Four Main Foci*:
Service
Service projects can often be done effectively within the limits of short time periods, young age groups, limited language capabilities, etc. We will seek to send our teams to do hands-on projects. As much as possible local people should direct the work and we will work under their leadership.
Evangelism (witness)
Witness through word and deed happens in both service and evangelism. Effective evangelism requires longer times and greater language and cultural facility. One-time, short-term teams can play an important role in this long-term effort. We will reflect Biblical understandings, missiological wisdom, and sociological insights as we work with training our teams in this area.
Dialogue
Dialogue about what we believe with those of other faith convictions happens when one is not focused on debate or proselytizing. These teams present an opportunity to encourage this kind of dialogue that has great potential for enhancing the witness of the team.
Presence
There are countries where sharing one's faith verbally is not accepted. The presence of a team of Christian students working in a community like this has the potential for significant impact.
*An in-depth exploration of these concepts is found in Calvin E. Shenk's book, Who Do You Say That I Am? Christians Encounter Other Religions. |