Perspectives- Karen Michener

Karen Michener of the US Center for World Mission taught us about Eras of Mission History and Pioneers of the World Christian Movement, an essential history to understand the progress that has been made and the task remaining. She pointed out the most important point of Perspectives, a quote by an Indian evangelist: "Do not bring us the gospel as a potted plant. Bring us the seed of the gospel and plant it in our soil." Several key concepts were explored:

• Modality (local church, inward focused, stability) vs. Sodality (missions focus, risk tolerant to achieve big goals) in missions efforts. Both are necessary for healthy churches.
• Through the centuries, people groups have heard the gospel by coming to Christ-followers and by apostles going to the unreached, both voluntarily and involuntarily, all of which God has used for His glory.
• The 1st Era of Missions History was led by William Carey, with Europe as the primary sending region, and was focused on the coastlands with a church and kingdom mission.
• The 2nd Era of Missions History was led by Hudson Taylor, with America as the primary sending region, focused on inland areas with a church mission.
• The 3rd Era of Missions History was led by Cameron Townsend and Donald McGavran, with the non-west as the primary sending region and a focus on unreached people groups and a recover of the kingdom mission.
• The E-Scale rates evangelization of non-Christians from similar through very different cultures. E1 (same culture) is the most powerful because it spreads quickly and easily, though E2 and E3 are the highest priority strategic efforts because they can spark new movements.
• Missions efforts should go through the following phases: Pioneer, Parent, Partner, and Participant. As local churches gain momentum, the expat church planters should empower local leaders and step back.

Karen reminded us not to be people blind, a term for the tendency to lump local people groups rather than acknowledging the differences. She recommended "From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya" by Tucker to learn more about missions history and http://www.partnersfortransformation.net/ to get involved.