Crusades in Developing Countires by Foreign Evangelists

I’ve seen many ads since I’ve been in Tanzania for crusades by foreign evangelists. I don’t think that I like it. Mass crusades seem to play on individuals emotions and create converts without discipleship. In a country where so many claim to be Christian, it is tough to find someone who can explain the concept of salvation. Something more is needed. Discipleship is the thing that creates changed lives. It is frustrating to see so much money being spent on big crusades when the same amount could more efficiently be spent on pastors’ salaries so they can do more discipleship oriented activities. New converts need a personal connection to help their decision become a transformed life.

The same funds could also be spent on relief projects. Its been said over and over that people don’t care what you know unless they know how much you care. What better way to share your life and apply the teachings of the Gospel than meeting basic needs? Areas of education, healthcare, sanitation and food relief are all things that meet basic needs. People are far more receptive to a Gospel they see making a difference in their lives, without any strings attached, than they are to the overwhelming emotional push. If the goal is to create long term converts and not just feel good about ourselves for doing “mission work” then it’s time to do something that actually matters!

I happen to believe that the God I serve is one who loves us unconditionally and calls us as believers to serve each other in humility in love. It’s never ok to ask someone to change their beliefs in order to receive aid. That is manipulation and predatory not unconditional love and acceptance.

How different would Tanzania be if missionaries years ago had embraced more of that philosophy? Yes, many good things were done and are still being done though I still wonder. Allowing people to retain their cultural identity is possible and being a Christian. Being Westernized is not a symbol of salvation. The same philosophy has been repeated in countries around the world. The ethocentricism and ignorance of it are astounding. I think most of these errors were results of ignorance. People didn’t take the time to learn about the communities they wanted to evangelize. No life sharing and laboring together happened. It was a take over and mini brainwashing. In trying to do something good, great harm occurred.

Organizations still send out missionaries. In the past I was more in favor of it than I am now. I think the modern “missionary” should be one who goes with the expressed purpose of living a life that is an example to others. Out of that comes the opportunity to share your beliefs. Whether it be education, business, forestry or some other occupation, living and working among the people you are trying to reach is hard but the most rewarding and effective. The serious evangelism should be done by nationals. They already know the language and the culture. They have a level of trust with locals because they are a part of the community. So much can be accomplished with time and relationship. It is necessary to meet the call of the “Great Commission.” I hope this idea spreads. It is necessary to do what is best for those we are giving our lives for not what is self-serving.

I think Paul puts it beautifully in 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9 (NKJV) “… we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.”

I think he had it right then. It is time to go back to this model and be effective!