We observed in 1993-4, when missions and missionaries were a new phenomena in XXXXX, many people visiting, attending, joining churches. And then, almost ten years later, many of the churches had few visitors, low attendance, and few new members. What might be some factors? The question needs a careful investigative survey. Help us work through some of these possible reasons.
Informants have suggested perhaps some of the early mission workers, while enthusiastic and spirited, lacked theological and missiological training. Some of the teaching might have been shallow, a prosperity message, a lot of USA and not much Bible. Some of the early mission practice might have been short sighted, satisfied with immediate goals, ignoring the long term.
We observe a tightening of the financial purse strings. Where 20 people worked for a mission, today half that number work. Salaries were originally pegged at the going rate paid by USA corporations, and have been reduced recently. (Multinational corporations often by higher than average local salaries, but far below average salaries paid by that same corporation in the US. Mission organizations follow this practice.)
People talk about a backlash to outside aid and outsiders which developed during the past couple of years. The old question asked by the "natives" of missionaries since the beginning of modern missions has not been answered satisfactorily. "What is your purpose in coming here?" The government is becoming more involved, and is also asking this question.
UPDATE JANUARY XXXX: During the past months people from various churches have commented on the secrecy and silence of the leadership of both the mission and the congregations. One hand does not know what the other hand is doing. We asked the secretary of a large church organization (180 or so congregations in Almaty) whether any of the pastors relied on financial support from the USA. She quickly said: "That's classified." Question: "Do the various congregations know the answer to this question?" Answer: "No." Question: "How will this organization be able to move away from reliance on outside resources, if the rank and file have no knowledge of the current situation?" No answer. (The secretary was receiving a higher than average local salary.)
UPDATE 11 MONTHS LATER: We discussed this issue with the leadership of a large mission organization. The representative agreed that paying local workers with mission funds was not wise. Yet during the past couple of months, that same leadership "hired" a couple more men as "deacons" to serve the local congregations!!! Also, a couple more humanitarian aid projects were intiated. And, as mentioned above, such organizations do not typically let the local people know the details, the amount paid, what the responsibilies are, and to whom the deacons or the project managers might be responsible. Control and secrecy are the order of the day.
UPDATE A YEAR LATER: No improvement noted. No "new" solutions. Continued reliance on outside resources.
Maybe you have some suggestions and comments on this topic. Someone should continue to ask questions and search for solutions. In the meantime, contemplate the Sunday offering as a possible solution for the dependent churches. Currently in the smaller congregations the offering averages less than USA$2 a Sunday.