Question

Identify a problem that was encountered in the administration of early Assemblies of God missions programs.

a) Missionaries were not accountable for funds sent to them.
b) All missionaries received the same income, regardless of work requirements or size of family.
c) Individuals who sent money to or for missionaries could not be sure that the funds were received.
d) A number of missionaries were required to return home because of lack of food and a few missionaries died of starvation.

Answer 1

A significant problem with early Assemblies of God missions was the lack of financial accountability for funds sent to missionaries. This, coupled with cultural insensitivity and paternalism, often compromised mission outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

A problem encountered in the administration of early Assemblies of God missions programs was that missionaries were not accountable for funds sent to them. This lack of accountability not only raised questions about the integrity of the financial management but also had potential repercussions for the missionary work itself. Given the historical context, other potential issues included the imposition of cultural changes on indigenous people, such as the forced abandonment of polygamy and ancestor veneration, leading to societal and economic disruption.

In certain cases, such as those involving missions in California, diseases and political factors contributed to the failure of the missions. Moreover, the paternalistic approach of the missionaries often mirrored the attitudes of Progressive reformers at a domestic level, suggesting a commonality in the challenges faced by missionary and reform movements of the time.