Clearly the most important task facing the North American church globally is equipping church leaders. I am invigorated by the challenge of collaboratively addressing that question. Many would assert that the day of the third party missions organization is over. It certainly seems to be among many large, growing churches who have the vision and systemic structures to do missions first-hand. Historically, a great deal of the energy for the missions enterprise has been generated from missions agencies.
Local churches desire a more direct, proactive role in global missions.
Obviously, in history two structures have developed, and Winter is to be commended for bringing the history and function of these two structures to the attention of the Christian community. Camp contends that agencies should not assume the outreach responsibilities of local churches though he is not ready to suggest that sending a missionary through an agency is unbiblical. I am intrigued by the history and philosophy of missions and I lean toward Camp's perspective. I love the institution of the church. It is the context where I have grown with believers, been equipped for ministry, and shepherded flocks.