Holding the Rope
Clint Archer serves as the pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in South Africa and holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from The Master's Seminary. He is passionate about missions and has ministered in countries as far-flung as Bhuran, Botswana, Egypt, Russia, Japan, India, France, Spain, and Northern Ireland. He worked as the director of STM at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, training and sending 120 travelers to twenty countries annually, and he has hosted teams from England and USA while serving in Africa. While not preaching or writing, Clint likes to date his wife, wrestle with four kids, and explore Africa on his motorcycle.
Holding the Rope gives an insightful look into the preparation, philosophy, and application of short term cross-cultural ministry. Archer addresses the issues with candor, humor, and most importantly, grace. He provides viable solutions to common problems, and encourages churches, pastors, and volunteers to adopt a biblical and practical approach for engaging in short term missions.
“Holding the rope” is more than a catchphrase. It articulates an entire philosophy of ministry. Christian missions is too daunting an enterprise to attempt alone, but the synergy of combined efforts can accomplish untold advancement for the kingdom of God. This book is a tool for those serving the servants, a guide and celebration of those who hold the ropes.
Foreword
Introduction: A Legacy of Holding the Rope
Chapter 1- Short-Term Trip, Long-Term Damage
Kalahari Conundrums
More Harm Than Good?
The Ghost of STM Past
Interview with a Vampire
Chapter 2- EST. AD 33: The Brilliance of the Biblical Pattern
Big Bang: The Birth of the Universal Church
One Small Step for Man
Save Our Soul(s)
Medical Missions
Unreached People
Local Believers
Return to Sender
Repeat the Sounding Joy
Quality Time
Support Letters are Biblical
Gospel to Go
Chapter 3- Ready, Aim, Fire, and Preferably in that Order: The Purpose of STM
Taking Aim
The STMers
The Sending Church
The Local Unbelievers
The Receiving Church
Chapter 4- Stranger in a Strange Land: The Missionary is the Mission
A Unique Breed
A Unique Need
Neither Here nor There
Handle with Care
Interrogate Your Missionary
Arrange an Orientation Session
Be a Mule
Make Some Noise
Stay in Touch
Chapter 5- Field of Dreams: Selecting a Destination
Teaching Trips
Evangelism Trips
Service Trips
Chapter 6- The Dream Team: Selecting Travelers
Cream of the Crop vs. Bottom of the Barrel
O Captain My Captain: The Team Leader
Lock Down Team Profile and Trip Dates
The Informational Meeting
The Application Form
Pretrip Bonding
Chapter 7- The Bottom Line: Is It Worth the Money?
Where You Put Your Money Says a Lot to Believers
Where You Put Your Money Says a Lot to Unbelievers
Churches That Support Mission Reluctantly
Churches that Love Long-Term Missionaries, but not STM trips
Churches that Are Too Eager to Fly
Buying a Share in the Company
Chapter 8- That Makes Cents: How to Raise Funds for STM Trips
Step One: Set a Goal Amount
Step Two: Write a Support Letter
Step Three: Choose Your Support Base
Step Four: Monitor Support Level until a Critical Mass Is Reached
Step Five: Buy Tickets or Make Further Appeals and Cut Ballast
Step Six: Buy Tickets or Abort Mission
Step Seven: Hold Fundraisers as a Team to Make Up Any Shortfall
Spending In-Country
Chapter 9- Round-Trip: Travel and Culture Shock
Spiritual Carbo-loading
The Hazards of Time Travel
Speeka da Engleesh
Cross Your Heart: Don’t Make Promises
Bearing Gifts, We Travel So Far
Flirt on the Flight Back
Alien Encounters: Representing Your Country
Food for Thought
The Price You Pay: Bribery
Book of Life
Lost and Found
Love Languages
Chapter 10- Homeward Bound: Re-entry and Follow-through
The Debrief
Rough Landing
Guilt Trip
Communicating Your Experience
Travel Puffs Up
Expert Syndrome
Follow-through
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Author
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Clint Archer
Clint Archer
Clint Archer serves as the pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in South Africa and holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from The Master's Seminary. He is passionate about missions and has ministered in countries as far-flung as Bhuran, Botswana, Egypt, Russia, Japan, India, France, Spain, and Northern Ireland. He worked as the director of STM at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, training and sending 120 travelers to twenty countries annually, and he has hosted teams from England and USA while serving in Africa. While not preaching or writing, Clint likes to date his wife, wrestle with four kids, and explore Africa on his motorcycle.
- Pages: 142
- Publisher:
William Carey Publishing
William Carey Publishing
- Binding: Paperback
- Publish Year: 2014
- Vendor: William Carey Library
