Introduction to Missiology

Ch. 31 – Strategies for Humanitarian Ministries

By

John Cheyne

The Place of Humanitarian Ministry

Humanitarian ministry is not just a means to an end. Rather, it is an expression of a fundamental aspect of God’s character – His love and compassion for His creatures

Mt 11:6-8; Mk 6:7-11; Lk.7:11-23

Overview

We will look at three aspects of this ministry:

1. Principles for involvement

2. Philosophy of ministry

3. Planning for effective involvement

Principles for Effective Ministry

1. Incarnational – modeled by the missionary in their everyday life• Problem – paternalism

2. Inclusive – done in a way that includes as many of the target group as possible

3.Holistic – addressing all of1.physical needs2.underlying causes3.spiritual dynamics

that have abetted the emergence of these needs

Philosophy for Effective Ministry

1.Relief – providing resources to help people endure a time of crisis

2.Development – investing resources in the creation of self-sustaining processes that address the underlying causes of human hurt

3.Transformation – creating an integrated system of self-sustaining responses that addresses both the spiritual and physical needs of the target audience

Ministry Pyramid

Transformation

Development

Relief

Planning for Effective Ministry

1.Same basic processes as for cross-cultural church planting

2.Focus is different – meeting real human need in a way that is self-sustaining as well as redemptive.

Use a Planning Process

1.Research – target group, culture

2.Analyze – underlying issues

3.Set Objectives

4.Create action plans

5.Monitor activity and Measure results