions
Sphere 3 Relief and Development Missions
Sphere 4 Indigenous Missions
Sphere 5 Short Term Missions
Sphere 6 Congregational Direct Missions
This is a landmark examination of the basic categories of mission work around the world. Probably nowhere else can you get in one place a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each type of work and how they relate to each other. This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand what is happening in misson work today.
News from the JESUS Film Project
World View Video Library Makes A Positive Impact on Churches
by Dave Geisler
The images and messages of films and videos have the power to change a person’s thinking and his life. This is the goal of assembling the Mobilization tool called the World View Video Library (WVVL).
Christ’s Global Cause: Is There a Roll for Me, Or Just a Stone?
by David Bryant
“Does God really have something significant for me to ‘sink my teeth into’ (roll=role)? Will He satisfy my ‘hunger’ to count for Christ? Or is His illusive assignment like a stone: either too ‘hard’ to uncover or too ‘heavy’ to bear even if I find it?”
In Memory of Shirley Clingman
Seeing Him Face to Face...
In recent issues of Mission Frontiers, we highlighted several prayer requests of the U.S. Center for World Mission. One of the special people we invited you to pray for was Shirley Clingman. On February 8, 1998, Shirley went home to be with our Lord.
KIDS CORNER
by Gerry Dueck
Children's Mission Resources! Check 'em out!
Mission Training File:
by Staff
An update on distance education and mission training news
