On the show today, we’re joined by missionary Matt Rhodes who is the author of No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions. He talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about trends within missions that emphasize speed and big numbers, but often lack the depth of discipleship that characterized Jesus’ ministry. Matt shares about the mission that he is engaged in a majority Muslim country Northern Africa and what he’s learned from being on the field and what faithfulness (even success) can look like for those spreading the Good News abroad.
Conversation Notes
- The primary differences between how missions are approached currently as opposed to the days of William Carey and Hudson Taylor
- Current trends in missions work
- Approaching missions with professionalism and being enculturated
- Is professionalism opposed to being relational?
- The trajectory of the relatively recent phenomenon of short term missions and it’s increasing share of the overall missionary force
- Not everyone that is a Christian is also an ambassador of Christ, or are they?
- The implications of the center of Christianity moving to the Global South
- Charting milestones for successful missions
Podcast Sponsor
Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International.
Visit Child Hope International Online
Resources and Links from the show
No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions on Amazon
Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
Canopy International 