organizations that actively provide support and materials to local

churches.
4
Furthermore, some mission organizations are sponsored ex-
clusively by one particular denomination while others are interdenomi-
national, deriving support from a variety of churches, organizations and
individuals. One useful way to group par achuren ministries is relative to
their degree of dependence or independence from the local church as il-
lustrated by Figure l.
5
This section will classify parachurch ministries into seven basic cat-
egories based upon the type of service that is rendered, provide a brief
description of each type, and give a few notable examples. However, it
must be noted that some organizations are difficult to classify because
their programs may fit into more than one category.
6
Missions
There has been an explosion of overseas mission agencies since the
conclusion of World War II. While denominations continue to serve as
sending agencies, the vast majority have developed outside of a denomi-
national framework and are clearly inter-denominational in nature.
These groups range from the large and well established, such as World
Vision, Wycliffe, and TEAM, to the smallest faith missions. This is not
just a North American phenomenon since many non-Western countries
have now become senders of missionaries. The purpose of these agen-
cies maybe evangelism and discipleship, church planting, translation or
relief work. Today more of the emphasis has switched to developing in-
digenous leadership within particular cultures as opposed to strong de-
pendence on missionaries.
Mission organizations on the home front have also increased in
number. Many of these agencies include ministries to the inner-city, res-
cue and relief work, and outreach to prisons.
Evangelism and Discipleship
Parachurch organizations which focus on evangelism and edifica-
tion for those of college age and above are included in this category. Min-
istries such as Campus Crusade for Christ and Inter-Varsity Christian
Felowship have made a major impact on college and university cam-
puses in North America and around the world. The Navigators, which
began its work with military personnel and now works with a variety of
adult groups, are known for their strong discipleship emphasis.
Evangelistic ministries with world-wide impact are among the most
visible parachurch organizations. The most notable among these over
the last half century has been The Billy Graham Evangelistic Associa-
tion. A number of parachurch ministries, focusing on Bible knowledge
and study have also developed such as Bible Studies Fellowship and
Walk Thru The Bible Ministries.
Childhood and Adolescent Ministries
Ministries working with children and teenagers can be divided into
two subcategories, those working primarily under the direct sponsor-
ship of a church and those working independent of the local congrega-
Fall, 1994 47
tion. Organizations such as AWANA, Canadian Sunday School Mission,
Christian Service Brigade and Pioneer Girls provide a program and ma-
terials to be utilized by local lay and church staff leaders. Independent
ministries working in local communities and high schools include inter-
national organizations such as Child Evangelism Fellowship, Youth for
Christ, and Young Life, led by full-time staff and volunteer lay workers.
Most of these ministries require their full-time staff to have at least a col-
lege degree along with other types of specialized training.
7
Camping and Recreation
Since most camping experiences are short-term, camping by its very
nature tends to be a parachurch ministry, used to assist local churches
and Christian organizations.
Camps vary greatly in size and range of programs that are offered.
Some operate as independent ministries on an international scale such as
Word of Life, while others are more localized. Others find sponsorship
through denominations, local churches, or national youth organizations.
Media and Technology
Given the growth in information and technology, parachurch minis-
tries specializing in these areas have experienced significant growth. The
printed word is vital to virtually every ministry that is in operation. De-
nominational and independent publishers produce texts, reference
works, educational materials and popular books. The electronic media
ministries such as radio and television have gained high exposure in
North America and around the world. Most of these are strongly evangel-
ical in theology; some are ministries of a local church while others oper-
ate independently. While Christian films have been produced for many
years, the emphasis has switched toward cost-effective videotapes. The
production of Christian music also continues to increase among
parachurch recording companies. Because churches and individuals
are becoming increasing dependent on computers, organizations spe-
cializing in adapting information systems for ministry purposes has be-
come a recent but also growing development.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Schools at the elementary and secondary levels have multiplied sig-
nificantly across the U.S. and Canada over the past thirty years offering
many families an alternative to public education. Some have begun with
denominational support, others with the backing of a particular congre-
gation, while the largest number have developed as independent or inter-
denominational schools that are designed to serve families from
different church backgrounds.
There are a plethora of Bible colleges and Christian liberal arts col-
leges/universities in North America which seek to integrate evangelical
faith and learning in a wide range of academic disciplines. There are also
many Christian graduate schools and theological seminaries that are
committed to train leaders for vocational ministry. These institutions of
Christian higher education are either independent or sponsored by vari-
48 Fall, 1994
ous denominations.
Special Interests
It may well be that the greatest increase in parachurch organizations
has come as a result of attempts to focus on a particular area of need or
concern within the Christian community. Some of these, such as Focus
on the Family, have a broad appeal to many groups and individuals while
other groups seek to minister to a smaller segment of the Christian com-
munity with a common need or interest. Many agencies have a narrower
focus still, working with believers within a particular secular vocation.
Other specialized groups would include counselling and recovery cen-
tres, and concerned Christian groups that organize for the purpose of
taking a biblical stand on current moral issues.
Tensions Between Church and Parachurch
Ministries
While some religious leaders view the parachurch boom with excite-
ment, others have a more cautious attitude. Some even panic as they
confront what appears to be the dwindling influence of the church in so-
ciety in favour of growing non-church influences. Others hope the
parachurch phenomenon is a fad that will fade with time. But no one can
ignore its potential impact.
As these organizations have grown, the clergy and church lay leader-
ship have suggested that "the tail has begun to wag the dog." With respect
to power issues, influence and money, the parachurch agencies appear
to be running the show. Stephen Board, former contributing editor of
Eternity, described this problem as follows:
Their critics, usually pastors, charge them with imbalance, doctrinal in-
difference, and exploitation of congregations, for money and people. The
major criticism and the one that is the easiest to make stick, is that they
lack accountability to anyone but themselves. Parachurch groups are re-
ligion gone free enterprise.
8
In light of such views, Christian leaders cannot ignore the tension,
hoping that it go will go away. There are critical issues in the conflict or
potential conflict between local churches and parachurch ministries that
must be addressed. Jerry White, who has written the most complete
work on the Subject (The Church and the Parachurch), contended that
there are four major areas of controversy: 1) the legitimacy of
parachurch ministries (Theological Issue), 2) the related concern of con-
flict in spiritual authority for those involved in parachurch ministries
(Loyalty Issue), 3) the competition for scarce spiritual leaders (People Is-
sue), and 4) the contention of both for the same financial resources
(Money Issue).
9
These are key concerns that must be faced. Has God called
parachurch groups into being? If he has, how are they to function in rela-
tionship to the local church? Is it possible for the church and the
parachurch to share resources? How can these two types of ministries
Fall, 1994 49
work together? What are the solutions? Although the debate may never
be totally resolved, we must make an earnest attempt to find a solution
before proliferation makes the gap even wider.
Recommendations for the Parachurch
Organization
Define Your Mission
Parachurch groups must define their ministries in terms of a clear
mission statement. The definition must be understood within the organi-
zations and be communicated publicly to their constituencies. In a 1986
article in Christianity Today, Brian Bird raised the question, "Have high
school and college ministries outlived their purpose?" He stated that
"some have suggested that the parachurch has outgrown its usefulness,
the movement has succeeded to some extent in working itself out of a
job."
10
This may point to a problem that exists with many parachurch
groups: they have not succeeded in clearly defining their mission. In or-
der to remove this ambiguity, parachurch staff must first
understand and agree with the raison d'etre of their respective orga-
nizations. Furthermore, they need to be adept at communicating this
purpose to the leadership of local churches.
Define Your Relationship To Local Churches
Confusion can result when parachurch staff do not understand their
organization's relationship to local churches. This will vary from organi-
zation to organization since some will focus on direct contribution to lo-
cal churches and others, on ministry outside the church. It is wise to
differentiate between the organization's relationship to the local church
and a staff person's individual or family relationship to a church. The
former is a function of the mission; the latter is a practical matter relat-
ing to the welfare of the staff member.
As long as shadows of doubt concerning the legitimate role of
parachurch organizations hang over the heads of parachurch leaders,
little progress will be made toward cooperation. All Christians are part of
the body of Christ and function in specific ministries given by God to ful-
fil. Parachurch groups exist not simply because local churches have
been unable to respond to specific people or needs, however true this
may be in some situations; they exist because they are a legitimate part of
God's plan in this age. These reasons for existence must be articulated in
such a way that their relationship to local churhes is clearly defined.
Insist That Parachurch Staff Members Be Involved In Local
Churches
It is imperative that staff unite with local congregations for the pur-
pose of personal edification and not just because it is expedient from a fi-
nancial or public relations standpoint. Although churches will probably
be supportive of the staff members and their ministries, the selection of a
church home should be based upon individual or family needs rather
50 Fall, 1994
than organizational needs. Believers need local churches to whom they
can be accountable in personal and family areas. Furthermore, the
church that is selected should also be theologically in alignment with the
staff. The placement of church membership is a critical decision and
should be made only after much evaluation and prayer.
The involvement of parachurch staff members should not be limited
to membership of local congregations, but should extend to regular at-
tendance. If those staff members must be absent because of outside min-
istries, they should keep the people informed in order that the church
can support them in prayer. This procedure will also prevent potential
misunderstandings.
In addition to regular attendance in a local church, parachurch staff
must contribute to the welfare of the church. The most obvious way to do
this is through one's financial gifts; however, the giving must not end
there. Contributions should also be made in the areas of time and talent.
Parachurch leaders bring many unique skills to their local churches.
They can share themselves and their abilities without neglecting their
primary ministries. This contribution might include teaching Sunday
School, leading VBS, singing in a music group, or even serving on a
board or committee.
Channel The Fruit Of Your Ministry Into Local Churches
As parachurch staff members minister in their areas of specializa-
tion, they must seek to have a positive influence on the local church.
First, they must avoid criticisms of local congregations. Criticism will
not help. It will usually backfire and add to the tension. Instead, staff
members must encourage those in their parachurch activities, particu-
larly new believers, to become part of a local fellowship. Local church
leaders must be aware that incorporating these new believers may re-
quire the investment of time and patience on their part. Guiding new be-
lievers into a vital relationship with a local church can be extremely
difficult, especially if they come from nonevangelical backgrounds, or if a
church environment is foreign to them.
Maintain Regular Communication With Local Churches
Many parachurch groups are viewed suspiciously because no one
knows what they believe or do not believe. In this type of situation, si-
lence is lethal. Parachurch leadership must establish means of commu-
nication with churches, either through printed materials or personal
contact. The larger the organization, the more critical this becomes.
Methods of personal contact with local churches may include visit-
ing with the pastors, speaking for services and special programs, con-
ducting seminars, holding concerts, or consulting. All of these personal
contacts will not only provide visibility for the organization but will also
communicate concern for and commitment to the church.
Do Not Try To Be AU Things To All People
It will be impossible for parachurch groups to please all local
churches. Most organizations will have distinctives, be they in theology
Fall, 1994 51
or in methodology, t hat will draw them to certain types of
churches. These distinctives must not be compromi sed to ap-
pease one part i cul ar congregation. Some i rri t at i ons can be re-
moved, but mission and calling must supersede public relations.
Recommendations for the Local Church
Recognize The Parachurch Ministry As A Legitmate
Extension of the Local Church
As long as doubt continues concerning the legitimacy of parachurch
staff and their ministries, little progress can be made toward coopera-
tion. Believers from churches and parachurch organizations are part of
the body of Christ and function as members in the place of God's choos-
ing. Furthermore, most parachurch leaders and constituency are part of
local congregations. Draw them in and encourage them in their minis-
tries rather than attempting to make them feel guilty if they are not
heavily involved in the many programs of the local church. Rejoice with
them as an extension of the local body through their ministries. Give
them the privileges of edification and participation in the congregation.
Both the church and the parachurch organization will benefit.
While most of the members of a congregation will involved them-
selves in a ministry within the church, a few may participate with a
parachurch group. The true ministry of a local church cannot be
charted, counted, or controlled. When parachurch leaders sense this co-
operative spirit, they will draw even closer to a local congregation. The
reverse is also true. With disapproval comes separation.
Utilize Parachurch Organizations In Their Areas Of
Specialization
Instead of fighting against parachurch organizations, one should
use them to enhance the ministry of the local church. These organiza-
tions have special services that they desire to share. The range of special-
ization is diverse: evangelism, discipleship, counselling, missions,
theological education, children's work, youth ministry, ministry to for-
eign students, and women's ministry. Take advantage of their training
and motivation by putting them to work in the church. Invite them to put
on a seminar, direct a choir, train lay leaders, teach a Bible class, or
speak in a service. Use them to provide training in areas where the local
church needs strengthening.
Do Not Expect Parachurch Staff Members To Be Full-Time
Employees Of The Church
Although most parachurch staff members are committed to the min-
istry of the local church, they are involved in full-time responsibilities
with their particular organizations. As such, they probably will not be
able to contribute much more then the mature layman. Therefore, they
must not be overloaded with local church responsibilities. Certainly they
can and should become a vital part of a local body, but they are not
full-time staff members of the church. Because they are trained and
52 Fall, 1994
skilled, it is very easy to expect too much of them. Try to keep expecta-
tions realistic.
Avoid A Competitive Spirit
Church leaders may be threatened by parachurch organizations for
fear they will recruit staff from their local congregations. It would be na-
ive to think this would not happen on some occasions since parachurch
staff members will no doubt influence other people. But this is also true
with the salesman, the banker, and the car dealer who attend the church.
People cannot avoid who they are or what they do. Therefore,
parachurch workers may influence some toward involvement in their
ministries. Is that really so unfortunate? Isn't a church to equip the
saints to do the work of the ministry? Is ministry confined to the local
church or does it not extend beyond it? Church leaders certainly would
not want a person to be involved in a parachurch ministry at the expense
of the local congregation. But it should be possible for a person to do
both. Should we rejoice only in what is happening within the local
church? Should we not also rejoice with others in the body of Christ who
are involved in ministry?
Encourage Greater Financial Support To
Parachurch Ministries
Local churches like to have accountability from parachurch groups.
Missionaries and parachurch staff members feel a deep sense of respon-
sibility to local churches that support them financially. One critical way
of fostering this sense of responsibility and accountability is for local
churches to support parachurch ministries financially. Jerry
White pointed out that churches presently supply less them ten per-
cent of the income for most parachurch organizations. The majority of
the funding comes from individual and business contributions.
11
Stephen Board suggested that "churches can support a larger por-
tion of a parachurch staff member and thereby ask for more accountabil-
ity. They can, in effect, buy the controlling stock rather than one share in
a person's support."
12
This financial investment would consequently
produce more reporting and accountability. However, such support can-
not be contingent on a parachurch staff member's involvement in the
supporting church. Since a staff member can only be actively involved at
one church, he or she may have to be viewed as a missionary.
Examine Parachurch Groups To Determine If They Are
Worthy Of Support
Blanket approval of all parachurch groups by a local church is not a
responsible position. Support of one group does not create an obligation
to all. Each group, like each local church, has its distinctives. Local
churches should be prudent in their associations. Each parachurch or-
ganization must be evaluated on its own individual merit.
Conclusion
Fall, 1994 53
Unlike the secular world, Christians should not resort to fighting
and rivalry when it comes to Christian service. Instead, we need to work
toward a reciprocity, a healthy give-and-take between church and
parachurch ministries. "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" may be
very solid counsel. There is so much to be done in the Lord's work
that inner conflict will serve only to diminish effectiveness. Evangeli-
cal churches and parachurch groups need to work together and encour-
age one another to accomplish much for God's glory. Gordon McDonald,
pastor and former President of Inter-Varsity, perhaps stated it most op-
timistically, "There is so much to be excited about with many parachurch
organizations and local churches joining together as partners rather
than in competition."
13
Notes
1. Ron Wilson, "Parachurch' Becoming Part of the Body," Christianity Today
(19 Sept. 1980), 18.
2. Jerry White, The Church and the Parachurch: An Uneasy Marriage (Port-
land, OR: Multnomah Press, 1983), 19. Defines the parachurch organization
as "any spiritual ministry whose organization is not under the control or au-
thority of a local congregation."
3. J. Alan Youngren, "Parachurch Proliferation: The Frontier Spirit Caught in
Traffic," Christianity Today (6 Nov. 1981), 38.
4. Ibid.
5. White, 65.
6. Richard J. Leyda, "Parachurch Ministries," in Michael J. Anthony, ed., Foun-
dations of Ministry: An Introduction to Christian Education/or a New Gen-
eration (Wheaton, IL.: BridgePoint, 1992), 310-329. Leyda provides a more
detailed description relative to these seven categories of parachurch organiza-
tions.
7. Warren S. Benson, "Parachurch Vocations in Christian Education" in Werner
C. Graendorf, ed., Introduction to Biblical Christian Education (Chicago, IL. :
Moody Press, 1981), 352-353.
8. StephenBoard, "The Great Evangelical Powershift," Eternity (Nov. 1980), 17.
9. White, 30 32.
10. Brian Bird, "Have High School and College Ministries Outlived Their Pur-
pose?" Christianity Today (7 March 1986), 44.
11. White, 119.
12. Board, 21.
13. Gordon MacDonald, "Taking Potshots at the Pastor," Christianity Today
(17 July 1981), 55.
54 Fall, 1994
Bibliography
Anthony, Michael J., ed., Foundations of Ministry: An Introduction to Christian
Education for a New Generation. Wheaton, IL.: Bridge Point, 1992.
Graendorf, Werner C, ed., Introduction to Biblical Christian Education. Chicago,
IL.: Moody Press, 1981.
White, Jerry, The Church and the Parachurch: An Uneasy Marriage. Portland,
OR.: Multnomah Press, 1983.
Fall, 1994
55
56 Fall, 1994
Book Reviews
Daniel L. Migliore, ed. The Lord's Prayer: Perspectives for
Reclaiming Christian Prayer. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1993. 149pp.
Reviewed by David H. Johnson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of New Tes-
tament Studies, Providence Theological Seminary.
F
ew passages of Scripture have inspired more reflective literature
than the Lord's Prayer. The Reformers like Luther, Calvin,
Bullinger, and others before them, such as Aquinas and Augustine,
devoted large portions of their explanations of the Christian life to expo-
sitions of the Lord's prayer. As the subtitle to this short volume asserts,
this book is an attempt to reclaim some of that heritage of the Church
which has gone by the wayside of self-reflection and self-deification. Un-
fortunately, some of the nine authors do not seem to have the same faith
as Luther, Calvin, Bullinger, Augustine and Aquinas. They do not get
much beyond the self-reflection and self-deification that has deflected
the Church from honest prayer, that is, speaking with God, the Creator
and Sustainer of the universe. They have not moved past the idea that
"prayer does not change things; prayer changes people, people change
things."
Nevertheless, for the discerning reader of faith there are gems to be
found in this slight volume. I was particularly encouraged by Elsie Anne
McKee's chapter on "John Calvin's Teaching on the Lord's Prayer." The
chapters on biblical backgrounds and "Jewish Prayers in the Time of Je-
sus" by Samuel Balentine, James Charlesworth and Donald Juel were
helpful as expository tools. And the selected bibliography by Steven
Bechtler will prove quite useful for those who would like to devote a ser-
mon series to the Lord's Prayer.
James F. Kay. Christus Praesens: A Reconsideration of
Rudolf Bultmann
9
s Christology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1994. 187pp.
Reviewed by David H. Johnson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of New Tes-
tament Studies, Providence Theological Seminary.
How is Jesus Christ present in the Church today? Rudolf Bultmann
answered that question in response to the liberalism in which he was
schooled. Liberalism said that Christ was present in terms of the histori-
cal Jesus, the force of his personality. Bultmann tried to show that the
quest for the historical Jesus was impossible and unnecessary. Those of
Fall, 1994 57
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