sending non-adventists into the adventist mission field

This sounds like a question that our school in Kettering probably asked and answered for themselves once. From what I've heard, their use of non-adventist teachers has not been a positive thing spiritually.

I'm not quite sure what I think about this idea. On one hand, I think that there is a great amount of talent out there that we could benefit from. And, I think that we should be careful not to be too exclusive, and shelter ourselves out of fear. And like you said, ideally those in our schools would be a witness to the one teaching.

On the other hand, I think that we need to be very selective about who we hire to teach (whether they be Adventist or non-Adventist). I think that teachers tend to have a large amount of influence over students, and whether they are teaching about their religious beliefs or not they will have an impact. The attitude of the teacher is important.

However, if all teachers are hired with much prayer and consideration, I think we can find the right balance. I think we must be careful that the majority share our Adventist beliefs or the whole school could lose sight of it's mission and purpose. But I do think that there may be some occasions where it would be appropriate to hire someone who does not share all aspects of our faith.

I'm still pondering, though.

The question is "Do you think that it would be harmful or helpful for one(nonadventist) to go into a missionary training center and teach when they do not have the same religious perspective as the ones who are being taught?

A missionary training center....I would hope that people in training for the mission field would not be hindered in any way by a nonadventist instructing them in CPR.

Uh, yeah. I'm a little late on the scene but Kettering hasn't had exactly glowing results from their decision to use the "talents" of a "few" non-Adventists. I don't think we should be closed minded & say it's got to be this or that way all the time; I think it requires us to be Holy Spirit-led. God's got a specific plan for whatever situation, we just need to be looking for it. I would say the idea to work with a non-Adventist in a mission-type ministry or setting or any place could be considered with the following criteria:

1) If you have some kind of reasonable expectation that your ministry might do the non-Adventist good, spiritual good that is. (I think God would have to tip you off to this one.)

2) If you have the assurance that this person will do the other involved participants good, spiritual good, and not just "do no harm". A seemingly neutral influence is not; we are either bringing people to Christ or leading away from Him. No in-between ground.

3) If your decision to either involve or exclude this non-Adventist person from your ministry will bring glory to God. (Obviously all these are God points.)

Beware of compromise. I believe this has been very damaging to my alma mater, its mission, its witness, and the people who have chosen to be involved with it... like me.

We could be just talking about a different denomination here. The term non-adventist covers a lot of ground. Let's keep an open mind.

Good point. I get tunnel vision sometimes. Thanks for the recall.

Okay, I'm lightening the conversation... would you deny me access to this site if I'm not an adventist?

Seriously, for instruction that is not religiously focused, the influence instructors have aside, isn't it best to come into contact those who are "different" so you aren't in a bubble, thus another opportunity to witness??

 Am I off base?

I think the main concern is that instructors do have influence. A school's faculty form a team, and it is important that a team have some degree for unity and singleness of purpose.

Nevertheless, I do think it is important not to foster isolation.  We can all learn from one another.

Oh and... This site isn't about where we're coming from, but about Who we are going to: Jesus the Christ.  So no bans for those that are seeking.  :)