August 15, 2026

The SEND U Blog

Reflections and Resources for Lifelong Learning for Missionaries

Category: Missiology

Valuing Conflict
Character, Confrontation, Insider Movements, Team Formation

Valuing Conflict

I have just finished reading the latest edition of the Missio Nexus Anthology, an issue solely devoted to talking about conflict in the Christian community. It includes a few articles particularly focused on resolving cross-cultural conflict, and a couple of articles about dealing with differences between mission agencies. But the idea that most struck me was that conflict is important, even necessary for our development in our Christian life. Ted Esler, in his closing article in the Anthology, talks about “Loving Conflict.”  Conflict, he says, deepens relationships, is necessary for good decisions and shapes our character.  He concludes, Do you want to have strong relationships, good decisions, and a deeper character? Then learn to embrace and love conflict.… Read the whole post
Ken Guenther1 min read
Meditations on SEND International’s Statement of Faith #1
Missiology, Doctrinal Statement

Meditations on SEND International’s Statement of Faith #1

I have been convicted recently about neglecting our statement of faith. No, I have not changed my belief in it but I just don’t think about it that much. I tend to sign it when required but then file it away and go about my business. So, in the coming months my blog posts will focus on the eight statements of SEND International’s Statement of Faith. The Opening line in our statement reads, “Based on our understanding of Scripture, the members of SEND International hold to the following Statement of Faith.” This is the statement that we hold, but the question that comes to my mind is, ‘Does it hold us?’ I will use a little help from my Puritan friends as I reflect on each statement. Puritan meditation (see my blog post on 4/30/15) engaged the mind, the heart, and action. So, we will ask: 1. How does this… Read the whole post
Gary Ridley1 min read
Missiology, Book Reviews

A Great Resource for Understanding Diaspora Missiology

A review of Diaspora Missiology: Reflections on Reaching the Scattered Peoples of the World, edited by Michael Pocock and Enoch Wan, Pasadena: William Carey Library, 2015 The theme of The Evangelical Missiological Society’s 2014 Annual (and regional) meetings was “Diaspora Missiology.” The Content of the 2015 annual monograph are select papers from the 2014 conference. This book extends the audience of the conference. The book is organized into six parts. Each chapter begins with a helpful abstract.… Read the whole post
Gary Ridley1 min read
New Missionaries

The Least of These

Matthew 25:37–40 (NIV) 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Although many, including Mother Teresa, have understood Jesus’ reference to “brothers” to include all the poor and oppressed in the world, I don’t believe that fits the context or the way that Jesus uses the term “brother” in the Gospel of Matthew.  Instead, I believe that Jesus is referring specifically to those who are his disciples and are suffering deprivation because… Read the whole post
Ken Guenther1 min read
Missiology

EMS Occasional Bulletin on Same God Question

This morning I opened my email inbox to find a Special Edition of the Occasional Bulletin of the Evangelical Missiological Society. The Topic: Wheaton and the Controversy Over Whether Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God” was compelling and realigned my plans for today to read through the 32 pages. After an introductory article by Robert J. Priest, the president of EMS, the bulletin includes 22 short articles that briefly address the question: “What are the missiological implications of affirming, or denying, that Muslims and Christians worship the same God?” I was happy to see in the word from the editor that “While our Occasional Bulletin is normally only available for EMS members, this special issue is open to the public.” So I am free to share with you the link to the bulletin.… Read the whole post
Gary Ridley1 min read
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