Enough of "Short term missions" PLEASE!

Stop Calling It 'Short-Term' Missions

My heart resonates with the article about the efficacy of short-term missions, especially with the primary goal for numbers of "salvations" with just 1-3 years of sowing the ground. Without long-term discipleship of new converts, I just hope that the short-term efforts will not eventually end up in vain.

This article chimes along with what I just read from page 14 of
The Good and Beautiful Community

(Smith was quoting Dillas Willard) Social activism is not an act but a way of being... It is not that we do a good deed here and there, but that our very lives are deeds. The character of Christ that is infused in us will be a part of every encounter...

(Now in his own words) Too often people engage in social action on a part-time basis--a visit to the soup kitchen, a short-term mission trip--and feel that they have done more than their share in the area of service.

While those are good activities, if they do not flow from a Christlike character, they are merely temporary acts of kindness. Apprentices of Jesus are not part-time do-gooders.

Review: The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ

The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ by James Bryan Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had to read this book as part of a seminary course. 95% of required readings are those really dry, dreary and boring books that I would probably never want to read if I had the choice. But boy oh boy was I proven wrong! I ended up buying the other two books in his apprentice series - "The good and beautiful God" and "The good and beautiful community."

The reflection (Smith calls them Soul Training) exercises were also mandatory requirements of the course and they were extremely helpful to plow through. (I would not have done them if they werent made compulsory). There was not a moment that Smith was indulging in questionable exegesis or upholding shaky theological claims. I thoroughly enjoyed Smith's engaging, passionate and easy-to-read little book. So much so that after I read the book I borrowed from the library, I bought one for myself.

I highly recommend this book! Small group leaders may consider journeying chapter by chapter with their flock. You'd be tempted to rush through it, but please try to refrain from doing so! There is so much reflection, healing and encouragement that could result from prayerful reflection and discussion with this book as a tool!

View all my reviews