Tentmaker definition Tentmakers are missionscommitted Christians who work

Tentmaker definition Tentmakers are missions-committed Christians who work in secular jobs in order to reach another people group They communicate the gospel by word and deed through excellence in work, caring relationships, and well chosen comments about God in the context of everyday life. Global Opportunities www. globalopps. org

The Hamilton tentmaker survey shows us that. . . Tentmakers speak, Don Hamilton

1. Led an evangelistic Bible study before going 2. Main reason for going was to share the Gospel 3. Believed God called them to be Tentmakers 4. Had actively shared their faith at home 5. Had strong relationship with home church 6. Recruited others to be Tentmakers speak, Don Hamilton

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• 56+ countries • 3. 9 billion people • 2/3 of the world’s peoples • 82 % of the poorest of the poor • rampant persecution of Christians ~ 200, 000/yr 22 / hr! • 97 % of those who have not heard • less than 3% of the missionaries AD 2000 & Operation World

95% 4. 5% Local church Traditional missions 0. 5% Frontier missions

Students Singles Professionals & laymen Families Couples Retirees

Develop home support Learn the Bible Learn to pray Learn evangelism Learn discipleship “Working your way”, Jonathan Lewis

Strive for excellence Learn to network to be effective in your work Become involved at home Learn to integrate work & ministry “Working your way”, Jonathan Lewis

• A marketable skill, preferably with some years of experience • A good relationship with God and – this is vital – a sustained prayer life. • Good biblical knowledge. • A growing ability to witness for Christ with ministry skills in evangelism, teaching and discipleship. • A concern for people who don’t know Jesus and a sense of calling. • Growing self-acceptance, love for others and a servant heart.

• A biblical perspective on issues relevant to work, ethics and social matters. • An excitement about other cultures, or at least an awareness that we need to understand other cultures. • A flexible and adaptable approach to others who are different. • Respect for other Christian workers with different roles and perceptions of ministry. • An ability to set objectives realistically, while being open to God’s unexpected demands and provision. • Good physical and psychological health. • The ability to cope with culture stress, family stress, isolation and loneliness.

10 pm 6 pm 5 pm Noon Ministry Work 8 am Integra Separation & Work Integration

It’s an easy option It’s only part-time missionary work It’s for people who only want to commit themselves short term It doesn’t require rigorous training Any Christian working overseas is a tentmaker

Tentmaking is only an alternative for those who have been called to the mission field but lack faith in God for economic support Working abroad, Philip Nunn

Tentmakers are deceptive since they are ”missionaries in disguise” Working abroad, Philip Nunn

It promotes individualism and disunity in the body of Christ, since they are able to move abroad without the blessing of their home assemblies Working abroad, Philip Nunn

• Limited religious freedoms • Mobility restrictions • Relatively short stays • Time constraints • Lack of accountability Working abroad, Philip Nunn

• More entry visas available • Greater acceptance by host countries • Building natural bridges with nationals • Being models for national believers • Job satisfaction • Able to help national ”church” with finances Working abroad, Philip Nunn

• Lack of understanding by parents and friends • Golden opportunities for advancement on the present job • Apparent needs in the home church that one could fill • Financial problems Health impairment

• Fear of academic requirements • General lure of the world • Feelings of inadequacy • Doubt of God’s will • Undue concern about children’s welfare and schooling • Misunderstanding of mission board requirements • Rationalized desire to be a homeland promoter sending others to the field

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ” (Joshua 1: 9 NIV) go “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations [Greek for peoples]…. ”(Matthew 28: 19 NIV ) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations [Greek for peoples] , and then the end will come. ” (Matthew 24: 14 NIV) “…I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, language standing before throne…. They were wearing white robes…. ” (Revelation 7: 9 NIV)