American or American’t?
May 29, 2009 – 3:36 pmA critical analysis of western training to the world
I stumbled across this excellent article by Dave Livermore in the EMQ (Evangelical Mission Quarterly), entitled “American or American’t?” It explores the dynamics of American pastors training non-western pastors. He evaluates dozens of training trips by American pastors from two perspectives: the American pastor and the non-Western pastor. Here is one example that Livermore provides of the differing perspectives:
American pastor (teaching): “We have so much. They have so little.”
African pastor (being taught): “You call us backward for having little regard for your music, no palates for your green salads, no IQ’s for your advanced technology, and the list goes on…You underestimate the effectiveness of our local church leaders…You talk about us to your churches back home in such demeaning ways.”
Livermore skillfully explains the danger of imposing western ideals onto non-western churches. In case you are inclined to think by the end that Livermore is opposed to western leaders training non-western leaders he concludes his report by affirming that his
…desire to see theological and leadership training offered to national church leaders globally around the world is not waning. But may we hold our passion to serve with training initiatives in tandem with a strong belief in what God is doing among all his people, everywhere, to move us toward the shared destiny of Revelation 7.9, when more people than we can count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language will stand before the throne in
front of the Lamb!
Read the entire “American or American’t?” article (EMQ Article—Oct. 2004; Vol 40. No. 4. [pp. 458-456]).
Dave Livermore, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Global Learning Center at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where he also teaches Intercultural Studies. His book, Serving with Eyes Wide Open was awarded the 2006 Mission book of the year from Outreach Magazine.
