7 Categories of Parachurch Ministries

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organizations that actively provide support and materials to localchurches.

4Furthermore,some mission organizations are sponsored ex

clusivelyby one particulardenominationwhile others are interdenomi

national,deriving support from a variety ofchurches,organizations andindividuals. One useful way togroupparachurenministries is relative totheirdegree ofdependenceorindependencefrom the local church as il

lustrated by Figure l.5

This sectionwillclassifyparachurchministries into seven basic categories based upon the type ofservicethat is rendered, provide a briefdescriptionof each type, andgive a few notable examples. However, imustbe noted that some organizations are difficult toclassify because

theirprograms may fit into more than one category.6

Missions

Therehas been an explosion of overseas mission agencies since theconclusion of World War II.While denominations continue toserve asending agencies, thevastmajority have developed outside ofadenominational framework and are clearly interdenominational in natureThese groups range from thelargeandwell established, such as World

Vision,Wycliffe, and TEAM, to the smallest faith missions. This is no

justaNorthAmericanphenomenonsince many nonWestern countriehave now become senders of missionaries. The purpose of these agen-cies maybe evangelism and discipleship,churchplanting,translation or

relief work. Today more oftheemphasis has switched to developing indigenous leadership within particular cultures as opposed to strong dependence on missionaries.

Mission organizations on the home front have also increased innumber.Many of these agencies include ministries to theinnercity,rescueand relief work, and outreach to prisons.

Evangelismand Discipleship

Parachurch organizations which focus on evangelism and edificationfor those of college age and above are included in this category. Min

istries such as Campus Crusade for Christ and InterVarsity ChristianFelowship have made a major impact on college and university cam-

puses in NorthAmerica and around the world. The Navigators, whichbegan its work with military personnel and nowworkswith a variety ofadult groups, are known for their strong discipleship emphasis.

Evangelistic ministries with worldwide impact are amongthemosvisible parachurch organizations The most notable among these over


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tion.Organizations such asAWANA,Canadian Sunday School Mission,ChristianService Brigade and Pioneer Girls provide a program and ma-

terials to be utilized by local lay and churchstaff leaders. Independent

ministries working in local communities and high schools include inter-national organizations such as Child Evangelism Fellowship, Youth for

Christ,andYoungLife, led by fulltime staff and volunteer lay workers.Most of these ministries require their fulltime staff tohave at least a col-lege degree along with other types of specialized training.

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Campingand Recreation

Since most camping experiences areshortterm,camping by itsverynaturetends to be a parachurch ministry, used toassistlocal churchesand

Christian organizations.Campsvary greatly in size and range of programs that are offered.Some operate asindependentministries on aninternationalscale such as

Word of Life, while others are more localized. Others find sponsorship

throughdenominations,localchurches,ornationalyouth organizations.

Mediaand Technology

Given the growth in information and technology, parachurch minis-

tries specializing inthese areas have experienced significant growth. The

printedword is vital to virtually everyministry that is in operation. De-nominational and independent publishers produce texts, reference

works, educational materials and popular books. The electronic media

ministries such as radio and television have gained high exposure in

NorthAmerica and aroundtheworld. Most of these are strongly evangel-

ical in theology; some are ministries ofalocal church while others oper-

ate independently.WhileChristianfilms have been produced for manyyears, the emphasis has switched toward costeffective videotapes. The

production of Christian music also continues to increase among

parachurch recording companies. Because churches and individualsare becoming increasing dependent on computers, organizations spe-

cializing in adapting information systems for ministry purposes has be-

comea recent but alsogrowingdevelopment.

Schools and EducationalInstitutions

Schools at the elementary and secondarylevelshave multipliedsig-nificantly across theU.S.and Canada over the past thirty years offering

manyfamilies an alternative to public education. Some have begun with

denominationalsupport, others with the backing ofaparticular congre-gation, while thelargestnumberhave developed asindependentor inter-d i i l h l h d i d f ili f


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ous denominations.

Special Interests

Itmaywellbe that the greatest increase in parachurch organizations

has come as a result of attempts to focus on a particular area of need orconcernwithin the Christian community. Some ofthese, such as Focus

onthe Family, have a broad appeal to many groups and individuals while

othergroups seek to minister to a smaller segment oftheChristian com-

munity with a common need or interest. Many agencies have a narrower

focus still, working with believers within a particular secular vocationOther specialized groups would include counselling and recovery cen-

tres, and concerned Christian groups that organize for the purpose of

taking a biblical stand on current moral issues.

TensionsBetweenChurchand ParachurchMinistries

Whilesome religious leadersviewthe parachurch boom with excite-ment, others have a more cautious attitude. Some even panic as they

confront what appears to be the dwindling influence ofthechurch in so-

ciety in favour of growing nonchurch influences. Others hope the

parachurchphenomenon is a fad thatwillfade withtime.But no one canignore its potential impact.

As these organizations have grown, theclergyand church lay leader-ship havesuggestedthat"thetail has begun towag thedog." With respecttopower issues, influence and money, the parachurch agencies appearto be running the show. Stephen Board, former contributing editor of

Eternity, described this problem as follows:

Theircritics,usually pastors, chargethemwithimbalance,doctrinalin-

difference,andexploitation of congregations, for moneyandpeople.Themajor criticism andthe onethatistheeasiesttomake stick, isthattheylack accountabilitytoanyone but themselves.Parachurchgroups arere-ligion gone free enterprise.

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In light of suchviews, Christian leaders cannot ignore the tensionhoping that it gowillgoaway.There are critical issues in the conflict orpotential conflict between local churches and parachurch ministries that

must be addressed. Jerry White, who has written the most complete

work on the Subject (TheChurch and the Parachurch), contended that

there are four major areas of controversy: 1) the legitimacy ofparachurch ministries (Theological Issue), 2) the related concern of con-


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work together? What are the solutions? Although the debate may never

be totally resolved, we must make an earnest attempt to find a solution

before proliferation makes the gap even wider.

Recommendations for the ParachurchOrganization

DefineYourMission

Parachurchgroups must define their ministries in terms of a clear

mission statement.The definition must be understood withintheorgani-

zations and be communicated publicly totheir constituencies. In a 1986

article inChristianity Today, Brian Bird raised the question, "Have high

school and college ministries outlived their purpose?" He stated that"some have suggestedthat the parachurch has outgrown its usefulness,themovement has succeeded to some extent in working itself out of a

job."10

This may point to a problem thatexistswith many parachurchgroups: they have not succeeded in clearly defining their mission. In or-

der to remove this ambiguity, parachurchstaff must firstunderstandand agree with the raison d'etre oftheir respective orga-

nizations. Furthermore, they need to be adept at communicating this

purpose to the leadership of local churches.DefineYourRelationshipTo LocalChurches

Confusion can result when parachurchstaffdonotunderstandtheirorganization's relationship to local churches. Thiswillvaryfrom organi-zationto organization since somewillfocus on direct contribution to lo-cal churches and others, on ministry outside the church. It is wise todifferentiate between the organization's relationship to the local church

and a staff person's individual or family relationship to a church. The

former is a function ofthemission; the latter is a practical matter relat-ing to thewelfareof thestaff member.As long as shadows of doubt concerning the legitimate role of

parachurch organizations hang over the heads of parachurch leaders,

little progresswillbe made towardcooperation.All Christians are part ofthebody of Christ and function in specific ministriesgivenbyGodto ful-fil. Parachurch groups exist not simply because local churches have

been unable to respond to specific people or needs, however true this

may be in some situations; theyexistbecause they are a legitimate part ofGod'splan in this age. These reasons for existence must be articulated in

such a way that their relationship to local churhes is clearly defined


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thanorganizational needs.Believersneed local churchestowhom theycan be accountable in personal and family areas. Furthermore, th

churchthat is selected should also be theologically in alignment with th

staff. The placement of church membership is a critical decision andshould be made only after much evaluation and prayer.

Theinvolvement ofparachurchstaffmembers shouldnotbe limitedto membership of local congregations, but should extend to regular at

tendance.If thosestaffmembers must be absent because of outside ministries, they should keep the people informed in order that the church

cansupport them in prayer. This procedurewillalso prevent potentiamisunderstandings.

Inaddition to regular attendance in a localchurch,parachurchstafmust contribute tothewelfareofthe church.The most obvious way todthis is through one's financial gifts; however, thegivingmust not endthere.Contributions should also be made in the areas of time and talen

Parachurch leaders bring many unique skills to their local churchesThey can share themselves and their abilities without neglecting thei

primary ministries. This contribution might include teaching Sunday

School, leading VBS, singing in a music group, or even serving on

board or committee.ChannelThe FruitOfYourMinistryIntoLocalChurches

As parachurchstaff members minister in their areas of specialization, they must seek to have a positive influence on the local church

First, they must avoid criticisms of local congregations. Criticismwilnothelp. Itwillusually backfire and add to the tension. Instead, stafmembers must encourage those in their parachurch activities, particu

larly new believers, to become part of a local fellowship. Local church

leaders must be aware that incorporating these new believers may require the investment of time and patience on their part. Guiding new be

lievers into a vital relationship with a local church can be extremeldifficult, especially if they come from nonevangelical backgrounds, or if

churchenvironment is foreign to them.

MaintainRegular CommunicationWithLocalChurches

Manyparachurch groups areviewed suspiciously because no onknows what theybelieveor do not believe. In this type of situation, silence is lethal. Parachurch leadership must establish means ofcommu

nication with churches, either through printed materials or personacontact. The larger the organization, the more critical this becomes.


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or in methodology, that will draw them to certain types ofchurches. These distinctives must not be compromised to appease one particular congregation. Some irritations can be re

moved, bu t miss ion and calling must super sede public relations.

Recommendationsfor the Local Church

Recognize The Parachurch Ministry As A LegitmateExtension of the Local Church

As long as doubt continues concerning the legitimacy of parachurchstaff and their ministries, little progress can be made toward coopera

tion. Believers from churches and parachurch organizations are part of

the body of Christ and function as members in the place of God's choosing. Furthermore, most parachurch leaders and constituency are part oflocal congregations. Draw them in and encourage them in their minis

tries rather than attempting to make them feel guilty if they are not

heavily involved in the many programs of the local church. Rejoice withthem as an extension of the local body through their ministries. Give

them the privileges of edification and participation in the congregation.Both the church and the parachurch organization will benefit.

While most of the members of a congregation will involved themselves in a ministry within the church, a few may participate with a

parachurch group. The true ministry of a local church cannot becharted, counted, or controlled. When parachurch leaders sense this co

operative spirit, they will draw even closer to a local congregation. Thereverse is also true. With disapproval comes separation.

Utilize Parachurch Organizations In Their Areas OfSpecialization

Instead of fighting against parachurch organizations, one shoulduse them to enhance the ministry of the local church. These organiza

tions have special services that they desire to share. The range of specialization is diverse: evangelism, discipleship, counselling, missions,

theological education, children's work, youth ministry, ministry to foreign students, and women's ministry. Take advantage of their training

and motivation by putting them to work in the church. Invite them to put

on a seminar, direct a choir, train lay leaders, teach a Bible class, orspeak in a service. Use them to provide training in areas where the local

church needs strengthening.Do Not Expect Parachurch Staff Members To Be Full-Time


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skilled,it isvery easyto expect too much of them.Try to keep expecta-tions realistic.

AvoidA CompetitiveSpirit

Churchleaders may be threatened by parachurch organizations forfear theywillrecruitstafffrom their local congregations. Itwould be na-ive to think this would not happen on some occasions since parachurch

staffmemberswillno doubt influence other people. But this is also truewiththesalesman, the banker, and the car dealer who attend the church.

People cannot avoid who they are or what they do. Therefore,

parachurch workers may influence some toward involvement in their

ministries. Is that really so unfortunate? Isn't a church to equip the

saints to do the work of the ministry? Is ministry confined to the localchurchor does it not extend beyond it? Church leaders certainly would

notwant a person to be involved in a parachurch ministry at the expense

of the local congregation. But it should be possible for a person to do

both. Should we rejoice only in what is happening within the local

church?Should we not also rejoice with others in the body of Christ who

are involved in ministry?

Encourage GreaterFinancial Support To

ParachurchMinistriesLocal churchesliketo have accountability from parachurch groups.

Missionaries and parachurchstaffmembersfeela deep sense of respon-sibilityto local churches that support them financially. One critical wayof fostering this sense of responsibility and accountability is for local

churches to support parachurch ministries financially. Jerry

White pointed out that churches presently supply lessthem ten per-centoftheincome for most parachurch organizations. The majority of

the funding comes from individual and business contributions.11

Stephen Board suggested that "churches can support a larger por-tionofaparachurchstaffmemberand thereby ask for more accountabil-ity. Theycan,in effect, buy the controlling stock rather than one share in

a person's support."12

This financial investment would consequently

produce more reportingandaccountability. However, such supportcan-

not be contingent on a parachurch staff member's involvement in thesupportingchurch.Since astaffmembercan only be actively involved atonechurch, he or she may have to beviewed as a missionary.

ExamineParachurch GroupsTo DetermineIfThey Are

Worthy Of Support


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Unlike the secular world, Christians should not resort to fighting

andrivalrywhen it co mes to Christian service. Instead, we need towork

toward a reciprocity, a healthy giveandtake between church and

parachurch ministr ies. "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" may bevery solid counsel. There is so much to be done in the Lord's work

that inner conflictwillserve only todiminish effectiveness. Evangeli-

cal churches and parachurch groups need toworktogether and encour-

ageone another to accomplish much for God's glory. GordonMcDonald,

pastor and former President of InterVarsity, perhaps stated it most op-

timistically, "There is so mu ch to be excited about with many parachurch

organizations and local churches joining together as partners rather

than in competition."13

Notes1. Ron Wilson, "Parachurch' Becoming Part of the Body,"Christianity Today

(19Sept. 1980),18.

2. Jerry White, The Church and the Parachurch: An Uneasy Marriage (Port-land,OR:MultnomahPress, 1983), 19.Defines the parachurch organization

as"any spiritual ministry whose organization is notunderthe control or au-thority of a local congregation."

3. J.AlanYoungren, "Parachurch Proliferation: The Frontier Spirit Caught inTraffic," Christianity Today (6 Nov.1981),38.

4. Ibid.

5. White, 65.

6. RichardJ.Leyda, "ParachurchMinistries,"inMichaelJ.Anthony,ed.,Foun-dations ofMinistry:An Introduction to Christian Education/or a New Gen-eration (Wheaton, IL.: BridgePoint,1992),310329.Leyda provides a moredetailed description relativetothesesevencategoriesof parachurch organiza-tions.

7. WarrenS.Benson,"Parachurch Vocations in Christian Education" in WernerC.Graendorf,ed.,Introduction to Biblical Christian Education (Chicago,IL.MoodyPress, 1981),352353.

8. StephenBoard, "The Great Evangelical Powershift," Eternity(Nov.1980),17.

9. White, 30 32.

10. Brian Bird, "Have High School and College Ministries Outlived Their Pur-

pose?" Christianity Today (7 March1986),44.

11. White, 119.


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BibliographyAnthony,MichaelJ.,ed.,Foundations ofMinistry:An Introduction to Christian

Education for a New Generation. Wheaton, IL.: Bridge Point, 1992.

Graendorf, WernerC,ed.,Introduction toBiblicalChristian Education.ChicagoIL.:MoodyPress,1981.

White,Jerry,The Church and the Parachurch: An Uneasy Marriage. PortlandOR.: MultnomahPress,1983.


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BookReviews

Daniel L. Migliore, ed. The Lord's Prayer: Perspectives for

Reclaiming Christian Prayer. GrandRapids: Eerdmans,

1993. 149pp.

Reviewed by David H. Johnson,Ph.D.AssistantProfessor of New Tes-

tament Studies, Providence Theological Seminary

Few passages of Scripture have inspired more reflective literaturethan the Lord's Prayer. The Reformers like Luther, CalvinBullinger, and others before them,such as Aquinas and Augustine

devotedlargeportions oftheirexplanations oftheChristianlifeto expo-sitions oftheLord's prayer. As the subtitle to this short volume assertsthis book is an attempt to reclaim some of that heritage of the Church

which has gone by thewaysideof selfreflection and selfdeification. Un-fortunately, some ofthenine authors do not seem to have the same faithas Luther, Calvin, Bullinger, Augustine and Aquinas. They do not gemuch beyond the selfreflection and selfdeification that has deflectedtheChurch from honest prayer, that is, speaking withGod,the Creatorand Sustainer of the universe. They have not moved past the idea tha"prayer does not change things; prayer changes people, people changethings."

Nevertheless, for the discerning reader of faith there are gems to be

found in thisslightvolume.Iwas particularly encouraged by Elsie AnneMcKee's chapter on"JohnCalvin's Teaching on the Lord's Prayer." The

chapterson biblical backgrounds and "Jewish Prayers in the Time ofJe-sus" by Samuel Balentine, James Charlesworth and Donald Juel were

helpful as expository tools. And the selected bibliography by Steven

Bechtlerwillprove quite useful for those who would liketo devote aser-mon series to the Lord's Prayer.

J a m e s F. Kay. Christus Praesens: A Reconsideration of

Rudolf Bultmann9s Christology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,1994. 187pp.


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7 Categories of Parachurch Ministries

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