Broadening the tent: expanding the strategic use of tent-making in cross-cultural mission

Abstract

Tent-making is often used to gain access to nations that do not allow missionaries. This article provides biblical, missiological, and practical rationale for the use of tent-making in nations which are legally open to missionary work, but culturally closed to the gospel. It begins with consideration of the Pauline use of tent-making as a model for mission, and then takes into account financial considerations, the need for training, and the strategic development of tent-making as an international movement.