I want to thank Steve for drawing attention to a pervasive problem in missionary support development (SD) that has been exacerbated by the spiraling costs of getting a missionary overseas. I agree with Steve that someone who is able to devote full time to SD should do so! As we say to our new appointees: “This is your new job!” The example that Steve gives is an excellent one, and appointees need to understand not only the image they project by a slovenly effort but also the sin – yes, sin! – they commit by failing to do all things “heartily as unto the Lord.”

   Even so, there are often circumstances that honestly prevent an appointee (and especially an appointee couple) from initially pursuing a full-time effort. For example, not everyone is blessed with the opportunity for missionary housing or a subsidy that enables them to forgo gainful employment. The real question then is how and how quickly the mission can facilitate the appointee’s transition to full-time support development. At a minimum I believe the mission needs to have a heart-to-heart discussion with the appointee’s sending church, discussing ways in which the church can assist the appointee’s transition to full-time SD. Second, a system of accountability should be established between the appointee, their church and the mission by which the appointee is lovingly but firmly held to an agreed upon level of SD. Third, the church and the mission need to provide practical assistance with issues such as children’s needs, outgoing expenses and emotional support during the entire SD phase.

   In summary, while the burden of SD lies on the shoulders of the appointee, it is not a burden they should bear alone! Studies have shown that when expectations are high people rise to the occasion. Let us covenant together as trainers that we will hold that bar high while at the same time providing the mechanisms, resources and encouragement that produce the maximum degree of success in this very challenging endeavor.