The Book & The Bench - #1

Fake news and missionary misnomers 

We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. (2Corinthians 4:2)

I cringe when I read them. I wonder about how much false testimony is given? I see evidence of exaggeration and spiritual sleight of hand. To what am I referring? Those perennial end of year missionary letters and ministry requests, depicting financial Armageddon for the particular work without your help.

I compare with the Apostle’s method. I return to The Book for guidance and pose a simple question. How should we present our missionary news, prayer points, and particularly at this time of year, our ‘end of year’ reporting and financial requests? 

It is regrettable, maybe even inexcusable, to read missionary headlines in printed magazine, online, and in email such as: ‘People are coming to faith because of you!’ ‘Your partnership made this happen!’ ‘God is at work in our ministry through you!’.

I have lived in the USA for almost 10 years, having come over from Northern Ireland in 2012. There are many things I love about living here; many things I have written about and spoken of elsewhere that make me unashamedly believe this country has the potential for the greatest kingdom impact than any other country in the world. That is not fake news. That is my assessment. BUT… I cringe when I see godless commercialism and a godless commercial methodology fill the pages (online and in print) of many (should I say most?) ministries in the USA.

The 45th president of the USA could hardly speak a sentence without superlatives. It is a common problem as we have grown so accustomed to the regular that we need the superlative to grasp our attention. But church, ministry and missionary bodies must not follow suit. They do and I cringe.

Aside from the pandering to self interest that is at the base of ‘People are coming to faith because of your donation!’, it is fake news and plainly untrue. People are coming to faith because of the sovereign work in their hearts by a saving merciful God! Aside from the self-congratulation that accompanies reading, ‘Your partnership made this happen!’, that statement is also a corruption of the spiritual reality. To read a headline such as, ‘God is at work in our ministry through you!’ suggests you are indispensable, you are vital, since you are the culmination of the sentence, being the last thing mentioned!

Perhaps I overstate and if so, I apologize. I would not wish to be guilty of exaggeration, which is another prevalent sin of the missionary report. Do numbers of conversions really excite you? I admit to being underwhelmed by such presumptive reporting. ‘Well done good and successful servant’ is not what I want to hear from my Savior! Faithfulness has been dethroned and has given way to successfulness, and it shows in our reporting and missionary media. Brethren this should not be!

I guess these things are in my mind as I am currently bombarded with end of year requests from (fairly) good ministries. Again, I cringe when I read: ‘As we end the year we have a financial need of $xxx,000…’ I am tempted to comment – ‘Really? Was your financial planning so far off? Have you spent over budget that amount? How would that work in your personal household finances if that were the case?’ 

Now don’t misunderstand me or take this as the idle comment of an old cynic. I truly desire to see MANY come to faith. I desire to see many ministries fully funded. I desire to see much increase in kingdom labor in 2022. But please, please, let us be honest in our requests, honest in our reporting, exemplary in financial planning and frugal in all our ministries.

So how did the Apostle report? How did the early church fund raise? 2Cor 4:2 ‘by the open statement of truth… we commend ourselves…’ Wow! That’s a pretty simple approach. Are you sure that’s enough, Paul?

If it’s not enough to gain the attention of superlative loving America, then know this: God is able to make stones become bread, and rocks to sing the praises of the King. I would rather see that, than sell a product to reluctant givers who are driven by self-interest and pats on the back from newsletter headlines. Principled ministry clearly stated, rather than pragmatic ministry commercially ‘sold’, must be the method. Such will receive the smile of God.

As we in Christian Witness to Israel (N America) enter 2022 by Divine grace and favor, we promise not to use cunning methods, exaggerated commentary, or fake news for funding. The truth of our labors, openly stated, should be a sufficient commendation for your support.

The Book must be our Guide.