Steve Addison has provided an interesting post on factors which affect the effectiveness of people engaged in certain types of cross-cultural Christian mission, based on research conducted by Patrick. Numerous different factors were listed, and many of them may be equally applicable to the effectiveness of anyone trying to live a life fully committed to following Jesus. Some of the research findings included:
Workers who attended Bible college or seminary are no more effective than those who did not. Those who are fluent in the local language are consistently more effective. Those who regularly invite friends to their houses and spend vacations with friends are more effective than those who spend their free time with family or alone. Workers who have someone holding them accountable in ministry at least once a month are more effective.
Age and gender do not affect effectiveness. Those who have a daily devotional life are more effective, and the most effective are those who fast regularly. Those who are highly committed to their jobs are less effective than those who have jobs which allow flexible working hours. Following the customs, dress, and practices of locals did not increase effectiveness. Those who found it easy to start conversations about their faith were more effective than those who placed priority on building relationships before talking about faith.