The Relationship Between Churches, Mission Agencies and Training Schools

Article by Simon Wan.

Simon Wan – a 2005 student at the Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies (Launceston, TAS) looks at the relationship between churches, mission agencies and training schools. As part of this study, Simon spent time with Wycliffe Australia, and has kindly given permission to reproduce his study. Simon is now Associate Pastor Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church in Singapore. The full paper can be accessed here.

Topic
Patrick Johnstone proposed a model for effective world evangelization in which a tripartite partnership of equals exists between churches, mission agencies and training schools. This research is an investigation on the situation at the Launceston WEC College with respect to the Johnstone Model. Do the relationships between churches, mission agencies and Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies reflect the mutual partnership envisioned by Johnstone or a trichotomization?

Abstract
This paper explores the acceptance and implementation of the Johnstone Model for ‘tripartite partnership of equals’ between the church, mission agency and training school in Launceston with respect to involvement in cross-cultural mission. Results of a qualitative (agency and church) and quantitative study (training school) are presented.

The research revealed an acceptance by all parties of the need for interdependence and mutual accountability. However, in practice, variant understandings of partnership and accountability exist. One clear finding is that both agencies and the churches recognize the central role of the church in missions and seek greater partnership and mutual accountability. Efforts are clearly being made by the mission agencies to “reinvent themselves” to meet changing needs. This trend however was not noted in the training school. Finally, the need for more dialogue and relationship-building among the parties and openness towards new models of relating and learning is discussed.

Conclusion
Johnstone has contributed significantly to missions through his model of interdependence and mutual accountability. The survey has shown that there is mental assent to the ideal of a tripartite partnership. In practice however, it is noted that there are variant understandings of what partnership and accountability entails. The local churches are at different levels of commitment to world missions, and therefore desire varying corresponding partnerships with mission agencies.

It is encouraging however to note that the agencies have shown a deep commitment to serve the local churches and have publicly affirmed the central role of the church in missions. This attitude of servanthood augurs well for the church-agency partnership.

The training institution has been analysed not through direct interviews with the trainers, but through the end products i.e. the students enrolled for training. The survey has shown that a majority of students felt inadequately prepared to relate to their local church and mission agency. Most have expressed a desire for more hands-on training. The training institution seems to be the ‘weakest link’ in the progress towards an effective tripartite partnership envisioned by Patrick Johnstone. There is clearly the need for more dialogue and relationship-building among the parties. The outcome will depend on one’s willingness to listen to one another and to change when needed.

Is it a tripartite partnership or trichotomization in Launceston? In a sense, it is really ‘what you want it to be’. And on the other hand, it is what one believes what the Head of the Church wants it to be. Unity in our witness (John 17) honours the Godhead and reflects the divine community. That is our highest motivation to seek partnership: for God’s glory.

A full copy of Simon Wan's paper can be accessed in PDF file format (284kb) here.

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