SEAMIST embraces the following Six
Absolutes which are foundational to our working
together. Every allowance is made to accommodate individuals with different gifts
and ideas, but we in SEAMIST are in unity because we agree on these six things and the reasoning
behind them.1. We focus
on the ten countries of South East Asia.
The world is a big place full of people, more than 5.5 billion of
them! No person or organization short of the whole Church of Jesus Christ can reach
them all. We humbly accept that we are just a small part of the whole. SEAMIST
leadership has long been convinced that South East Asia is the part of the world God is
sending us to. With over 500 million people and at least 500 unreached people
groups, South East Asia is enough, already!
Without criticizing those ministries that don't seem to know
their place in the body of Christ but try to be everything for everyone, we know who we
are and what we are called to do. SEAMIST gladly blesses what God is doing with all
kinds of other ministries throughout the world, but we keep our energy and resources
focused on South East Asia. By doing this we expect, by His power and in His time,
to actually plant reproducing churches that out live us and go on to fulfill the great
commission themselves.
2. We focus
on the least-reached people groups.
Keith Green has been quoted as saying that, "It is just not
fair that anyone on this earth should hear the gospel twice until everyone has heard it
once." SEAMIST is not afraid to go where no one has gone before or to work
where no one has yet been successful. It may not be easy, but we know it pleases God
when we obey his command to reach to the uttermost parts.
In the early 1980's it was popular to point out that 6% of the
people (mostly in the US and Europe) were receiving 95% of the churches
resources. The statistic hasn't changed very much, although the 10-40 Window and AD
2000 programs have helped. God willing, SEAMIST will do its part and spend our
energy and resources in an area where the needs are among the greatest on earth.
3. We work in teams.
Jesus sent them out two by two. Why? Could it be that
the work was hard, the fields unfriendly, and the temptations too big for one man?
Teams often survive and thrive in the most difficult circumstances. Teamwork brings
relational stresses that produce unity and spiritual growth in all the members.
Unity brings not only His Presence but His Power.
No one has all the gifts, all the ideas, or all the
answers. While we believe every team will have just one leader, we recognize that
"one hand can't clap"! A powerful team develops when each person's gifts
and callings are maximized to accomplish the team's vision. When each member owns the
team's vision and does his or her part, the job will get done and all will be satisfied
and successful. The team will accomplish what was impossible for anyone to
accomplish alone.
4. We plant churches.
Far too often, ministries adopt a "McDonald's
Mentality" and hang out their signs that say "thousands saved". Okay,
but how many were discipled and churched? How many were trained to lead? How
many ministries were developed and are at work today? There is only one scriptural
plan for continuing discipleship and leadership development, and that is the local
church. When it is firmly planted and thriving locally, the missionary can go
home. Until then, the job is just not done.
SEAMIST teams plan from day one to complete the job and to leave
behind a local church or churches that are self supporting, self governing, and self
propagating. The form that church may take will vary from culture to culture, but it
will always be complete in these three aspects.
5. We embrace mutual accountability.
Sadly, it is often true that no one really knows what a missionary is doing day in
and day out, especially when his main methodology is "friendship
evangelism". How do you measure that? However, you can be sure his wife
knows how hard he works... SEAMIST teams are accountable. Teams working together invariably have confrontations that bring out both
the best and the worst in the members. Mutual submission isn't easy, but it is
scriptural and provides accountability.
SEAMIST teams work together under a "covenant" that
clearly states the vision and goals of the team, as well as describing the roles of
different kinds of members. Everyone knows what is expected, and answer to each
other for their part. Monthly reports provide a vehicle to evaluate performance and
adjust expectations.
It is never easy to write down God's will, state numerical goals
that can be measured, or to declare before our peers what we believe God is
going to do in us or
through us. As much as we all dread criticism, confrontation, and evaluation, all
these things can help us to be even more mature in Christ. The wise man listens in the same way he eats
fish... eating the meat and spitting out the bones.
6. We continually
improve.
In the wilderness, the Israelites soon learned that you had to
keep moving. The shade of the cloud and the warmth of the pillar of fire didn't stay
in one place very long. God is doing something new in our world every day. The
wise ones among us keep themselves tuned to what He is doing and keep moving in step with
Him. The rest eventually get left behind!
SEAMIST missionaries are eager to learn and get more training if
it will help them to do their work more effectively. They believe in books,
seminars, courses, and coaching. They look for opportunities to discuss,
contemplate, and question. They especially keep themselves informed and stay in
touch with each other and with other missionaries of other organizations so that their
perspectives get broader. They utilize every opportunity to
"cross-pollinate" with others that relate to the work we do, and to share their
own experiences and knowledge with others.
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