crossing cultures
culture is god's idea.
1. from as early as the book of genesis, god scattered nations over all the earth. each comprised ethnic groups with their own families and tribes, occupied their own territories and spoke their own languages.
2. according to paul (acts 17), god did this in order that they would seek him.
3. christ's great commission is a command to make disciples of all nations.
4. in the book of revelation, we read about the redeemed from every tribe, language, people and nation coming before god in the holy city to live with him.
crossing cultures is hence very much of carrying out the great commission and cross-cultural workers have to go from one culture to another to "carry" and make known the gospel.
culture - definition :
the integrated system of a people, their language, habits, customs, social organisation, things that give them an identity and distinction...
there are obvious and visible elements and some less obvious and not talked about elements too. it includes how people communicate, how they relate, their expectations of others, how close one may draw to the other, etc. communicating across culture would require an understanding of the formal and informal patterns of behaviour involved like how to greet each other, what is proper and improper behaviour.
the heart of a culture is its "world view" - the beliefs and values of its people. this determines their views of god, of themselves and of their meaning in life. a cross-cultural messenger would have to "learn" the world view of the people they hope to win, "adapt" their message to make it meaningful for them to relate to.
example of a great cross-cultural messenger : paul. at athens, a city full of idols, he began his message by alluding to the athenians' religious way of life and to their objects of worship, especially to their altar "to an unknown god". he then declared who god is by referring him as the creator, the lord of heaven and earth, the giver of life, who does not live in man-made temples. as he quoted and affirmed what some of the athenians' philosophers said, he brought in the gospel and offers them the truth.
paul's strategy showed he was sensitive to the athenians' culture. he realised that they were a people bound by culture and shaped by their backgrounds. he recognised that there is only one gospel, but it would have different manifestations or forms to gentile believers. he emphasized and shared on the truth of the gospel.
it is therefore necessary for a cross-cultural messenger to have a firm grasp of the scriptures and its essential truths. hence it would be good if the preparation of this person involves a period of study at a bible college or institution. and of course - sustained and fervent prayer - for god to confirm the "calling".
