Thank you to everyone who responded to the first issue of Tentmaker Challenges Series last month. 

Here are some of your comments:

“we have been tentmakers for over a decade and can identify with all these challenges”

“Can’t wait for you to deal with our biggest challenge, which is also number one on your list – the expat trap”

“as hard as it may be to admit it, we do struggle with number 2 – materialism”

In this issue we will deal with number 6. Who would think instant communication channels would be a problem?

This does not mean you should shut down these communication channels totally, butyou should intentionally work on finding balance.

If there are children in your family, it is vital for them to connect with grandparents and relatives back home (or wherever they are). Staying connected with your home church and staff is equally important.

It is, however, alarming to learn that some couples returns home from their jobs, both of them go online immediately after dinner to chat with people back home – and stay online until bedtime.

This is worrisome on two levels.

One, they should be spending quality time as a couple to make room for their relationship to grow, and to focus on the ministry opportunities that are all around them.

Two, they are removing themselves from interaction with the very same local people to whom they have come to serve.

It is important to have a system in place so that you can keep track of the time you spend communicating with family and friends back home.

It is equally important to keep track of interactions with the local people. It is way too easy to lose focus on the real reason you are there. A good question to ask yourself is, when was the last time we visited with local people or had them in our home?

As with all things electronic, a balance will not happen by accident; it requires a thoughtful plan and follow-through. How do you maintain this balance?

Stay tuned for the next challenge in a future issue of Tentmaking Briefs.