General principles for cross culture ministry

Cross culture ministry or ministering to those in a culture different from your own comes with certain difficulties. It can be intimidating. After all, you’re “an outsider.” As much as you try to blend, you will always be that. And that’s ok. It’s been said that the gospel never spread to any new culture accept through the hands of an outsider. Somehow, somewhere, someone must’ve received the message from someone not from their culture. Why did they succeed? Well certainly through the power of the Holy Spirit. That goes without saying. However, it was also probably through a person like Paul who said, “19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings..” (1Cor. 9:19-23) Translation? He blended. He became like them in different ways so that they would better receive him. So that they would listen. He spoke their language. He used metaphors they were familiar with. He got a job that provided a product they would want. Basically, he humbled himself. He did what he could to remove every obstacle to the gospel. That showed great love.

Sharing the gospel cross culturally takes great love because as stated earlier, it can be intimidating. But perfect love casts out fear (1Jn. 4:18). Has God called you to focus your ministry on a culture different from your own? How far are you willing to go? Are you willing to give up your customs, favorite foods, clothing, rights and privileges and embrace theirs? Are you willing to look at certain aspects of their culture with an open mind and be able to say, “that’s not wrong, it’s just different”? Certainly, there will be things that run contrary to the Bible and are wrong but after all, that’s why your there right?

What are some quick tips? Here are some questions to ask yourself. It’s important to know these things as they will give you inroads or opportunities to share the gospel in clear and relevant ways.

1. Observe the customs of the culture. What do they value? What do they talk about? What are they passionate for? What’s the general family dynamic? Is it maternal or paternal? Do they have a wide network of friends or is it fairly small and exclusive? Then, become those things. Appreciate them. Value them.

2. Be humble. Don’t come in with the attitude of being their savior. You do have the most important message they will ever hear in your heart but in most cases it will take time to earn a hearing. This is especially true for those of us from western, industrially developed cultures ministering to those that aren’t. We, without even realizing it, can often take a posture of superiority. Come alongside them. Brennan Manning said something to the effect of, “I’m just a thirsty man telling others where I found water.” We don’t have it all together. Our need personally for the gospel today is as great as it was the day we first heard it. You’ll need to remind yourself of that regularly.

Whether God calls you to minister across the seas or across the tracks ministering cross culturally will stretch you. You’ll be reminded again and again that you don’t belong but then again, we are aliens anywhere we go. This planet is not our home. Ministering cross culturally can be a blessing that way. It will help keep you from clinging tightly to the things of this world and instead, storing up your treasure in heaven.