Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 125:499 (Jul 1968)
Article: Mission-Church Relationship Part I
Author: Greg Peters

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BSac 125:499 (Jul 68) p. 205

Mission-Church Relationship
Part I

George W. Peters

Every mission bears a twofold relationship, a home and a field relationship. At home the mission is related to churches which provide mission personnel and funds. In denominational missions, it is a simple matter to define this church-mission relationship. Here the mission has been set up by the church, or within a denominational framework, and functions as an authorized extension of the church. It is the church in missions. This is not the same in interdenominational missions. Here no organizational interrelation with the church exists. The mission is an independent organization which seeks to relate itself functionally to the churches. It offers itself as a service agency to the churches, retaining, however, legislative and organizational autonomy. Thus far the interdenominational missions have enjoyed the favor of God and the confidence of many churches, and the functional relationship has proved satisfactory though not without difficulties and serious efforts.

In addition to this home base church-mission relationship, there is also the mission-church relationship in the field. The latter is becoming much more complex and has been much discussed. Little unanimity of mind or uniformity of practice exists in this area, and missions in close proximity vary considerably. Several patterns, however, are becoming evident as a serious attempt to regulate this relationship. No pattern has proved completely satisfactory to both parties concerned. Continued patience and diligent search are much needed to find the true solution.

It must also be admitted that most solutions voiced and/or proposed have come from missionaries and mission executives, and are not the result of serious study and dialogue between missions and churches concerned. It has been too much

BSac 125:499 (Jul 68) p. 206

defensive, ideal, and unilateral. The mind and the sentiments of the younger churches have not been sufficiently explored, prodded, and heeded. They seemingly speak with greater freedom to researchers and students than to missionaries and mission executives, and are sensitive not to offend. As a Latin leader recently remarked: “ We do not wish to hurt the ‘mother’ who gave birth to us and lovingly nurtured us.” We need to cultivate more mutuality, interpenetration, open dialogue, and interdependence.

For specific reasons, we shall divide the study into two main parts. In this first part we shall discuss briefly the three eras of missions, raise with questions some underlying issues, and present theories which have given rise to three patterns of relationships. Part two will present a fourth pattern which we believe is more realistic and Biblical, but...

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