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But the Lord directs his steps."
~Proverbs 16:9~
Return to the home page | "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." ~Proverbs 16:9~ | |
 Who are the Cottrills? Read our latest newsletter See our most recent pictures Current prayer requests Read our blog - Finding direction Contact the Cottrills Free Downloads |  Why are there so many different mission organizations? This is a question which is really a series of deeper questions. Why do different organizations work in the same area? Can't they work together? Why are there so many different agencies doing the exact same thing? Are we overlapping and wasting money? There is also probably more than one answer to this question. There are good reasons and bad reasons. First, the negative. It is true that some mission agencies have often been guilty of overlapping and even fighting over a territory. Missionaries and mission agencies have at times avoided working together because of insignificant disagreements and even conflicting personalities. When we elevate these things to the point of "doctrine", we're in serious danger of becoming peace-destroyers and wasters of God's resources. The positive side is that I believe this is changing. People are admitting that these things are wrong, and the missions I'm familiar with are working together more than ever before. Assuming that mission agencies are not guilty of the things mentioned above, there are still very good reasons why there are many different works, even in the same area. Here are a few: 1. Different goals. Just because there is more than one missionary in an area does not, of course, mean that they are overlapping. In a city of a million, for example, one may run an orphanage, one may do a radio ministry, and one may do evangelism. They can still work together to some extent, but of course they're focusing on very different ministries and very different people. 2. Differences in philosophy. I don't mean basic life philosophy, but the philosophy of how ministry is done. Your work can go a lot smoother if you're working with people that share your basic way of doing things. A different philosophy of ministry does not mean that you're more spiritual than someone else, and it is not a reason to compete with another organization or seriously overlap the work. 3. Differences in doctrine. I'm not talking about basic Christian doctrines, but other key issues that Christians disagree on. I believe it is valid for groups who have the same doctrinal beliefs to want to work together. Again, it is more efficient. Once again, belonging to a certain group is not a measure of your spirituality, and it's not a reason to fight. Let's discuss, love one another and work together whenever we can. 4. Specialties. If various groups specialize in different areas, they can often all do a better job. I think this is a valid reason for various groups and agencies to form. However, these various groups can still work together. 5. Geography. Obviously, mission agencies form to reach various parts of the world, or to send missionaries from various parts of the world. Again this is just a matter of efficiency and does not mean they cannot work with other groups to some extent. There are valid reasons to have many different mission agencies. Let's always remember that belonging to any group does not measure your spirituality or approval by God, and it does not give you license to be divisive and to condemn another group. If mission agencies can continue to work together where it's appropriate and build the kingdom together, and be good stewards of all God has given, then let's just praise the Lord for them! Some verses to consider: 1Corinthians 1:10-13 1Corinthians 12:5-7 Acts 18:24-28 Ephesians 4:1-16 -> Return to F.A.Q. Index | Right click on this page and add it to your bookmarks or favorites! Canada and Mexico:  Read the latest news found by Google. The OneLook Word of the Day is: This is a word that has been searched for an unusual number of times today at OneLook.com |
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