The Learner-Servant-Storyteller Posture
by E. Thomas Brewster & Elizabeth S. Brewster A few years ago an important paper was published by Donald N. Larson called "Viable Roles: Learner, Trader, Storyteller." Larson suggests that these are the three missionary roles that can best make sense and be understood from the perspective of the local people. He directs our attention to the factor that ought to concern missionaries most - not "Am I making sense to myself, or my sending agency, or my fellow expatriate missionaries?" but, "Are my presence and my activities perceived as Good News when viewed by those to whom God has called me?" This, it seems, is the issue that should be of primary concern to any missionary.
Larson further recommended that a new missionary devote his first three months to the responsibilities of the Learner role, then, in the fourth month, add the Trader role, then after the sixth month add the Storyteller role. In a pilot project we directed in Colombia in early 1978 we experimented with these recommendations. We became firmly committed to the principle of having viability from the insider's perspective - of the missionary being Good News when viewed by the local people.
But we have found it best to modify a few of Larson's specifics. The role of "Trader" as he defined it does not seem to be functionally or methodologically different from his Storyteller role -- both are telling stories but the recommended content of the stories is different (Larson's "Traders" are trading information about the peoples of the world and his Storytellers are engaged in storytelling evangelism). We prefer to combine the content of both under the "Storytelling" banner. Secondly, we found that the learner needs stories right from the beginning, so it seems best to have all of the roles in operation from early learning. Third, we feel that another important role should also be included in the list of to viable" roles - that of Servant.
The three roles: Learner and Servant and Storyteller are viable, not only for the newcomer, but throughout one's ministry. Furthermore, each has a firm basis in the instruction and in the incarnational model of ministry that Jesus has provided for us:
Learner
The early followers of Jesus were called "disciples." The word itself means learner. In the Great Commission Jesus told these original Christian Learners, "I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore go and make disciples (learners) in all the nations . . . then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this - that I am with you always, even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28: 19-20, Living Bible).
Servant
The One by whom all things were made (John 1: 3) left the glory of heaven to dwell among us (John 1:14). But He did not demand respect or assume a privileged status for Himself. To His disciples He said "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20: 26 - 28). Jesus earned respect, and He did so from the perspective of the very ones among whom He served.
Storyteller
Through parables Jesus was a storyteller. Matthew once records for us, "He did not say anything to them without using a parable" (13:34).
The Learner-Servant-Storyteller posture provides a model of ministry that can easily be multiplied by others. To have a discipleship ministry in postures other than Learner, Servant and Storyteller is to minister from the platform of a privileged, ascribed status. The model of ministry that is then provided may be perceived as out of the reach of those who are ministered to. They may not view themselves as having the necessary credentials or resources to carry on the ministry, and may, therefore, feel that the responsibility of making disciples or leading the ministry is something that only the expatriate missionary can do.
The high profile, high status administrative, educational, technological, or theological positions that many missionaries assume for themselves may seldom be perceived as Good News when viewed through the eyes of the local population. Often the missionary may be introducing a competitive health system or agricultural system or educational system or religious system. These, when introduced by one who does not deeply understand the culture, cannot help but draw attention to themselves in a negative way. A better posture could be based on Philippians 2:3 "Let each esteem others as better than himself." The people themselves should have their self-esteem raised as they are affirmed through their relationship with the missionary.
Rather than assuming for themselves an ascribed or privileged role (sometimes signaled by using titles like Rev., Dr., etc.), Learner-Servant-Storytellers can develop an opportunity to earn the respect that accompanies an achieved role. Rejecting a status position for themselves they might adopt the perspective: "The people must increase (in self-image and stature), I must decrease. I am not here to assume privilege for myself, but rather to lift up Jesus."
The attitude of Learners, as well as their strategy, is of critical importance. It is, of course, possible to pursue a language learning strategy from the posture of non-privileged roles and yet never come to understand or appreciate the cultural values of the people. On our personal pilgrimage we have found that our conservative theology (which we affirm) has sometimes caused us to want to jump to hasty conclusions about whether or not certain cultural forms will be compatible with the Scriptures or appropriate for the new believing community. Sometimes we don't trust the Holy Spirit in His ministry of guiding the people into truth. Often when we bring our own theology to the mission task it may be very important to us that we carefully teach the people what they should think about doctrinal issues. But this has the potential of placing us in a role where there is great probability that we will fail to affirm the very cultural values that could lend strength to the work of God within the midst of the people. Rather than telling them what to think, it is probably better to try to help people learn how to think and how to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into truth as they apply the Word of God for themselves. A patient attitude of openness toward the values of the culture and a trust in God's care for the people is essential. With such an attitude, the Scriptures may open up with new perspectives that may be especially relevant to the new cultural context.
Brewster & Brewster ©1981; from Student Training in Missions Manual, 1992
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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