The Strategic Role of Expatriate Married Female Missionaries in Muslim-Majority Communities

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to establish what the strategic role should be of expatriate married female missionaries (EMFMs) in Muslim-majority communities (MMCs). Literature surveys, supplemented by the researcher’s experience as an EMFM in MMCs in both Southeast Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as two small-scale surveys, give insights from history, culture, theology, and field experience to inform a vision of the strategic role that EMFMs should play in MMCs. The results of the historical overview showed that women always played a role throughout church history. In addition, developments and trends in mission praxis since the 1980s, especially the orality and disciple making movements as well as research on fruitful practices, showed that EMFMs have a strategic role in MMCs. The cultural overview highlighted the importance of intentionally focussing on reaching Muslim women. The view of women in Islam and related cultural customs shows that the constant factor in most Muslim communities is the difference in gender roles between men and women. This difference has a profound effect on the role of EMFMs in MMCs. Even though EMFMs have many challenges to overcome, many opportunities exist for EMFMs to play a strategic role in MMCs. Practical-theological reflection showed that the missiological themes of incarnational ministry, critical contextualisation as well as the multiplication in discipleship are key factors for ministry effectiveness. In addition, these themes can guide EMFMs to define their roles in MMCs. In addition, the traditional roles of female missionaries from being evangelists and disciple makers are shifting to that of mentors and trainers, especially in disciple making movements. Lastly, results of the empirical component on the experiences of EMFMs in MMCs in Southeast Asia correlated well with existing literature on fruitful practices in Muslim ministry. The results also confirmed that EMFMs have a strategic role to play in such communities. From a strategic perspective this study highlights the need to envision, train and mentor EMFMs to play key roles in MMCs. In addition, mission organisations need to prioritise reaching the women of Islam and inspire EMFMs to take an active role in ministry in MMCs.

The main objective of this thesis is to establish what the strategic role should be of expatriate married female missionaries (EMFMs) in Muslim-majority communities (MMCs). Literature surveys, supplemented by the researcher’s experience as an EMFM in MMCs in both Southeast Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as two small-scale surveys, give insights from history, culture, theology, and field experience to inform a vision of the strategic role that EMFMs should play in MMCs. The results of the historical overview showed that women always played a role throughout church history. In addition, developments and trends in mission praxis since the 1980s, especially the orality and disciple making movements as well as research on fruitful practices, showed that EMFMs have a strategic role in MMCs. The cultural overview highlighted the importance of intentionally focussing on reaching Muslim women. The view of women in Islam and related cultural customs shows that the constant factor in most Muslim communities is the difference in gender roles between men and women. This difference has a profound effect on the role of EMFMs in MMCs. Even though EMFMs have many challenges to overcome, many opportunities exist for EMFMs to play a strategic role in MMCs. Practical-theological reflection showed that the missiological themes of incarnational ministry, critical contextualisation as well as the multiplication in discipleship are key factors for ministry effectiveness. In addition, these themes can guide EMFMs to define their roles in MMCs. In addition, the traditional roles of female missionaries from being evangelists and disciple makers are shifting to that of mentors and trainers, especially in disciple making movements. Lastly, results of the empirical component on the experiences of EMFMs in MMCs in Southeast Asia correlated well with existing literature on fruitful practices in Muslim ministry. The results also confirmed that EMFMs have a strategic role to play in such communities. From a strategic perspective this study highlights the need to envision, train and mentor EMFMs to play key roles in MMCs. In addition, mission organisations need to prioritise reaching the women of Islam and inspire EMFMs to take an active role in ministry in MMCs.