Holding the Rope

[DESCRIPTION]

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.

[/DESCRIPTION] [SUBTITLE]Short Term Missions, Long-term Impact[/SUBTITLE][CREDIT] Clint Archer [/CREDIT] [PAGES] 142 [/PAGES] [BINDING] Paperback [/BINDING] [PUBLISHER] William Carey Publishing [/PUBLISHER] [PUBLISHYEAR] 2014 [/PUBLISHYEAR] [TOC]

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

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