Methodology: Does it really matter?

I think "methodology" means the study of methods.  We've all heard that the WAY you do something is as important as WHAT you do.  Well,  I wonder whether or not we glibly agree,  "yeah, yeah,  nice advice for our children."  But does it really work?  Does it matter HOW we do things?

As you would imagine, I AM still talking about my Own Personal Growth as I grow through Africa.  Since EAFC has now moved into "a new generation"  I have had the privilege of being a bridge between the old, tried methods and the adventurous plans of the young.  Not only does personality affect what our visions are and how we implement them, but the culture in which we are raised, the opportunities we have had and the experiences life has afforded us.  Sarah and I work as friends, and we work as explorers, experimenting with ways to manifest and develop our friendship as we serve our God in this work focused on the continent of Africa.

Back to HOW we do things?  Individuals and churches in the U.S. HAVE been involved in missions for a long time.  We have a reputation for having "big hearted".  In seminaries missiologists teach seminarians the history of missions, the tried methods, expose them to innovations.  Books have been written for centuries as we explore how to fulfill Matthew 28:19-20 with the BEST methods.

As I explore EAFC, I've often asked myself whether or not we really WERE unique.  Are we necessary?  Are we just competing?  Could we be folded into larger, respected, established ministries?  Is there a way for like-minded groups to cooperate together?  Am I just being argumentative when I try passionately to explain what I believe are the METHODS we are employing that we believe are BETTER than OTHER methods?

As U.S. Christians interact with future leaders in other parts of the world, often their hearts are warmly turned towards these incredibly mature believers.  One by one, their stories are told, their ways are paid so that they can study, often in the U.S. schools. Many churches and individuals seem to be "going it alone" with little attention given to whether or not our methods are better than the way we've traditionally done things.  EAFC has at times found churches with little interest in exploring any of these questions with us.  They are "rich" churches with resources to do things "their" way.  They already have relationships so learning about other methods just seems to complicate what they have going on.

When we suggest that it might be good to explore working with the African-led churches and working with African-led educational institutions, we often get blank stares from our friends.

So, once again, my friends, I come to you to help me sort out the conundrum in my spirit.  Is our story worth telling?  Do we keep trying to share it with those who will listen?  Is one method really better than another?  Is it just as good to go straight to a quality young person to help and bypass his/her church?  Is insisting on church involvement just a messy piece that keeps us from being efficient?  Thanks for your thoughts!