Chapter 8
Avoiding Factors Which Undercut Mobilization

Not only are there many new initiatives which can be taken to mobilize Southern Baptists and channel their involvement in our global missions task, we also must be alert to avoid attitudes and actions which would be detrimental to mobilization and support. Many churches have found a less than “user-friendly” attitude in the past and perceive the International Mission Board as a stereotypical denominational bureaucracy with little interest in the local church.

In association with mission leaders, we are finding widespread affirmation and commendation for our openness to partnership and networking with other Great Commission Christians. In the past we would have been characterized by such terms as large, independent, exclusive, aloof and even wealthy and arrogant. There was a perception that we didn’t need anyone else—that we could do it alone.

It is amazing how many resources God will bring into our strategies when we approach our missions task with a humility that respects and welcomes the involvement of others. Just as God gives spiritual gifts to individuals for the perfecting and completion of His body, He gives unique and special gifts to various organizations, denominational entities and local churches in order to fulfill His mission. The privilege of being a part of something which is of God and is much greater than ourselves can be forfeited by insensitivity, pride and critical attitudes.

It is a radical challenge to move from being a funnel for money and personnel to a service orientation focused on assisting Southern Baptists to fulfill the Great Commission. What will stimulate the desire for our constituency to pray fervently, to give generously and sacrificially and to mobilize personnel to go and give of their lives to reach the nations? What will enhance the credibility of the International Mission Board as the option of choice for doing missions rather than independent or alternative channels?

Staff and missionaries must reflect a passion for reaching their people groups and the whole world. Such a passion will be contagious. It will not be threatened by competition from others but will affirm anyone and any organization focused on bringing a lost world to faith in Jesus Christ. To the contrary, an attitude of provincialism, jealousy over limited resources or an uncooperative spirit will not elicit partnership and support. Treating volunteers and short-term personnel or requests for information as an imposition will quickly be discerned and squelch the enthusiasm of others who could provide valuable resources and prayer support.

Attitudes Toward Volunteers
Most volunteers characterize their participation in a first-time volunteer project as a positive and even life-changing experience, but a few negative experiences can have far more ramifications than a mediocre mission trip. Some return questioning the commitment of missionaries who appear to be caught up in trivial tasks rather than the main thing. Others have their attitudes soured by missionaries who take advantage of guests to ventilate, complain and gripe about colleagues, IMB administration and their environment, all of which is inappropriate and has little positive benefit.

It requires extensive damage control when a church invests heavily in enlisting a volunteer team, buying plane tickets and having individuals arrange time off from work only to have the missionary call at the last moment canceling the trip. The new team structures should undergird volunteer projects so that they are not dependent on any one missionary who may have a conflict arise; volunteer strategies should be broad enough that teams could be redirected if a certain project suddenly falls through.

There is unlimited partnership potential for mobilizing volunteers, but to neglect informing the regional office and entering the project into the IMB database handicaps the whole organization. When the Volunteers in Missions Department is not able to register the team and assure that insurance is provided, the ability to build positive relationships and provide appropriate services is undercut.

VIMD is not a funnel but exists to serve the field and help enlist volunteers as needed and requested. Missionaries and overseas teams are encouraged to take initiative in filling requests and enlisting volunteers. However, extensive damage has been done when the board and regional office know nothing about those who perceive that they are going on an approved IMB project because they are working with an IMB missionary. Every year there are accidents, and sometimes deaths, in volunteer groups where the system has been bypassed and insurance has not been provided. These could bring excessive liability to the board and cause undue hardship on the volunteers involved and their families.

Irresponsible Financial Solicitation
Considerable harm also can occur whenever a missionary abuses acceptable guidelines by appealing for financial support. Many churches and individuals will want to provide resources for strategic projects, but it is important to establish a partnership and allow gifts to grow out of that partnership at the initiative of the donor. Some have exploited the encouragement to facilitate mobilization by requesting funding for projects that are self-serving or contravene approved strategies. Others have even appealed for financial assistance for themselves and their personal needs.

We have a marvelous system of cooperative financial support unlike any other denomination or agency; however, we are prohibited by the Southern Baptist Business and Financial Plan from soliciting funds from churches for any purpose apart from the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. An abundance of additional resources are available, but they should be accessed through the creation of partnerships and alliances in which the contributor is made aware of needs, has some degree of ownership in the project and takes the initiative in providing the support.

When several missionaries appear to be competing by multiple appeals to common churches, it creates chaos and a resentful attitude that undercuts anyone benefiting from what might otherwise provide additional potential support. Lack of accountability or failure to promptly acknowledge a gift or express appreciation can also cool the enthusiasm of stateside partners and diminish the possibility of additional support. All funds must be accounted for, whether they originate with the IMB or not, and every missionary should be conscientious to report to donors and keep them informed of the results of their support.

Public Criticism and Complaints
There are appropriate channels for dealing with disagreements and personal frustrations internally. It is essential that we work together in trust and mutual submission as a part of the body of Christ, reflecting appropriate respect for leadership and colleagues. What has been gained when confidence in the International Mission Board is eroded by complaints to the churches about salary support or by misrepresentations about decisions that are made?

It is shortsighted to choose public forums and newsletters to criticize IMB policy and leadership. It is counter productive to serve with an agency and then undercut public support for the very organization that is supporting one’s ministry and calling. And it certainly doesn’t encourage enthusiasm for churches and others getting involved and being on mission.

It is easy to get distracted from our main task and look for a sympathetic ear from our family and churches in the United States. But when we are sharing the wonder working power of God and expressing the joy of being in the center of God’s will, even though it entails sacrifice and times of discouragement, we will find a vast network of prayer support and partners who will be mobilized to undergird our ministries and witness.

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