The Shrewd Strategist, A Philosopher Subtype

“For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” — Proverbs 24:6

When men wage war, like the challenge of building a house (The Order Maker), wise strategy must be employed. A builder needs the architectural plans, so a soldier needs the battle strategy. The work of missions is a war. We need wise counsel. We need the Shrewd Strategist.

Formed in analytical focus and a robust clarity of vision, the Shrewd Strategist is a force to contend with. He excels at taking the complex and distilling it into the practical. Goal oriented, he charts practical, achievable courses to accomplish those goals. He doesn’t shy away from adversity. “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” (Mike Tyson) He rolls with the punches, pivots, and keeps fighting.

Stateside the Shrewd Strategist can be found working as business consultants, marketing strategists, product managers, urban planners, systems engineers, and much more. Oversees, he also performs a key role. He is the military general to the Simple Evangelist’s frontline soldier, the leader who presses inland from the Path Carver’s beach head landing. The work of God’s Kingdom demands people to overcome a variety of challenges. How do we engage this people or community? How do we gain access to a new country, city, or neighborhood? How do we simultaneously engage in outreach, train up new arrivals to the team, and do all the dozens of other varied activities of life overseas?

The work of missions will not be won easily; that makes the imminent victory all the more satisfying. So plan deeply and prepare fiercely. Break down strongholds and build the Kingdom of God.