The Missionary Challenge in Italy: Why 90% Leave and How to Stay
In a recent sermon at McGregor Baptist Church, I highlighted a troubling statistic: 90% of long-term missionaries who go to Italy end up leaving within just four years. This high attrition rate not only underscores the urgent need for the Gospel to take root in Italy but also signals a critical call to action for all involved in missionary work.
This phenomenon of early missionary departure from Italy prompts a deeper reflection on the essentials of sound theology and thorough missionary preparation. In today's post, I aim to explore the insights my family and I gathered during a reflective evening in Pennsylvania, on our promotional tour for PMc. We'll discuss the underlying reasons for this significant fallout and propose ways to reverse this trend, ensuring that the mission in Italy can thrive.
Reasons For the High Rate Missionary Attrition in Italy
I.) The Wall of Resistance is High and Thick
For a new missionary in Italy, it doesn't take long to encounter what can be described as a formidable "wall of resistance" to the Gospel. This cultural and spiritual barrier has stood for centuries, significantly impeding the establishment of a deep-rooted evangelical reformation in the country.
Italy remains predominantly Roman Catholic, where less than 1% of the population identifies as evangelical with a robust understanding of the biblical God and the gospel message. This demographic reality paints a picture of a society where the appetite for change or new spiritual insights is minimal. The general sentiment among Italians is that they are already acquainted with the gospel, and their current way of life suffices. This cultural inertia towards religious change creates a challenging environment for missionaries trying to introduce or expand evangelical Christianity.
II.) Discouragement from a Slow-Paced Ministry Culture
In the United States, we're accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle where efficiency and immediate results are often the norm—from fast food to drive-through banking and even donuts. However, Italy embraces a different ethos, encapsulated by the phrase "dolce far niente" or "the sweet doing of nothing," where the value is placed on enjoying life's moments rather than on productivity.
This cultural tempo, I believe, extends into the realm of ministry and church life. In contrast to the U.S., where ministries can often see rapid growth or quick organizational changes, the Italian ministry landscape moves at a pace that mirrors the country's cultural rhythm. Here, the focus isn't on business-like efficiency but on building relationships and community over time.
Slow Growth: Many evangelical groups in Italy struggle to maintain momentum, let alone expand or significantly influence the broader culture. The slow pace can be disheartening for missionaries who come with expectations of quick, visible results.
Cultural Priorities: The Italian lifestyle prioritizes social engagement and community over productivity in ministry. This can lead to a ministry approach that's less about numbers and more about depth of relationships, which might not align with the expectations of missionaries used to different metrics of success.
Impact on Missionaries: For a missionary full of zeal and eager for transformation, the initial lack of visible "fruit" from their labor can be profoundly discouraging. The reality that conversions, life changes, and church growth in Italy don't conform to the timelines they might be accustomed to can lead to feelings of ineffectiveness or the urge to seek a ministry environment where they perceive their efforts might yield more immediate results.
Strategic Patience: This environment necessitates a strategy of patience and long-term investment in people. Missionaries need to adapt to this slower pace, seeing the value in slow, steady growth. The challenge is to redefine what success looks like in ministry, focusing on the quality of spiritual life rather than quantity.
III.) Theological Limitations
The high missionary attrition rate in Italy can also be attributed to a lack of robust theological grounding. Many missionaries might not come equipped with a deep, scriptural understanding of key doctrines such as God's sovereignty, human suffering, and grace. Here, Reformed theology shines, offering a comprehensive framework:
Theology Proper: Understanding God's sovereignty over all human affairs, including salvation, can anchor missionaries in their purpose. This perspective teaches that God knows His own and will draw them in His timing, not ours. This theology encourages patience and a long-term commitment to ministry, recognizing that the journey to faith for many Italians might be slower but no less significant.
Suffering and Grace: The cost of discipleship includes suffering, a theme prevalent in Reformed teachings. Embracing this reality prepares missionaries for the challenges of ministry, viewing hardships as part of the sanctification process rather than mere obstacles.
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, - Philippians 1:29
Eschatology: Views on the end times can dramatically influence missionary strategy and longevity. Some eschatological interpretations push for a hurried, less thorough approach to evangelism, under the belief that the Gospel must be spread quickly to hasten Christ's return. This can lead to:
Rushed Missionary Work: A focus on quick dissemination rather than deep discipleship, resulting in shallow roots for new believers and churches.
Motivation to Leave: If the expectation is for immediate, widespread conversion, the slow pace of change in Italy might prompt missionaries to seek environments where they believe they can see quicker results.
Instead, a well-rounded eschatology fosters a ministry approach that values enduring, patient work, recognizing the importance of planting sound, lasting churches rather than merely achieving short-term evangelistic goals.
To combat these theological limitations, missionary training should include:
Deep Theological Education: Ensuring missionaries have a solid grounding in Reformed theology or similar frameworks that emphasize God's sovereignty, the reality of suffering, and the patience required in grace-filled ministry.
Eschatological Balance: Teaching a balanced view of end times that encourages long-term commitment to a region, understanding that the work of the Gospel in Italy might not follow a predictable or rapid timeline.
Preparation for Suffering: Equipping missionaries with the mindset that suffering is part of the Christian walk, not a sign of failure or a cue to abandon the field.
This theological fortification can significantly reduce attrition by aligning expectations with biblical realities, fostering resilience, and deepening the commitment to the mission in Italy.
IV.) Lack of Fellowship
In the United States, evangelical churches often boast larger congregations, ample resources, and a vibrant community life. In contrast, the evangelical scene in Italy is marked by churches that are significantly smaller, usually with congregations ranging from 10 to 40 members. Often church members will commute 45 minutes or more to go to worship on the Lord’s Day. These communities often operate in survival mode, lacking the financial means to fully support their pastors, which affects the overall church experience.
Church Culture Shock: Missionaries transitioning to Italy face not only general culture shock but also a stark "church culture shock." The intimate, resource-limited nature of Italian evangelical churches can be quite different from what missionaries might be accustomed to.
Deep Commitment of Italian Believers: Italian Christians often exhibit a profound commitment to their faith, having to count the cost in a society where Christianity might conflict with cultural and familial expectations.
Marital Challenges: A poignant challenge for these believers, particularly singles, is the scarcity of potential Christian partners. Unlike in the U.S., where evangelical singles might have more opportunities to meet other believers, in Italy, this can lead to pressures to marry outside the faith, which can dilute Christian community life.
Missionary Isolation: This environment of small, struggling congregations can lead to loneliness for missionaries. The need for Christian fellowship is not just a desire but a necessity for spiritual and emotional support. Without a strong network of peers, the isolation can be a significant factor in the decision to leave:
Impact on Missionaries: The absence of mature, like-minded fellowship can weigh heavily on a missionary's soul, contributing to burnout or feelings of isolation, which can be a catalyst for departure.
Strategies for Endurance:
Embrace the Call: Missionaries must internalize their call to Italy, understanding that their role might include nurturing new or small congregations, not just growing established ones.
Role Clarity: Knowing their specific role within the Italian church context can help missionaries focus on meaningful contributions rather than size or speed of growth.
Flourishing in Scarcity: Learning to thrive in environments where friendships and support systems are limited is crucial. This might involve:
Intentional Community Building: Creating or joining small groups for Bible study, prayer, and mutual support. Having a robust prayer team from your sending church that keeps up-to-date with you is crucial.
Engagement with Broader Networks: Utilizing technology to connect with other missionaries or Christians outside Italy for encouragement and advice. In Italy, for example, we have connected ourselves to like-minded Italian groups that have developed in recent years like ”Chiese Soli Deo Gloria”. Their friendship is greatly encouraging for us.
Cultural Adaptation: Embracing Italian social customs to deepen relationships within the local community, even if it's outside traditional church settings.
By recognizing these challenges and preparing for them, missionaries can better sustain their ministry in Italy. Building resilience through community, even if it's different from what they're used to, is key to long-term commitment and effectiveness.
V.) Language and Culture Acquisition
Many missionaries arrive in Italy with romanticized notions of Italian culture, shaped by media portrayals rather than the reality of daily life. Italians are proud of their heritage, stemming from a history of innovation, brilliance, resilience, and the legacy of the Roman Empire. However, contemporary Italian life is nuanced, marked by both its beauty and the challenges posed by a secular and corrupt state.
Misconceptions vs. Reality: The cultural pride of Italians, both in Italy and abroad, is significant. However, the day-to-day experience differs from the cinematic depictions, presenting practical challenges that can surprise unprepared missionaries.
Language Learning Expectations: The eagerness to engage in "real ministry" can lead to underestimating the importance of language acquisition. Here are key considerations:
Time Investment: It's crucial for missionaries to dedicate at least the first two years to mastering Italian. This isn't just about speaking; it's about understanding and integrating into the culture.
Realistic Goals: Setting realistic expectations for language proficiency is vital. Missionaries should view language learning not as a barrier to ministry but as the foundation of it.
Cultural Integration:
Cultural Values: Understanding and valuing Italian cultural norms and social behaviors is as important as language proficiency. Without this, missionaries risk being sidelined or misunderstood, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation:
Isolation and Relevance: If missionaries do not learn the language well or adapt to the culture, they might find themselves irrelevant or ignored by the local community, leading to further solitude and lack of fellowship.
Spiritual Perspective:
Working as unto the Lord: As Colossians 3:23 states, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." This scripture can reframe language and culture learning as acts of worship and service:
Dedication to Mastery: Approach language and culture studies with the same dedication one would give to prayer, evangelism, or all other aspects of life, recognizing these efforts as integral to fulfilling God's work in Italy.
Patience and Humility: Embrace the process with patience, humility, and an attitude of learning. This mindset can transform the experience from a mere preparatory phase into a lifelong commitment to cultural and linguistic engagement.
By prioritizing language and culture acquisition, missionaries can build bridges, foster genuine relationships, and ultimately have a more impactful ministry in the long run. This investment in understanding and integration is not just a means to an end but a profound way to serve and honor God in a foreign land.
VI.) Financial Support
The financial landscape for missionaries in Italy presents unique challenges. The cost of living is notably high, yet the support missionaries receive can often fall short:
High Living Costs vs. Low Support: Italy's elevated living expenses, combined with potentially insufficient missionary support, can strain financial resources, making long-term sustainability a significant concern.
Misconceptions About Mission Work:
Global Mission Perception: Many U.S. Christians still envision missions as primarily humanitarian efforts in less developed countries, not recognizing the urgent spiritual needs in a country like Italy.
Lack of Awareness: There's a general lack of understanding regarding the dire need for gospel-centered ministry in Italy, where the evangelical presence is minimal.
Educational Gaps in Support:
Theological and Missiological Misunderstanding: An anecdote from my early days underscores this issue. While seeking support, I encountered a pastor at a charismatic church who, in his well-meaning but uninformed (ignorant) enthusiasm, trivialized the missionary work in Italy before the entire congregation, which led to no substantial financial support from that church.
To address these challenges and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of missionary work in Italy:
Educating on Biblical Missions:
Teaching and Advocacy: Missionaries must take on the role of educators, explaining what biblical missions truly entail, emphasizing that mission work includes reaching secular or post-Christian societies like Italy with the Gospel.
Clarifying Needs: Illustrate the strategic importance of evangelizing in Italy, not just for its own sake but for the broader mission of global evangelism. A revitalized or reformed Christian community in Italy could contribute significantly to missionary efforts worldwide.
Building Quality Partnerships:
Robust Ministry Partnerships: Seek out and cultivate relationships with churches, individuals, or organizations that grasp the significance of missions in Europe. These partners should understand:
The Urgency: The critical spiritual needs in Italy and the potential for a European revival.
The Vision: How a strong, self-sustaining church in Italy can extend its mission beyond its borders, aiding missions in less reached areas.
The Support Required: That financial investment in Italy is an investment in the kingdom of God in a context where traditional support might be lacking.
Strategic Financial Planning:
Sustainability: Encourage a model of support that is not just about immediate funds but about creating sustainable partnerships that grow with the ministry.
By addressing these financial challenges through education and meaningful partnership missionaries can focus more fully on their calling, reducing one of the significant barriers to long-term ministry in Italy.
VII.) Unrealistic Expectations
During our current promotional tour in the U.S. for PMc, aimed at recruiting missionaries and raising funds, we unexpectedly caught the flu. Fortunately, with the aid of Tylenol, which is remarkably affordable here, we were quickly back on our feet. This scenario highlights a stark contrast for missionaries, particularly those in less developed regions:
Cultural Impact of Medicine: In many tribal settings, missionaries can win hearts by providing basic medical relief, earning them immediate appreciation and a revered status. However, this dynamic does not translate to Italy:
Lack of Similar Reception: In Italy, the act of bringing "magic pills" doesn't garner the same admiration or affection. The cultural context is entirely different; Italy is modernized and not in need of basic medicines and the like.
The Value of the Gospel:
"Gold and Silver We Do Not Have..." As the apostles once declared, our currency is the Gospel, which holds value only to those whose hearts have been prepared by the Holy Spirit to recognize their spiritual need.
Cultural Misalignment:
Perception Challenges: American missionaries might inadvertently come across as less cultured or improperly dressed by Italian standards, which are deeply rooted in etiquette, fashion, and cuisine. This can lead to a less than warm reception:
Italian Cultural Pride: Italians cherish their lifestyle, including how they dine, dress, and interact socially. Any perceived deviation from these norms might not sit well with locals.
Managing Expectations:
Misconception of Immediate Acceptance: If missionaries expect to be embraced simply for their calling, they might face discouragement. Here, the reality often involves:
Humility and Service: Adopting a servant-hearted approach, understanding that the missionary's role is to serve, not to be celebrated. The Gospel's impact in Italy might be slow but profound.
Realistic Outlook: Recognizing that love and appreciation for their work will grow from the soil of genuine relationships and consistent ministry, not from superficial acts or cultural misunderstandings.
By adjusting expectations to align with the cultural and spiritual realities of Italy, missionaries can better navigate their ministry. They should see their work as a long-term investment in lives, focusing on the eternal significance of the Gospel rather than immediate cultural accolades. This mindset prepares them for a ministry that might not be immediately celebrated but can lead to deep, transformative impact over time.
In navigating the complex landscape of missionary work in Italy, we've explored the myriad challenges that lead to a high attrition rate among those sent to this beautiful but spiritually challenging nation. From cultural resistance and slow-paced ministry to theological gaps, lack of fellowship, language barriers, financial constraints, and unrealistic expectations, the journey of a missionary in Italy is fraught with unique obstacles.
However, understanding these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. By equipping missionaries with sound theology, fostering deep community ties, embracing the Italian way of life, securing robust financial support, and setting realistic ministry goals, we can foster a more resilient and impactful missionary endeavor.
The call to missions in Italy is not just about planting biblical churches but about planting deep roots in the hearts of people, waiting patiently for the Holy Spirit to work in His time. As we've discussed, this work might not yield immediate, visible 'success', but it is profoundly significant in the eyes of eternity. We believe the call is to see the nation of Italy discipled. To achieve this mission missionaries must think long-term and plan accordingly.
If you feel called to join this vital work or if you're curious to learn more about how you can support or be part of the mission in Italy, we invite you to join The Italian Cohort on Discord. Here, you'll gain insider access to updates, prayer requests, cultural insights, mission lessons, and opportunities to engage directly with the mission field. Together, we can support each other and work toward a vibrant, lasting Gospel presence in Italy.
Join us in The Italian Cohort—where faith, culture, and mission intertwine for the glory of God. Let's walk this path together, learning, growing, and serving in one of the world's most historically rich and spiritually needy fields.
Written by Jesse Schreck | founder, director, and missionary church planter in Italy with Practical Missions Cohort
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