Stubborn Perseverance

Robby Butler

In late 1979 Robby was studying Russian and computer programming, preparing to be a “tentmaker” behind the Iron Curtain. Then he learned the missionary task is near completion, and sensed God’s leading to join the U.S. Center for World Mission (USCWM, now Frontier Ventures). He graduated with honors from Caltech a few months later.

In his twenty-four years with the USCWM, Robby served first in the computer department, then as personal assistant to Ralph Winter, and finally as personnel director. During this time Robby was also privileged to serve Donald McGavran of the Fuller Seminary School of World Mission, Thomas Wang of the Lausanne Movement, and Luis Bush in the AD2000 Movement.

In 2004 Robby founded Mission Network, a service agency to link Christ’s body with proven insights for multiplied effectiveness in advancing God’s Kingdom. In this context Robby’s primary focus is discovering, distilling and distributing new insights God is giving His body toward greater fruitfulness to complete the Great Commission.

Since 2010 Robby has written numerous articles for Mission Frontiers and served occasionally as guest editor, especially in reporting on efforts to launch movements among unreached peoples groups. Robby also played a central role in refining and publishing Steve Smith’s No Place Left saga.

Robby’s continuing focus is researching, distilling, publishing and promoting materials and methods to better equip Christ’s body in full-scale pursuit of movements among every people group.

In this pursuit Robby is stirred by widespread evidence that God is orchestrating a revolution among “sending-base” churches:

  • from ministering primarily to their own members while seeking to draw others into their own fellowship,

  • to equipping their members to pursue God for movements at home and abroad.

Robby is now serving as facilitator for Movement Network: a global discussion to accelerate movements.

Robby lives in Mount Vernon, WA with his wife Jackie, and their three children: J, D and W.