Tentmaking Today

1.     They don’t want to do fundraising 

2.     They don’t see the value in paying for agency services 

3.     They don’t think agencies understand genuine tentmaking 

4.     Agencies often do not allow tentmakers to maintain ongoing businesses or to fully work in what are perceived as their “non-ministry” jobs. 

5.     They can’t commit to long training programs and retreats. Getting time off work is not easy. 

6.     The application process and forms are too long and complicated. 

7.     In closed countries, mission agency membership creates identity issues. 

8.     Agencies don’t provide appropriate member care for tentmakers whose work and life situation is different from career missionaries. 

9.     The mission agencies do not seem to be interested in tentmakers signing up nor have they carefully thought through how to best utilize them. 

10.  Mission agencies seem old-fashioned and do not fit in (out of sync with) today´s world. 

It is highly encouraged that future tentmakers connect with at least three mission agencies before going. In my 20 years of helping people get there, less than 5% have decided to go with agencies.

There is however a positive trend by many mission agencies who are making tentmaking a top priority and are working hard at getting it right. It is also important to mention that more and more agencies are asking for advice from tentmaking organizations.

One of the oldest mission agencies in Europe recently stated that they are making tentmaking their main strategy.

If you are planning on becoming a tentmaker, now is a good time to contact mission agencies, who will be delighted to talk with you.

By Ari Rocklin