Missionaries Facing Conflict and Violence: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Through narrative of personal experiences, the author explores the challenges of missionaries facing situations of violence and conflict, depicted as the paradox of “being faithful and being human.” A theology of reconciliation based on the perspectives of pastors and lay leaders working in war-torn Nicaragua suggests that the body of Christ is called to move toward and to reconcile the hostility and brokenness, a calling filled with sacrifice. The article concludes with the suggestion that the central issue is not the individual response of what to do when threat comes, but rather the community and missiological choice to place ourselves, and through us the church, in a proactive stance in favor of reconciliation, thereby carrying us toward situations of conflict and violence.