He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease (1)

This article examines the crucial transition phase in missionary work, using John the Baptist's example (John 3:30) to illustrate how established mission churches should mature into independent, sister-church relationships with their founding churches. Smit argues that this transition—where local church leadership assumes full ecclesiastical duties and missionary presence diminishes—is not only expected but essential for healthy, sustainable mission work, as exemplified in the PRCA's Philippine missions and the apostle Paul's labors.