Tentmakers are missions-committed Christians who work in secular jobs in order to reach another people group They communicate the gospel by word and deed through excellence in work, caring relationships, and well chosen comments about God in the context of everyday life. Global Opportunities Tentmaker definition

The Hamilton tentmaker survey shows us that... Tentmakers speak, Don Hamilton

Main reason for going was to share the Gospel 2. Main reason for going was to share the Gospel 1. Led an evangelistic Bible study before going Believed God called them to be Tentmakers 3. Believed God called them to be Tentmakers 4. Had actively shared their faith at home 5. Had strong relationship with home church 6. Recruited others to be Tentmakers Tentmakers speak, Don Hamilton

56+ countries 56+ countries 2/3 of the world’s peoples 2/3 of the world’s peoples 97 % of those who have not heard 97 % of those who have not heard 82 % of the poorest of the poor 82 % of the poorest of the poor less than 3% of the missionaries less than 3% of the missionaries AD 2000 & Operation World 3.9 billion people 3.9 billion people rampant persecution of Christians ~ 200,000/yr rampant persecution of Christians ~ 200,000/yr 22 / hr!

Local church Traditional missions Frontier missions 95% 4.5%0.5%

Students Students Professionals & laymen FamiliesFamilies SinglesSingles RetireesRetirees CouplesCouples

Develop home support Learn the Bible Learn to pray Learn evangelism Learn discipleship “Working your way”, Jonathan Lewis

Strive for excellence Learn to integrate work & ministry Become involved at home Learn to network to be effective in your work “Working your way”, Jonathan Lewis

A marketable skill, preferably with some years of experience A good relationship with God and – this is vital – a sustained prayer life. Good biblical knowledge. A growing ability to witness for Christ with ministry skills in evangelism, teaching and discipleship. A concern for people who don’t know Jesus and a sense of calling. Growing self-acceptance, love for others and a servant heart.

A biblical perspective on issues relevant to work, ethics and social matters. An excitement about other cultures, or at least an awareness that we need to understand other cultures. A flexible and adaptable approach to others who are different. Respect for other Christian workers with different roles and perceptions of ministry. An ability to set objectives realistically, while being open to God’s unexpected demands and provision. Good physical and psychological health. The ability to cope with culture stress, family stress, isolation and loneliness.

10 pm 6 pm 5 pm Noon 8 am Ministry Work Ministry & Work SeparationIntegration Integra

It’s an easy option It’s for people who only want to commit themselves short term It’s only part-time missionary work Any Christian working overseas is a tentmaker It doesn’t require rigorous training

Tentmaking is only an alternative for those who have been called to the mission field but lack faith in God for economic support Working abroad, Philip Nunn

Tentmakers are deceptive since they are ”missionaries in disguise”

It promotes individualism and disunity in the body of Christ, since they are able to move abroad without the blessing of their home assemblies Working abroad, Philip Nunn

Limited religious freedoms Relatively short stays Mobility restrictions Time constraints Working abroad, Philip Nunn Lack of accountability

More entry visas available More entry visas available Building natural bridges with nationals Building natural bridges with nationals Greater acceptance by host countries Greater acceptance by host countries Being models for national believers Being models for national believers Able to help national ”church” with finances Able to help national ”church” with finances Job satisfaction Job satisfaction Working abroad, Philip Nunn

Lack of understanding by parents and friends Golden opportunities for advancement on the present job Apparent needs in the home church that one could fill Financial problems Health impairment

Fear of academic requirements General lure of the world Feelings of inadequacy Doubt of God’s will Undue concern about children’s welfare and schooling Misunderstanding of mission board requirements Rationalized desire to be a homeland promoter sending others to the field

from every nation, tribe, people and language “…I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne…. They were wearing white robes….” (Revelation 7:9 NIV ) God will be with youwherever you go “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV ) go and make disciples “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations [Greek for peoples]….”(Matthew 28:19 NIV ) will be the whole worldto all nations “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations [Greek for peoples], and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14 NIV )