:: Questions about Missions with Virginia Marion
:: Redeemer, A Mover of Movements
:: Get the RCPC Church Planter Manual
:: Got Church Planting in You? Find Out!

QUESTIONS WITH VIRGINIA MARION
Can Short-Term Missions Support Church Plants?

Virginia Marion served for two years as the Director of Short Term Missions at Redeemer Presbyterian in New York. She holds degrees in church music and organ from Drake and Syracuse Universities, and has studied ethnomusicology at Columbia University. In the past, she has served on the staff of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and as an adjuct professor at Nyack College. Here, the Movement talks to her about short-term missions and how they can support church plants around the world.

For many churches, short-term mission projects end up taking the place of church planting – which is a long term commitment to a community, specifically using the resources of that community. Given the emphasis on church-planting, how do Redeemer's short-term mission projects fit in?
Church-planting is a key priority. But short-term projects are important too, and they don't replace the need for church planting. Instead, they can help by building up infrastructure or training leaders within the community so they can develop their own resources. Practically speaking, since each member raises own support, it's not a financial drain on the church.

Most importantly, it's a great opportunity for the team members to see God's work in church-planting firsthand. They are helping to get that work done. And Redeemer has many short-term mission projects that are tied-in directly with church planting.

How else can short-term missions help church plants?
When a team goes into a country, the trip is set up to contribute to the continuing work of the church. The short-term missions can do evangelism and events, the "wide-spread" work that engages the community and brings people in. Then the church can do the follow up.

What kind of "wide-spread" work? What is an example of this?
We sent a team to London where one of our missionaries is planting a church among south Asians --the Sikhs, Moslem and Hindus. It's interesting to the community-at-large that these groups can come together peacefully within the Christian community – they're not known to mix.

At least half of the congregation is there as a result of the short-term mission efforts. Various teams have used door-to-door evangelism, questionnaires, and the Jesus Film to engage people in talking about the gospel. Each time a short-term team goes into the community, they have the opportunity to speak with people. Then a second team will come in and re-engage, maybe with the same people. Then the third team goes, and something may happen.

I've experienced this many times . . . I remember going to a Somali home (in London) to get feedback on the Jesus film. The first team went in 2-3 months earlier to bring the film. After talking for just a few minutes, we were invited in for tea and conversation. This type of "relay" is necessary and significant because they have the chance to get familiar with the message, and then they welcome it.

There are all sorts of short-term projects happening at Redeemer. What is another project that has supported continuing church growth?
Last summer, we had a team go to St. Petersburg. We are supporting a national church planting movement in Russia headed by Peter Sautov. He started in 1991, and now there are more than 40 churches planted.

How did the short-term team support them?
We've sent teams to the St. Petersburg church for the last two years. The year before, we went to Moscow. Team members help out with teaching English, leading Bible studies and running sports camps for the youth (ages 12-21 and 12-18). Working with the kids gave us the opportunity to get involved in each other's lives. This year there were 7 who accepted Christ.

Also, we share our testimonies and discuss the infrastructure of our church, small groups and programs so that we can help them grow.

It's great to be able to share in their growth! What are some challenges this church faces?

They need to develop a small group infrastructure. They use their own materials but need to form more small groups.

All the churches in this movement also face challenges of growing and maintaining their staff to meet the needs of their congregation. Some of these churches are seeking new pastors. Currently, each church has a team of three people – usually a senior pastor, a youth pastor and children's coordinator.

Building space is always a challenge. For example, the Moscow church is an hour away from the city of Moscow. So our vision is to have a church in the Moscow city center. Also, they may be looking at partnering with other Christian organizations – that will help them develop new leaders and resources within their own communities.

Virginia will be leaving in early April to embark on a new project in Turkey. She'll be putting her ethnomusicology chops to work as she researches the religious music of Turkey. And while she is there, she just might lend a hand with the church planting efforts, building relationships and engaging the people with the Gospel.

For more information on future Redeemer short-term mission projects, please go to: www.redeemer.com

by Audrey Lee with Virginia Marion