Denominational Mission Agencies

The advantages and the disadvantages

That image is a honey scale, which we found in the attic of my grandfather’s farmhouse. It goes back a generation further than him and has always reminded me of both my heritage and the need to weigh the pros and cons of things.

I am coming off a two-day event with a group of denominational mission agency leaders. Missio Nexus runs this event every year and I find it to be one of the best smaller events I get to attend. This tends to be a “no agenda” meeting format, with questions and topics proposed by the attendees right before and during the meeting. I simply facilitate the discussion. One of the things we talked about this year as the initial conversation starter was a list of advantages and disadvantages of being a missions agency connected to a denomination, versus a non-denominational agency. I have taken notes on this topic for a few years, and condensed this list down to a set of pros and cons, which I am sharing with you in this post.

Advantages of a Denominational Missions Agency

Built-in Theological Alignment and Accountability

Missionaries are already vetted and aligned with the denomination’s doctrinal statement. This reduces the risk of theological drift on the field and provides clear ecclesiastical oversight.

Larger More Stable Funding Base

Usually supported by a broad base of churches through cooperative giving. Denominational loyalty has ensured funding for some agencies that has lasted many decades.

Infrastructure and Logistics Support

“Borrowing” administration and other services from the larger denomination can lead to economies of scale and save the agency from developing its own solutions to these issues.

National Partners

Established relationships with national governments and local churches in many countries.

Long-term Strategy and Institutional Memory

Decades of experience in particular countries or people groups. Ability to make longer window strategic plans because the agency isn’t dependent on one charismatic leader or donor.

Strong Sending-Church Pipeline

Local churches already trust the agency and know exactly what they’re supporting. Easier candidate recruitment from within the denomination’s colleges, seminaries, and youth groups.

Ecclesiastical Covering and Ordination/Licensing

Many denominations require (or strongly prefer) their missionaries to be ordained or licensed by the denomination, which a denominational agency can easily facilitate.

Disadvantages of a Denominational Agency

Slower Decision-Making and More Bureaucracy

Changes in strategy, new fields, or emergency funds often require approval from boards, committees, or annual convention votes.

Insularity

When everybody has the same background, outside ideas are not seen, rejected, or found incompatible with the status quo.

Less Flexibility in Theology and Ministry Methods

Denomination’s doctrinal statements and approved practices are often more highly monitored than in a non-denominational environment. The result can be that domestic influences are interjected into cross-cultural ministry dynamics.

Tighter Financial Control and Lower On-Field Freedom

Many denominational agencies budgets are subject to the broader denominational budget. The funds can be redesignated for purposes other than missionary work.

Risk of Denominational Politics Intruding on Mission Objectives

If your denomination faces splits, scandals, or budget cuts, your financial support can drop overnight, your strategy can be subject to broader political issues, and domestic priorities can crowd out cross-cultural priorities.

Limited Partnership Options

There may be restrictions regarding churches/movements outside your denomination, shrinking your potential donor base, field partnership base, and similar limitations.

Demographic Capture

Often, denominational growth patterns result in demographic bubbles. Denominations often suffer from a lot of a particular generation, and fewer of others. The result is that the mission agency can be subject to these ups and downs for recruiting, theological leanings, etc.

There is a lot of talk about the growth of the non-denominational churches in the US. Much of this is fueled by megachurch and multisite growth. Don’t count out the denominations. The meeting I was just in was a group of dynamic leaders, and the “staying power” of denominations gives stability to mission agencies. I would also note the resurgence of the larger denominational agencies. Both the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Assemblies of God World Mission are having growth spurts right now.