Spiritual disciplines missionaries use to stay spiritually healthy : a study of North American Baptist Conference missionaries / by Alan W. Steier. [print]

Abstract.

CD-R, PDF file.

Thesis Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions 2014.

Includes bibliographical references.

This dissertation sought to identify the spiritual disciplines used by missionaries to stay spiritually healthy as they face the challenge of living in another culture. By encouraging missionaries to remain spiritually healthy, they will be better equipped to handle the difficulties of living and working in a cross-cultural setting. The results of this research identified certain spiritual disciplines which missionaries use to remain spiritually healthy prayer, engaging Scripture, worship, fellowship, and service. Other disciplines were practiced to a lesser extent. Workload, busyness, one's environment, and cross-cultural living impacted the effective practice of those disciplines. Finally, most missionaries believe their leadership is interested in their spiritual health, yet there could be more creatively utilized in demonstrating that interest and providing assistance. Recommendations shared in this research suggest was sending churches, potential missionaries, current missionaries, and mission leaders can develop a broader ethos of spiritual health. Helping them prioritize their spiritual lives in the overall context of ministry will assist them in staying spiritually healthy and ultimately effective for the spread of the gospel and the glory of God.

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