Personal Development

The reality for many missionaries is that they are frustrated, overworked and disillusioned in their work. Often it is because they are working in a role which is not a good fit. Missionaries and believers alike, all have a unique role in the Great Commission. However, finding your 'best fit' for a fulfilling and effective contribution can often be left to 'trial and experience'. Passion alone is not normally a guarantee of ministry success. But, if we can discover and understand how God has made us, the talents, dreams and vision He has put inside of us, then we will be better equipped to be good stewards of what we have been entrusted with and make a greater and long-term contribution in our area of calling.

Team Development

An estimated $615 million is spent annually to replace workers who have left the mission field instead of sending new ones to join them. Approximately 71% of missionaries who leave the field prematurely do so for preventable reasons. Of these "preventable reasons", conflict with other missionaries is number one. Just as individual missionaries need to be functioning well, mission teams also need to be healthy and growing in greater effectiveness.

The following resources are available for individual missionary and team development:

* Christian life coaching. Having a Christian life coach will help empower you to be the person God has called you to be and help you accelerate your learning and personal development.
* Highlands ability battery. Unlike many assessments which are based on self-reporting, this is an objective assessment tool (available online or on CD) which uses work-samples to identify a person's natural abilities and 'hard-wiring'. Within the range of natural abilities identified, there are 'driving abilities' which if not used can cause discontent and distress. When people are utilizing their driving abilities along with other specialized abilities they are most fulfilled and effective in what they do.
* Clarion team development process. The Clarion Model is a web-based and ongoing development process which was developed specifically for the missions context. It addresses the most critical factors that can divide teams before they become an issue. For teams already experiencing pain it can also be a useful tool to begin the journey back from unhealthy conflict. Team members understand one anothers' God-given design which includes temperament, interpersonal needs, strengths and best contribution, and values. Leaders also learn to use an ongoing team assessment process that promotes growth, healthy dynamics, strategic planning, and clear assignment of responsibilities. Addressing these elements helps mission teams to overcome the enemy's dominant strategy...to divide and conquer.

For further information on the above resources, please go to Empower Coaching at: www.stuartsimpson.me

Links To Other Related Sites

The Core Coaching Skills certificate training program (total 60 hours) run by Dr Keith Webb who can be contacted at www.creativeresultsmanagement.com. CRM is a leader in in coaching training for non-profit organisations pioneering at home and across cultures.

Coaching Mission International - Coaching Mission International believes that one of the most powerful ways to increase mission effectiveness is to invest in leaders who are already on the front lines, reaching the nations for Jesus. CMI provides leaders with the development, proactive support and feedback they need to stay on the field; factors which too often mission organizations are unable to adequately provide. In addition, they can provide training to equip a mission’s leaders with coaching skills themselves, as well as raise up coaches within their organization. In such ways CMI both helps support leaders personally and multiplies their impact. See their website for more information.

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