The dangers of dependency on a mission trip (part 2)

Second in a series on the issue focuses on dangers to the host church.

The reasons for going to a new location for a missions project are largely based on the problem of dependency. Although many sending churches, or their partners, may not recognize the dependency, it can crop up in unnoticeable ways, both for themselves and the partner church.

Here are the most common issues surrounding dependency for partner churches:

1.  Tithing is discouraged

Members of the hosting church or organization can begin to count on the assistance of their partnering church to supply their financial needs. Not only do members recognize that their needs are being met by an outside organization, but leaders can also begin to depend on this assistance.

2.  Tangible contributions are valued above relationship

Host churches adopt the view “We don’t need to do anything since our friends (internationally, “the Americans”) will come help us.” Although many outreaches contain a relationship element, many involve construction and other tangible/economic advances to the partner. The host church becomes spoiled by the partnership and ceases to do for itself what it should be doing.

3.  Jealousy or competition

Contempt towards the partner can be built within the church’s community due to the relationship built with the sending church. Although unintentional and usually misperceived, other churches not receiving assistance compare themselves to the partner church/organization.

Tomorrow’s blog addresses dangers to your group from dependent relationships.