Deputation

The SBC/IMB has less than that in the field. They cut back from 5.600 to 5,000 in 2010, and have lost about another 200 since. I'm not sure they do have an advantage, though I believe -- and IFB members will just have to forgive me here -- the SBC does a better job of preaching the Gospel, rather than legalism.

 

Then they wouldn't feel free to call themselves "independent" I'm guessing. It goes against the grain of the mindset.

 

Neither link gives sources for the information they give. I think the 5000 families in the first link is correct, and the 43% never finishing deputation rings true. I have to note here though, that ind. Baptists are not the only ones who do deputation. This method is called "faith missions," and has been done since the 19th century (China Inland Mission, etc.). So accurate figures would have to take other groups into account in the deputation process. (Even other Baptist groups do deputation.)

Concerning Jeremy Wallace's blog, which I have read before, again he gives no sources, and I doubt all of his figures. They just don't ring true. Furthermore, he just doesn't understand the process. For example, the missions conference as "beauty contest" is just wrong. As a missionary I have to say that missions conferences are not only the best opportunities for support, they are a source of great blessing for both the missionaries and the church.

 

I've never known an IFB missionary who didn't preach the Gospel, and I've known literally hundreds. (My wife and I pray daily for about 100. On the other hand, I have known liberal SBC missionaries. (I went to language school with them years ago.)

By "legalism" here I assume you mean the IFB penchant for rules. ("I don't drink, smoke or chew, or run with them that do.") Granted, that can become legalism when we think that makes us holy, which is greatly in error. But think about it. We don't impose such rules on the lost. We win them to Christ, THEN impose the unneeded rules. :type:

 

I've only attended two churches in my adult life.
Both supported only a few missionaries but with a large percentage of funding.
We house them when they return for short (or longer) periods.
We support our home-grown missionaries even more.

In the last five years or so we have changed methods a bit and have begun to support native-born pastors/teachers.

Rob

 

I really don't know where this 100 grand figure comes from. It doesn't ring true. All I can figure is that normal living costs are included, in which case the amount is not what is spent on deputation per se.

Concerning the 43% who don't finish deputation, the missionaries on deputation with me for Japan, but then who failed, included: a single young man who couldn't handle finances and a man well up in his 40s who would have had an extremely difficult time with the Japanese language. The deputation "failure rate" is not necessarily a negative. I believe it is God weeding out those who could best minister in the homeland, as both of these men did for many years.

What this information does not reveal is the cooperation that takes place on the mission field between IFB missionaries, regardless of the board. I've done camp together with the BMM men and taught in their Bible school. I've worked closely in camp and translation work with BIMI men and in camp with BBFI folk. Our NT translation effort includes a BIMI man and an independent out of a local church. Our Hokkaido Fundamental Pastors' Fellowship (nicknamed "huffpuff") includes men from various groups who all fellowship and cooperate together.

 

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:laugh: :thumbsup: How unfortunately true! :smilewinkgrin:

 

My experience is with independent mission boards and would say the 43% never reaching the field is high in the independ. boards. I have followed a number of these missions for years and have not seen that high a percentage.

We were on deputation for 5 years and raised about 1/3 of our support. This was back during one of the bad economy seasons. We worked on the west coast but I did 6-7 week trips to the Midwest. People on the east coast were doing much better during that time.

We sent out letters with info, prayer card etc., then followed up with a phone call, then a visit if there was interest. I dropped into different churches and introduced myself when there were no meetings scheduled.

$100,000 seems about right. Lots of eating out, gas etc. When on my Midwest trips a church allowed me to sleep on the floor during the week so I did not need motels - seldom when having meetings did anyone offer me an overnight stay. A few did, but often I had to travel immediately to the next stop.

As to SBC's method, has its advantages but there are disadvantages as well. We visited an SBC church when missionaries were there. I slipped my name/address to the missionary asking him to contact me with more info. I heard nothing. I wrote the mission board and told them and asked for information - heard nothing.

SBC has a poor image in the eyes of independent missionary's from the field. Do not have any idea if it is correct. More than one told me if you wanted to find the SBC missionary in town drive around and look for the house with a car or two, camper and boat. May indicate the advantage of SBC

 

We were heading to Ireland (the mission wanted to set up a Bible institute) but did not make it, the Lord seemed after five years to be closing the door. At one point I simply asked God to close the door and open some other direction CLEARLY. That day I received a phone call asking if I would be interested in a home missionary position. We interviewed and accepted.

The northwest was hit terribly bad during our time on deputation, giving was down, missions giving was being cut to make home ends meet.

Missions has been my thrust in all ministry ever since so the experience wasn't wasted