Missionaries need time to learn about the culture and build relationships with the people before sharing the gospel. Our goal is not to change people's culture, but to share the good news of Christ in culturally appropriate ways. The point of giving is not to meet our own needs, but to respond graciously to the needs of others. This is also an important principle for mission. Sending an evangelist may make the agency feel good, but it's possible that what the partner church really needs is an agriculturist or a teacher.
Effective mission responds to the needs of the partner and community.
Often the history of a mission agency will tell a great deal about its stability, faithfulness, and potential for quality work in the future. The hills and jungles of the world are dotted with technology and missions modeled after North American culture, but they are often dependent on Western funding and personnel for upkeep and fall apart soon after that support is withdrawn. Conversely, mission agencies that historically have been committed to developing a solid, national church are well positioned for a healthy future, particularly for indigenous churches. One of the hallmarks of a good mission agency is accessibility. Mission organizations should be accessible first through the missionaries themselves.