Category Archives: Competencies for cross-cultural partnership

Does Jesus have cultural intelligence? Part 1

Bible commentary, Cultural intelligence
“Woman at the well” by Martin Howard. Used by permission with Creative Commons license.

Jesus was Jewish. He was born into a Jewish family and related to Jewish people. So many of his interactions recorded in the Gospels were with Jewish religious leaders. All of his disciples were Jewish. So it is common for us to think that Jesus did not interact with people from other cultures.

But in John 4:1–42, Jesus had a remarkably effective conversation with a non-Jewish woman—a Samaritan woman.

Does this conversation prove that Jesus has cultural intelligence (CQ)? [1]

One could say that the cultural distance wasn’t that much between Jesus’ Jewish culture and the Samaritan culture; it was much less than, say, the cultural distance between a white middle-class American and a primitive tribe in Africa.

So one might conclude … Jesus and CQ? Not so much.

However, I believe you can attribute supreme cultural intelligence (CQ) to Jesus Christ. In this series of blog posts, I make a case for the cultural intelligence of Jesus Christ based on three things:

  1. Jesus is omniscient. One can attribute cultural intelligence to Jesus Christ by the Scripture-based belief that Jesus is God, and God knows all things. “Great is our Lord … his understanding is beyond measure” (Psalm 147:5 ESV). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 ESV). Jesus is perfect in every type of intelligence. It follows therefore, that in knowledge, facts and relational skills, Jesus Christ has complete and perfect understanding of everything, including every culture that has ever existed on earth. Jesus knows how to build relationships with anyone and everyone, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, social class, language, religion, or other cultural difference.
  2. Jesus crossed a huge divide between Jews and Samaritans. There were huge social and cultural differences between Jesus and the woman from Samaria. (I will explain this in greater detail in the second post in this series.)
  3. Jesus built this relationship with ease, despite the huge divide. Jesus initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman—“the woman at the well”—and this conversation was profoundly meaningful. The cross-cultural relationship-building skills of the Savior were demonstrated by the fact that this woman became a follower of Jesus. Moreover, Jesus was introduced by the woman to her larger Samaritan community where Jesus further developed meaningful relationships, again demonstrating his extremely high degree of relational skill. (I will explore this further in the third posting in this series.)

According to Brooks Peterson,[2] cultural intelligence may be defined by this ‘equation’:

What I hope to show in this series of posts is that Jesus demonstrated cultural intelligence (CQ) by his:

  • knowledge about both Jewish and Samaritan culture
  • awareness of both himself and the Samaritan woman
  • specific skills and behaviors

Finally, in the fourth posting, I will offer practical suggestions based on my observations—for followers of Jesus Christ who are involved in build cross-cultural relationships and partnerships.

You are invited to share your comments!

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1. The term, cultural intelligence, or CQ, is a field of study to help people better work together in cross-cultural settings. See Wikipedia for more info. I am using the term, cultural intelligence, to derive insights about the wisdom of Jesus Christ, believing that he is an outstanding example to his followers for building relationships cross-culturally.
2. Brooks Peterson: Cultural Intelligence: A Guide to Working with People from Other Cultures (Boston: Intercultural Press, 2004, p13).

Evaluating cross-cultural partnerships with “metrics”? … Be careful

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Global Christian mission, Organizational competence

Mission and metrics in cross-cultural partnershipA good friend sent me an email asking if we had some tools for evaluating a cross-cultural partnership. Her friend—another Christian leader—had asked…

“Have you seen any organization attempt to quantify or describe the quality of a cross-cultural relationship? The [name of organization] Board of Directors is big on metrics.”

I sent my friend two documents I had created for Mission ONE in 2003. The first document is a tool to evaluate the cross-cultural partnership from the side of Mission ONE. The second tool is one that our partners in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East can use to evaluate Mission ONE. I mentioned to her in my email that we have not used these evaluation tools in a long time, but that perhaps these documents could be helpful to the person making the inquiry.

Then I began musing on the concept of “metrics” in evaluating a cross-cultural partnership. Below are my thoughts.

If we measure the effectiveness of the partnership from our side, we ought to make sure that our partners can “measure” us and our effectiveness from their side as well. But would our indigenous partners ever initiate such a thing? No way. I have never heard of that happening. Why? I think they likely would consider this a dishonor to the relationship.

Isn’t it true that the people doing the measuring are usually the ones with the financial power? Ironically, the ones being “measured” are often actually the ones who have a lot more at stake (their very lives, families, ministries, reputation in the community, etc.).

What if an indigenous ministry partner from the majority world asked their wealthy American financial supporters to measure, not just amount of money or time invested, but also …

  • the actual amount of prayer devoted to a ministry partner, and then report on that?
  • the amount of personal sacrifice quantified as percent of personal income devoted to the partnership or world missions?
  • or the amount of time they listen, compared to the amount of time they talk — in the partnership dialog between leaders?

The very use of the word “metrics” sounds cold. What if your spouse said, “I need some metrics on the effectiveness of our marriage”? Of course, a partnership is not a marriage, but a healthy cross-cultural partnership is deeply relational, built on trust over a period of time with common vision and values. And Christian cross-cultural partners do have a relational closeness in Jesus Christ, which, from heaven’s perspective anyway, is intimate and eternal. Why else would Jesus pray, “that they would be one…” (John 17:21)? Isn’t this our hope?

The use of the word “metrics” in Christian ministry also implies that everything important can be quantified. But fruitfulness is both quantitative and qualitative. On the one hand, “fruit” can be understood as the number of people professing Christ, or the number of churches planted; that’s quantitative.

But then there’s Galatians 5, describing the fruit of the Spirit. How do you quantify the fruit of agape love, or patience, or meekness, gentleness, or self-control? These are qualitative things that are very important to God and very difficult, if not impossible, to measure.

The practice of cross-cultural partnership, therefore, which over-emphasizes “metrics” will invariably lead to outcomes that focus on those externals. A truism of business management is that “you can only manage what you can measure.” When applied to Christian ministry, wouldn’t this lead to a focus on quantitative external expressions of the faith, while qualitative expressions of the faith would be marginalized? It is no wonder legalism can be so inimical to the gospel.

Another thing about the word “metrics” is the cultural baggage that comes with it. As stated above, the word “metrics” implies the idea that everything important can be quantified and categorized. Isn’t that a Western construct, a part of modernity? The biblical principle of stewardship notwithstanding, it really fits the American Christian consumer mentality of “more souls per dollar invested,” or “best bang for the buck.” It is part of the empire of globalization that prizes efficiency above all else. Isn’t there is a kind of Western cultural imperialism implicit in the term, “metrics”?

Having said all this, I recognize that accountability and outcomes are important. God is interested in outcomes. He wants the nations to be discipled, not only that people have the opportunity to be saved. Stewardship is important. Evaluation is important.

And if you are evaluating a cross-cultural partnership with “metrics”—be careful. Make sure the evaluation is mutual.

New book on cross-cultural partnership focuses on money and missions

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Cross-cultural partnership, Cultural intelligence, Global Christian mission, Quotes, articles & books related to cross-cultural partnership

Mary Lederleitner has provided a valuable service to the Church. Her book, Cross-Cultural Partnership: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission, has much from which we can learn.

In my blog, I intend to highlight several things from the book which liked or which I found particularly helpful. I’ll begin with this quote from chapter 2:

A core concept in many collectivistic societies is “face.” Many people in individualistic cultures make the mistake of assuming it is the same thing as reputation. However, its meaning and role in society is far greater. Individualistic cultures navigate life by utilizing a currency of money, but collectivistic cultures navigate life by using a currency of face.[1]

For those of us in the West, the idea that “face” has its own “currency” is for most a new idea. But when you apply this understanding to cross-cultural partnerships, it can bring insight to financial and accountability misunderstandings. In her book, Mary frequently connects a principle to a real-life story and makes the principle come alive.

Individualistic societies like those in America and many Western nations have very different ways of thinking about money in comparison to the more group-oriented peoples of the Majority World. So in a cross-cultural partnership, handling money and accountability in a healthy way requires an extra measure of wisdom and cultural intelligence on all sides.

Considering all the “complexities of money and mission,” it is no wonder that so much can go wrong and often does. Cross-cultural partnerships are challenging, but when done in a healthy way—informed by both Scripture and cultural intelligence—Mary believes they can be a powerful kingdom-building strategy. Needless to say, I agree with her.

Mary writes from her many years of experience working as a CPA with Wycliffe International; this afforded her many opportunities to serve as a bridge between a predominantly Western agency and indigenous Christian mission organizations. She tells many stories “from the trenches.” Thus, Mary has a strong grasp of both the peril and value of cross-cultural partnerships. Add to that Mary’s high regard for biblical guidance and wisdom … this all combines for a compelling vantage point from which to write and serve others who are engaged in the world Christian movement.

I highly recommend Mary Lederleitner’s book, Cross-Cultural Partnership: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission.

1. Mary Lederleitner: Cross-Cultural Partnership: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission (Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 2010) p. 45.

The Beauty of Partnership, Standard Edition—learning journey for individuals and small groups engaged in cross-cultural ministry

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Cross-cultural partnership, Cultural intelligence, Global Christian mission, Training
The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide, Standard Edition, is perfect for individuals and small groups who are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships, but are unsure about what constitutes truly healthy and wise practices. It is ideal as a six-week study for small groups.

Developed over the past two years, The Beauty of Partnership is a missional learning journey for followers of Christ and “average church members” — to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for healthy cross-cultural partnerships. The front cover subhead reads: “Equipping followers of Jesus Christ for healthy cross-cultural partnerships to bring hope to the peoples of the world.”

More than a book with good information and concepts, this study guide leads people on an interactive journey to discover how they can be successful in cross-cultural relationships and partnerships. It is appropriate for believers engaged in cooperative alliances—between local churches/ministries in the West and their counterparts in the Majority World. It is a learning journey designed for believers to experience in community.

The research for The Beauty of Partnership was completed in 2008 as part of a four-credit independent study course which I did at Phoenix Seminary under Dr. Malcolm Hartnell. The design and editing for the study was largely done in 2009 and 2010. Built on the principles of adult learning theory (inductive/input/implementation/integration), the study has three inter-related areas: godly character, cultural intelligence, and organizational competence.

Suitable for a 6-week study for small groups, mission committees, frequent mission trip goers, and others engaged in cross-cultural partnership ministry, the 8-1/2 x 11 book is one-third study guide, and two-thirds readings. The readings are all part of a guided study, and users develop their own conclusions, spiritual insights, and applications based on the Bible studies, readings, reflections, and practices.

Authors included in the readings of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide are Alex Araujo, Stephen M. R. Covey, Duane Elmer, Jon Lewis, Mary Lederleitner, Bryant Myers, Brooks Peterson, and Daniel Rickett.

At the 2010 COSIM conference, I will be leading a workshop on Tuesday afternoon June 8, called “The Beauty of Partnership: Learning journey / curriculum for lay persons and small groups.” I will be introducing this new mission eduction resource for lay persons. The study guide will be available at the COSIM conference at a significant discount.

If you would like a review copy of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide, or if you would like to be contacted by email as soon as this study guide is available, please write to me, Werner Mischke.

Almost there—The Beauty of Partnership, Standard Edition

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Cross-cultural partnership, Global Christian mission, Ministry tools and resources, Training
The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide, Standard Edition, is perfect for individuals and small groups who are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships, but are unsure about what constitutes truly healthy and wise practices. Ideal as a six-week study for small groups, we envision many local churches using this resource.

I have been working intensely on getting the Standard Edition version of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide ready for distribution. This version of The Beauty of Partnership will be 210 pages. It will be one-third: study guide—with learning lessons and Bible studies—and two thirds: readings—from a variety of authors.

This edition of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide is excellent for individuals and small groups who are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships, but are unsure about what constitutes truly healthy and wise practices. Ideal as a six-week study for small groups, we envision many local churches using this resource.

Foundational beliefs / assumptions for The Beauty of Partnership

  1. Healthy cross-cultural partnerships are centered in Jesus Christ and his mission. Healthy cross-cultural partnerships glorify God … are attractive because we live in such a fractured world … and are cost-effective.
  2. There is a continuing trend toward cross-cultural partnership in the work of Christian world missions.
  3. Many thousands of local churches are doing short-term mission trips without the benefit of training in cross-cultural ministry.
  4. A growing number of churches and Christian leaders are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships without the benefit of learning from those 
who are partnership experts; frequently, this results in misunderstand-ing, conflict, and significant wasted money and resources. This is a big problem in Christian world missions and can be remedied.
  5. Learning from a variety of experts is vital to gain a broad perspective.
  6. Healthy cross-cultural partnerships are the result of developing godly character, cultural intelligence, and organizational competence—
among all partners.
  7. Healthy cross-cultural partnership ministry is not exclusive to certain Christian agency professionals. Almost any adult follower of Jesus Christ can learn how to engage in healthy cross-cultural partnerships.
  8. Learning to engage in healthy cross-cultural partnerships benefits spiritual formation (becoming like Christ), and contributes to the health of one’s relationships generally.
  9. Most adults learn by doing; people grow and have genuine behavior change through being on a journey with others—“learning in community.”
  10. While Mission ONE still has much to learn, we believe we can provide 
significant value to others engaging in cross-cultural partnerships.

Entrepreneurial faith

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Entrepreneurship,

In his book, Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures, Darrow Miller speaks of a kind of faith that can transform individuals, families, communities, indeed entire nations. It may also be called entrepreneurial faith.

Miller quotes the book of Hebrews concerning Abraham and the practice of faith:

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God … These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11:8–10, 13)

Miller adds:

Faith sees God’s good intentions for men and women, families, communities, nations, and the world. Where the land is barren it sees a garden. Where there is filth it recognizes the dignity of man in God’s image and builds a latrine. Where there are bare walls it sees beauty and paints a picture. When it dreams of distant lands it builds a ship and sails there…In contrast, people in poverty are dominate by fear. They have a gut-level understanding of Jesus’ words of warning that “to him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” Unfortunately, this is how most people throughout history have lived.[1]

Comparative language: the mindset of fatalism and faith, from Darrow Miller’s book, Discipling Nations, p. 234

Consider the chart at right from Miller: The comparison of language is stark. The Bible gives man the language of faith, hope, responsibility, development (while respecting the past). Fatalism, a perspective commonly found in Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and tribal societies is diametrically opposed. In the rest of his book, Miller compares the biblical worldview with the secular and animistic worldviews. He demonstrates how only Christianity offers a sure foundation for the “development ethic.” Only Christianity’s God gives man this kind of rational basis for responsibility and divine stewardship in a transcendent story.

Some observations:

  • Entrepreneurs have a mindset of faith—the antithesis of fatalism, which is a mindset which keeps people in poverty and oppression in many nations the world over.
  • Entrepreneurs have a unique calling in this world to develop, innovate, create jobs and wealth—in short, to transform the world.
  • Christian entrepreneurs have a corresponding calling to use their skills on mission with God. Could it be that Christian entrepreneurs have a very special role in helping to bring the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the world?
  • Because so much of Christian mission is about transformation, entrepreneurs and leaders who recognize their destiny in God’s Story have an unusually significant role to play in helping change the world for the joy of all peoples (Matthew 28:18–20).
  • Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs and professionals who are followers of Jesus Christ are marginalized in the world Christian movement. This must be remedied! I believe there are a huge number of Christian entrepreneurs who have so much to offer but are on the sidelines of the greatest enterprise on the earth.

Are you a Christian and an entrepreneur? Would you like to use your skills—your entrepreneurial faith—to help change the world? You can do this through a learning journey we’ve developed called The Beauty of Partnership. It is designed specially for entrepreneurial leaders. For more information contact me, Werner Mischke, at werner@mission1.org.

1. Darrow Miller: Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures (Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2001), 
p. 233.

Development and the entrepreneurial mindset

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Entrepreneurship

Darrow Miller speaks of the entrepreneurial mindset (or what he calls “development”) in his book, Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures. The words quoted below are from the chapter entitled, “Stewardship: Creating and Managing Bounty.”

As we have seen in previous chapters, we are not to be God’s mindless lackeys, although that in itself is more than we deserve. No, God has given us the unfathomable privilege of being co-creators with Him. Man made in God’s image, is given the awesome task of bringing forth all the potential of creation. Man is the source of earth’s bounty as well as its poverty. As the sovereign God’s vice-regents, we are stewards for His household, coworkers in His kingdom, caretakers of His garden, builders of His city, and actors in His story. In some ways, like our Master, we transcend nature. Of course, He is completely above the natural order, while we live in it and in some ways are bound by the universe’s physical processes. Yet the minds God has given us allow us to move ahead, to leap over barriers, to devise new ways, to solve problems. As Novak has said, “Creation is full of secrets waiting to be discovered, riddles which human intelligence is expected by the creator to unlock.” Created “a little lower than the angels,” we have a task to perform and a purpose to fulfill.

…We can dream of a better world and then begin to make it happen. Where there is darkness, we can create a lightbulb, where there is desert drill a well, where mountains are barren plant a forest, where people are forgotten and ignored set them free through the power of the gospel, where people are ignorant build them schools and libraries, where the land is wasted, plant a garden, where people are sick develop a cure, where there is silence hear the music and play it. Man is the discoverer, explorer, innovator, initiator, creator, and composer.[1]

I just love the creative, transformational juices that run through Darrow Miller’s words above. I believe Miller argues persuasively that this “development ethic” is in the heart of every entrepreneur, and that it ultimately derives from the Christian worldview.

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you wish to use your creativity, your visionary abilities, your ability to lead a team and “get stuff done”—for the glory of God and the blessing of the nations?

At Mission ONE, we have a learning journey—The Beauty of Partnership—that can help you succeed. Check out the panel on the left side of this blog for more information. If you’re interested, you may contact me, Werner Mischke, at werner@mission1.org.

1. Darrow Miller: Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures (Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2001), 
p. 225.

Entrepreneurship and mission

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Entrepreneurship

I believe entrepreneurs have a particular worldview—a set of “instincts.” Below is a list of “instincts” which characterize successful entrepreneurs. It is taken from an e-zine article by Jeff Chavez. I like the word instincts, because it implies a way of thinking that is almost subconscious, just like a worldview. Following each of the listed “instincts” is a comment I add to demonstrate the missional connection.

Here’s a quick look at the 11 Killer Instincts of Entrepreneurship, by Jeff Chavez, with a corresponding comment in italics from me.

1. The Solution Instinct: This is about ideas and always seeing them. It’s about seeing new opportunities while traveling, shopping, or working. Seeing problems and potential solutions to those problems is at the heart of valuable ideas and business models.

The missional element is problem-solving. Problems are opportunities for solutions that come from creativity, hard work, and the application of wisdom. The Solution Instinct tells us that a problem is not inevitable; a problem can be solved. Change and improvement is possible and desirable.

2. The Detective Instinct: This is about fact-finding and due-diligence. It’s about letting go of the emotion and excitement of a good idea and taking a venture-capitalist approach. This instinct is something that keeps one constantly assessing how a business model will work, scale, and succeed… without personal bias.

The missional element is openness to new ideas, new facts, new information that can inform the process of change and progress. It is curiosity with a purpose or mission, based on the belief that better information can lead to a better way; productivity can be improved; success can be enhanced; failure can be avoided.

3. The Great Communicator Instinct: This is about connecting and constantly selling. It’s a constant awareness that every point of communication matters. Whether communicating with partners, investors, vendors, employees, or competitors; every communication is an opportunity to strengthen your company.

The missional element is communicating meaningfully with people in a purposeful way. All human contact can have purpose. All communication can be strategic. From conversations and web sites, to business cards and email, to DVDs and print communications, to business luncheons and special events—all can be centered on progress and achievement. Salesmanship and relationship is missional.

4. The Youthful Genius Instinct: This is about doing what you love. When we were young, we dreamed big dreams and showed glimmers of what we might become. Tapping into the expectation of our youth is central to successful entrepreneurship.

The missional element is passionate joy. The resolve to reach for your dream, 
the joy of pursuing a magnificent goal, the thrill of a pursuit that builds on your strengths and captures your imagination—all this is central to the the entrepreneurial-missional mindset.

5. The Entrepreneurial Heritage Instinct: This is about how our heritage can reveal some of our natural gifts. What has your family and ancestors been successful at already? Exploring your roots can help one tap into opportunity. There is a reason why many families pass along entrepreneurial success and create “dynasties” of their own

Is there an entrepreneurial / missional DNA? No doubt, some people are born with a greater threshold for risk and a greater propensity for vision and salesmanship.

6. The Risk-Taker Instinct: This is about going out on a ledge. No risk, no reward. It’s a fundamental factor of business building or almost any major endeavor. Finding the calculated balance of risk and opportunity is key.

Risk is a core element in mission. It is the willingness to accept loss and endure 
the possibility of failure in order to achieve a greater gain. All great mission accomplishments involve bold, calculated risk.

7. The Work-Horse Instinct: This is about paying the price. Doing whatever it takes. Those “overnight successes” usually require at least 5 years of hard work and incredible sacrifice to get there.

The missional element is hard work and sacrifice in order to achieve a worthy goal, an obvious factor for any significant achievement.

8. The Thick-Skinned Instinct: This is about being tough. Resilience, optimism and a positive mindset reside in every great entrepreneur. The fundamental key to success in attaining goals? Never give up.

The missional element is optimism. Entrepreneurial people have the ability to see opportunity when others see only failure and doom. Resilience keeps the missional person going in spite of setbacks and great obstacles.

9. The Flexibility Instinct: This is about being willing to change. Emotion and pride must be removed from the process while building a business and paying attention to the best route to take. The right path naturally eventuates; if you’re willing to recognize it and take it.

Flexibility makes change possible. Any great missional enterprise requires change, innovation, new ways of thinking, paradigm shifts, worldview adjustments, changes in direction and behavior.

10. The Human Instinct: This is about people. Attracting the best people is more important than the business model itself. Treating people well, leading well, and serving with care is a fundamental reason why anything worthwhile should be built in the first place.

The missional element is humanity. People are moral agents designed by God with the creativity and drive that enables them to work with others for progress, change, development, transformation. Mission is simply designed-in to the DNA of human beings, a reflection of the Creator in whose image man and woman are made.

11. The Knowledge-Quest Instinct: This is about constantly learning. Reading, thinking, listening, observing, absorbing, and applying is a hallmark trait of a great entrepreneur.

The missional element is curiosity, the capacity to learn, the drive to understand. Learning and reflection are critical to meaningful, purposeful change. Truly effective mission is impossible without new understanding—new knowledge, skills and attitudes.

These are unique instincts and in my experience, everyone possesses at least a touch of each of them. And it’s my observation that every natural instinct can be discovered, uncovered, and developed by anyone interested in doing so.

From this list of entrepreneurial instincts, I conclude:

Successful entrepreneurs are missional leaders with the ability to identify and seize opportunity, 
and work with other people in order to achieve great goals.

Are you a Christian entrepreneur who is interested in global mission? Can you see yourself being a world-changer through advocacy for a cross-cultural partnership? We can help you go from success to significance through The Beauty of Partnership learning journey—designed specifically for entrepreneurial leaders. Please contact me, Werner Mischke: werner@mission1.org.

What is “managerial paternalism?”

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Cross-cultural partnership, Global Christian mission, Helping the poor, Organizational competence, Quotes, articles & books related to cross-cultural partnership
Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert are the authors of this excellent book

From When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor … and Yourself, by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert …

Managerial paternalism is perhaps the hardest nut to crack. We middle-class North Americans love to see things get done as quickly as possible. Relative to many other cultures, including many low-income communities in North America, we are prone to take charge, particularly when it appears that nobody else is moving fast enough. As a result, we often plan, manage, and direct initiatives in low-income communities when people in those communities could do these things quite well already. The structure and pace might well be different if the low-income communities undertook the project themselves, but they could do a good job nonetheless.

The authors then go into the reasons for managerial paternalism, and the alternatives. If you want to know more, you should buy the book!

At Mission ONE, we do not try to run our partners’ ministries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We do not tell outstanding indigenous Christian leaders how to manage their financial administration, how to delegate responsibility, how to do accountability in their culture, how to pursue their vision. We do ask, “How can we serve your vision?” We do require quarterly reports covering ministry progress, stories, prayer requests and financial disbursements. We do trust one another, not only as organizational partners, but as friends who serve the Lord together for God’s glory.

With these kinds of relationships between Mission ONE and our ministry partners in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, we avoid managerial paternalism. Want to know more about Mission ONE’s ministry partners? Write to me at werner@mission1.org.

What is “labor paternalism?”

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Global Christian mission, Helping the poor, Short-term missions
Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert are the authors of this excellent book

From When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor … and Yourself, by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert …

Labor paternalism occurs when we do work for people that they can do for themselves. I remember going on a spring break mission trip to Mississippi while I was in college. I will never forget the sick feeling I had as I stood on a ladder painting a house while the young, able bodied men living in the house sat on their front porch and watched. I did so much harm that day. Yes, the house got painted, but in the process I undermined these people’s calling to be stewards of their own time and talents. It might have been better if I had stayed home for spring break, rather than to have gone and done harm.

This statement really hits hard: “I did so much harm that day.” I am grateful for the authors’ honesty and vulnerability. I wonder: How many non-poor evangelical Christians from North America are willing to admit that they “did harm” on their mission trips, despite their good intentions?

How many mission trips have occurred in which North American believers built a church for a community, while marginalizing members of the local church, local construction workers and small businesses?

Helping the poor and cross-cultural partnership is not simple. It requires training and learning from others. Thank you, again, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert for your insights. God help us to avoid “labor paternalism.”