Good and Faithful

A study of New Zealand Missionaries and their experience of attrition
By Hudson Dean

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The publication of “Staying Missionary” in New Zealand in 1994 was only one manifestation of the concern about missionary attrition in the last decade or so. There have been some major global studies, several conferences and a number of World Evangelical Fellowship Missions Commission books and journal articles now widely available, which have addressed the topic. Some of these included some study of the New Zealand missionary situation, particularly ReMAP II about to be released in NZ shortly by WEF/MC.

These have all served the purpose of bringing the issue of missionary casualties to the surface for New Zealand readers. But the issue of attrition hasn’t gone away. People are still being sidelined in their fulfilment of a mission calling for avoidable reasons. Now a new generation is feeling the pain of leaving overseas service particularly before the expected time.

So “Good and Faithful” - in response to a pressing concern - studies a group of New Zealand missionaries who have been through this experience. Our data. How do New Zealanders fare? How great a problem is it? What can our people tell us about their experiences? How do they compare with the experiences of those from other countries like ours? These are questions this study seeks to explore. And it gathers from participants, their excellent suggestions as to how we can improve the situation for the future.

Highly recommended for all who are concerned about mission. Essential Reading for Mission Leaders and Sending Office personnel , missionary candidates, Missions Pastors, church mission committees and training organisations.

The Author: Hudson Deane served for forty years on the teaching staff of the Bible College of NZ, has led a church mission council, has over forty years’ experience as a Council member in two different NZ mission organisations, has seen mission situations first hand in three continents, has served on an international mission governing board for over 15 years, is author of “Staying Missionary” and above all has a deep concern for those who have suffered attrition.

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