These Weeks in the Mission Blogosphere

From Mission resources, to the missionary spirit of Independent Baptists, to Swarming, over the last few week I have read many good Mission posts. Here are a few of my highlights from the last several weeks in the Mission Blogosphere:

• MissionaryHelp.com - This is a site I ran across recently. He has recently pointed out several new resources that could benefit the Mission. Two resources deal with the reaching of oral peoples. They include a powerpoint and a book. While we may not adopt all of the approaches suggested, there is definitely some work to be done in this area. He also introduced Google Voice. I do not believe it will replace Skype any time soon, but I do plan to begin utilizing it soon for call management. It shows some promise even for missionaries.

• The Missionary Spirit - Way of Life posted a wonderful charge to Independent Fundamental Baptists concerning their missionary fervor. It is a reprint of a 1997 article in The Fundamentalist Digest. After recapping the happenings among 100 seminary students at the Andover Seminary in the 19th century, the writer asks "Could a group of 100 students be found in any fundamental Baptist seminary in the USA today who have banded themselves together solely for seeking God's will concerning missionary service?" I pray that this exists, but I'm afraid to look.

• This Generation in Mission - Missions Mandate posted some comments made by Southern Baptist Al Mohler concerning the future of missions in the hands of the next generation. They are worthy thoughts to be considered by Independent Baptists as well. What will the Mission look like in our hands? Is there really coming a "tidal wave of participatory missions unlike anything seen by the Christian church since the first century"? I pray so. How can we ensure it?

• What Kind of Pastors Do We Look For? - Desiring God included a great post about qualifications for church leadership. While Independent Fundamental Baptists do not generally look for "the creative type," we do perhaps place a lot of emphasis in areas that God does not.

• Living Simply and Humbly in Ministry - This Lausanne article has some good suggestions for living simply on the field.

• {Missional} Space Valuables- Grady at {missional} space had several good posts over the last few weeks.

Get a Hobby! - Good suggestions for missionaries

Life Beyond the 10/40 Window - Exploring some negative impact of the concept

The Way of the Master? Was it really His way? While I think that The Way of the Master has met a need (concerning the 'sinner's prayer' and repentance), I too believe we ought to be careful about 'methodizing' the approach of Christ to sinners.

• Network for Strategic Missions resources - The Network linked to several good resources and posts.

Is the blood of the martyrs really the seed of the church?

How not to use images well in powerpoints

Using Google Maps for the Mission

• Balance in Missionary Communication - Missionary Confidential cries out for balance in the use of communication technology in the lives of missionaries.

• Justin Long on Swarms - Justin has posted some good clarifying articles on swarms. The swarming concept does have some good potential for the Mission.

For those new to swarming

What swarms are not

Swarms, Teams, and Partnerships