The concept of a “sending triangle”—where the church, agency, and missionary coordinate their efforts in the fielding of workers—is receiving growing attention. More and more churches are taking seriously their sending role, and agencies are recognizing the benefits of working in collaboration. See “The Church/Agency/Missionary Sending Triangle” (the July 2007 Postings) for an introduction.

While stronger connections have improved certain aspects of the sending process, much more consideration and energy needs to be focused on how this cooperative relationship should function in relation to missionaries’ home assignment (previously called furlough). To their credit, many churches are doing more to help address the housing and vehicle needs of home assignment (HA) workers. At the same time, many agencies are better addressing returning workers’ physical, spiritual, and emotional health needs. . .[Click below to continue]