| Author: |
Donovan, K.
Myors, R.
|
| Title: |
Reflections on attrition in career missionaries: A generational perspective into the future. |
|
Too valuable to lose: Exploring the causes and cures of missionary attrition (pp. 41-73). |
| |
http://www.wearesources.org/PublicationDetail.aspx?PublicationGUID=8226f3d2-625c-47ee-94c0-a8e736cf887c |
| Editor: |
W. D. Taylor (Ed.), |
| Pub.
Data: |
Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.
1997 |
| Pub.
Type: |
Chapter
33
pages |
| Summary: |
A chapter detailing the differences between generations of missionaries during the second half of the twentieth century along with suggestions on how to capitalize in the best characteristics of both to carry out the Great Commission. |
| Gems: |
The differences in generations re so significant..that I can't see the younger generations being incorporated with just a few minor adjustments..They need very careful screening and often counseling before departure. They also need continuing pastoral care and encouragement on the field and need to be part of supportive teams..Boosters belong to the era of modernity, busters to postmodernity, and boomers somewhere in between. |
| Outline: |
Implications for mission of the cultural gap between generations
Overview of generational characteristics
1. Boosters: Missionaries of the traditional school
2. Post-boosters: The new breed of missionaries
Baby Boomers
Busters
Points of difficulty between missionary generations
1. Call, commitment, and length of service
2. Attitude to the mission society
3. Leadership issues
4. Approach to conflict situations
5. Need for support and pastoral care
6. Role issues
7. Role of women
8. Devotional life
9. Relationship to the local community
10. Attitude to resignation
Predicted causes of attrition in post-booster missionaries
Job issues
Leadership issues
Support issues
Family issues
Relationship issues
Reasons for early return from the mission field
A proactive mission response to missionary attrition
A paradigm shift in thinking about generational differences
1. Understanding why they're "not like us": Movement from modernity
to postmodernity
2. Seeing post-boosters as the right missionaries for today
3. Moving from collision to synergy
Suggested changes to facilitate the ministry of post-booster missionaries
1. Recruitment
2. Application issues
3. Working with the candidate to identify overseas location
4. Orientation and training
5. Field leadership issues
6. Support issues
7. Job issues
Two initiatives to meet post-booster needs
1. Career development programs
2. Short-term projects
Conclusion
Appendix A: Important considerations for candidate assessment
Appendix B: Total quality management |
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