Dependency versus sustainability in missions in the Russian and African contexts

Abstract

All too often in missions’ history the unfortunate pattern has been to establish dependent, rather than independent, seminaries and churches that have had to struggle mightily to arrive at a point of self-sufficiency. Given this tendency, how can missionaries best foster indigenous churches, schools, and ministries that will become self-sustaining? Best practices in overcoming dependency include instruction in stewardship, bi-vocational ministry, and micro-enterprise development. Russian and African case studies of dependency and steps toward self-sustaining church life are examined. The article concludes with the details of a demonstration greenhouse project at six sites in Russia and Ukraine.