Field Readiness and Majority World Missionaries

A Case Study in Taking the Grand Narrative to the Final Frontier

Abstract

In 2019, the United States established the Space Force whose goal involved maintaining “field combat-ready forces.” They required a resilient and ready force, one embracing  innovation and emerging technologies for engaging in a new mission. What might field  combat readiness involve in modern missions? As a veteran missionary, I have not always felt field-ready. What about national counterparts, those taking the Grand Narrative of Scripture to the final language groups yet to hear?  

In this case study exploring the preparation of national workers for this task in a difficult field, I grapple with the concept of field readiness and needed competencies.  Even though the national workers studied culture and worldview, Scripture, orality,  security issues, and other subjects, both workers and trainers I interviewed did not feel pre-field coursework sufficiently equipped them for the struggles they faced. I propose a five-pronged course of action for succeeding in this sort of narrative warfare.