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In this eBook, Pasta, pizza, and Pinocchio, Howard Culbertson answers questions he has been asked about missionary work in Italy. Originally published by what is now The Foundry for the Nazarene Missions International mission book series, this book carried ISBN 0-8341-0612-4. Some material has been updated for this eBook edition.
The preceding chapters haven't addressed every question I was asked during a home assignment year. However, my written answers cover most of the subjects raised.
I've also been asked how I feel about serving within a denominational structure. I'd like to address that question in closing.
I am fully committed to helping the Church of Jesus Christ fulfill the Great Commission. I am laying my life on the line to help the body of Christ carry out that mandate. This commitment involves vulnerability because I have placed myself at the Church's disposal to serve under its direction.
The biblical picture of the body of Christ teaches us about interdependence. The freedom described in the Bible is freedom from sin, not independence from one another. Interdependence means placing ourselves under the direction of others who make decisions about our ministry assignments, resources, future strategy, and financial support.
This, of course, is similar to working for any organization or business. The great difference is that I have chosen to be a servant of the body of Jesus Christ in response to God's call, and I work under its direction.
Paradoxically, I have found my greatest freedom in serving within the body of Christ. For me, the alternative carries far greater risks than those I now face.
My sincere thanks to you, my dear friends, for allowing Barbara and me (and Matthew and Rachele) to be a part of your world missionary outreach.
— Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu