There is fierce competition for dollars and devotion. Turf wars and jealousy are common. Often believers resist calls to aid those who kneel at other altars. Thus, it's almost impossible to steer this staggeringly complex fleet toward one goal. You push on it and your hand just sinks in.
Evangelicalism is so entrepreneurial.
All of these parachurch and missionary groups have to raise money by showing that they are out there having an impact around the world. They have to put themselves and their work front and center. Well, it's hard to be upbeat when you're talking about persecution. Terry Mattingly teaches at Milligan College in Tennessee. Reprinted with permission.