Key Point # 12: We should assist ethnic believers where it is necessary but always allow them to have ownership of their own passion and ministry.
Have you found a way for church members from two or more cultural backgrounds to serve in harmony? Let’s talk about it. Post your comments below.
Often we think we know best how people in another culture should serve Christ.
Has someone tried to help you when you didn’t need it? Sometimes a person tries to give help that doesn’t fit the need. I know I feel the most successful when someone assures me that I can find the answer and then he praises me for work well done.
I heard a two year old girl say, "I can do it myself if you help me." It is always a better partnership if we help when asked, especially when two or more cultures are involved. I found that my American ways did not always work when trying to help Asians. True, we need to teach the Scriptures but allow a person freedom to trust the Spirit of God to lead."
God’s plan is seen in 1Cor. 12:4 – 7, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
If I insist on my way, especially when I don’t understand all of the conditions, I will rob the other person of his ownership and blessing. This is really hard when I feel time and convenience is at stake.
Let’s take time to hear before expecting to be heard.
The work of God is best done when there is unity in the body of Christ and we proclaim the Word of God without prejudice toward one another or the people we seek to win.
God’s challenge to me is to assist American churches to win the millions of people from other nations. They now live next door. If we respect and encourage them I believe they could send or take the Gospel to their homeland.
Post a comment here.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Can We Respect the Opinions of Other Cultures?
Key Point #11: We should become brothers with people of another ethnicity to such and extent that they will be able to share their views and needs.
Often we detect the attitude; if only he would listen to me we could work together. It is troubling when this response of “do it my way” limits service to God and the cooperative evangelization of people worldwide. No, I am not talking about adjusting clearly defined Bible doctrine. I am talking about methods for reaching the lost in another culture.
My concern here is, how can I build a two way trusting relationship with a person from another culture so he can feel free to share his plan to present Christ? There seems to be two problems. 1. We tend to think; because it works for us it will work for others. 2. People from other cultures may hesitate to openly share their opinions or needs based on their assumption of inferiority. This is especially true if support money is involved.
We should respect the dignity and the insight of others. “Respect” is different than “accept,” or “adapt”.
No one should assume that there is only one way to share the Gospel. After all there are over 6,912 language groups, i.e. cultures around the world. Let’s take time to build an understanding of one another so the other person will feel free to tell us how we can best help them. Don’t let the sin of pride hinder the joint effort of giving the Gospel to the ethnic groups here in America and through them to their “Nation”.
Each of us should prepare for serving together with believers from a different culture by making a practical application of these Biblical exhortations.
1Co 1:10 “ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
“And in the same judgment - γνώμη gnōmē. This word properly denotes science, or knowledge; opinion, or sentiment; and sometimes, as here, the purpose of the mind, or will. The sentiment of the whole is, that in their understandings and their volitions, they should be united and kindly disposed toward each other. … And the proper way to produce union in the church of God, is not to begin by attempting to equalize all intellects…, but to produce supreme love to God, and elevated and pure Christian love to all who bear the image and the name of the Redeemer.” (Albert Barnes)
Rom 12:16 “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
Barnes says a more literal translation might be, “Think of, that is, regard, or seek after the same thing for each other; that is, what you regard or seek for yourself, seek also for your brethren. Do not have divided interests; do not be pursuing different ends and aims; do not indulge counter plans and purposes; and do not seek honors, offices, for yourself which you do not seek for your brethren, so that you may still regard yourselves as brethren on a level, and aim at the same object.”
It is challenging to apply these and other passages. Can we do less and achieve the highest potential?
Don’t hesitate to share your opinions so we can understand one another. Click on the envelope to post a comment.
Often we detect the attitude; if only he would listen to me we could work together. It is troubling when this response of “do it my way” limits service to God and the cooperative evangelization of people worldwide. No, I am not talking about adjusting clearly defined Bible doctrine. I am talking about methods for reaching the lost in another culture.
My concern here is, how can I build a two way trusting relationship with a person from another culture so he can feel free to share his plan to present Christ? There seems to be two problems. 1. We tend to think; because it works for us it will work for others. 2. People from other cultures may hesitate to openly share their opinions or needs based on their assumption of inferiority. This is especially true if support money is involved.
We should respect the dignity and the insight of others. “Respect” is different than “accept,” or “adapt”.
No one should assume that there is only one way to share the Gospel. After all there are over 6,912 language groups, i.e. cultures around the world. Let’s take time to build an understanding of one another so the other person will feel free to tell us how we can best help them. Don’t let the sin of pride hinder the joint effort of giving the Gospel to the ethnic groups here in America and through them to their “Nation”.
Each of us should prepare for serving together with believers from a different culture by making a practical application of these Biblical exhortations.
1Co 1:10 “ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
“And in the same judgment - γνώμη gnōmē. This word properly denotes science, or knowledge; opinion, or sentiment; and sometimes, as here, the purpose of the mind, or will. The sentiment of the whole is, that in their understandings and their volitions, they should be united and kindly disposed toward each other. … And the proper way to produce union in the church of God, is not to begin by attempting to equalize all intellects…, but to produce supreme love to God, and elevated and pure Christian love to all who bear the image and the name of the Redeemer.” (Albert Barnes)
Rom 12:16 “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
Barnes says a more literal translation might be, “Think of, that is, regard, or seek after the same thing for each other; that is, what you regard or seek for yourself, seek also for your brethren. Do not have divided interests; do not be pursuing different ends and aims; do not indulge counter plans and purposes; and do not seek honors, offices, for yourself which you do not seek for your brethren, so that you may still regard yourselves as brethren on a level, and aim at the same object.”
It is challenging to apply these and other passages. Can we do less and achieve the highest potential?
Don’t hesitate to share your opinions so we can understand one another. Click on the envelope to post a comment.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Freedom To Allow God To Lead
Key Point # 10 Some ethnic people may return to their home country but we should not try to program them for that purpose.
Each person is very loyal to his heritage, his culture. In fact you and I are loyal to ours so it should not surprise us that others have a defensive attitude toward theirs.
Most American’s think that a person from another country would never want to return to that way of life. How could anyone want to leave all the conveniences of America? The thing we don’t understand is, for instance, the convenience of talking in the language of our birth. In my short trips oversees I know how helpless I was without a Christian friend there helping me find my way and communicate my ideas and needs.
Based on this many would return home if they could. However, some have come as refugees and would be arrested if they returned. Others feel the responsibility to earn money here and help those they left behind.
My proposition is that we prayerfully help multi ethnic people trust Christ as Savior and disciple them so they can experience the hope found in Christ. Then many may want to return to give the Gospel to their family and friends. Others will do what they can to send the Gospel home. Keep in mind, we must allow God the Holy Spirit to create that passion according to His will.
Most of us have a desire that “All Nations” hear the Gospel. We tend to want to recruit someone we think has potential and then try to program them so they will fill our desires. But, remember Rom. 10:15a, “How shall they preach, except they be sent?” Sent by God that is.
Dr. Jim King, Baptist Bible Seminary, said to me, (when I was assisting three Bible College teachers from Burma to earn D. Min degrees in BBS) “Be careful, some mission agency will want to take them on as their missionary with support. Then when they return home they would be treated as an American worker instead of one of the nationals, accepted by nationals.”
Let’s give a new emphasis to evangelism among the diverse ethnic population around us. They need Christ. We are obligated to share our faith with those God has put within our reach. If we do our part then God can lead people of another color or culture to do evangelism where we can’t go. If a person has the Bible and the Holy Spirit to teach and guide them, then they should be able to serve God. In fact we should cheer them and become their helpers rather than the manager.
Join in the discussion by leaving a comment. Three more Key Points coming. I want to show the logic of E-tem’s purpose with these 13 Key Talking points.
Each person is very loyal to his heritage, his culture. In fact you and I are loyal to ours so it should not surprise us that others have a defensive attitude toward theirs.
Most American’s think that a person from another country would never want to return to that way of life. How could anyone want to leave all the conveniences of America? The thing we don’t understand is, for instance, the convenience of talking in the language of our birth. In my short trips oversees I know how helpless I was without a Christian friend there helping me find my way and communicate my ideas and needs.
Based on this many would return home if they could. However, some have come as refugees and would be arrested if they returned. Others feel the responsibility to earn money here and help those they left behind.
My proposition is that we prayerfully help multi ethnic people trust Christ as Savior and disciple them so they can experience the hope found in Christ. Then many may want to return to give the Gospel to their family and friends. Others will do what they can to send the Gospel home. Keep in mind, we must allow God the Holy Spirit to create that passion according to His will.
Most of us have a desire that “All Nations” hear the Gospel. We tend to want to recruit someone we think has potential and then try to program them so they will fill our desires. But, remember Rom. 10:15a, “How shall they preach, except they be sent?” Sent by God that is.
Dr. Jim King, Baptist Bible Seminary, said to me, (when I was assisting three Bible College teachers from Burma to earn D. Min degrees in BBS) “Be careful, some mission agency will want to take them on as their missionary with support. Then when they return home they would be treated as an American worker instead of one of the nationals, accepted by nationals.”
Let’s give a new emphasis to evangelism among the diverse ethnic population around us. They need Christ. We are obligated to share our faith with those God has put within our reach. If we do our part then God can lead people of another color or culture to do evangelism where we can’t go. If a person has the Bible and the Holy Spirit to teach and guide them, then they should be able to serve God. In fact we should cheer them and become their helpers rather than the manager.
Join in the discussion by leaving a comment. Three more Key Points coming. I want to show the logic of E-tem’s purpose with these 13 Key Talking points.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Bold Messengers Are Available
Key Point # 9
People from other nations can find ways to send the Gospel even where it is dangerous for them to return to their homeland.
People from other cultures and political systems have learned many survival and defensive skills from living in countries of oppression and economic poverty. I have watched as I traveled in 8 countries. I have also been very closely related to several leaders who come from a very restricted nation. In fact some I know have lived under a leader who is listed number 2 to 4 worst dictator on human rights.
Christians coming from these conditions have learned to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Mat. 10:16b. Christ said in the beginning of this verse, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.” People under oppression and persecution have a clear sense of what to live or die for. If Christ is their Hope He is greater than their fear of the king or death.
They learn skills for proclaiming and defending their basic beliefs and culture. Based on this they can find ways to send the Gospel even where it is dangerous for them to return to their homeland. One man I know has gone on short trips to his homeland to assist believers and help with evangelism, even at great risk.
True other ethnic people want to learn many things from us but as American’s, let’s accept the gifts and abilities God has given to them. Don’t let American arrogance get in the way of giving them respect and maybe the leadership.
But what about the millions of immigrants who do not know Christ as Savior? They are living next to us. We need to pray for love and opportunity to share the Good News with them. Pastor Rob Elkington. Whitby, Ont. replied to my blog post last week, “Once they know the Lord, are settled in a church home, and feel loved and a part of the family of God in their local church, they will eagerly work with the church body to reach their homeland in ways we could never imagine.” He has seen this happen in his intentionally multi ethnic church.
Let’s do all we can to refocus our traditional ways of church and ‘missions over there’ in order to love and win the people God loves and that Christ died who are from The Nations around the world. They also live in our community.
More on my Key Talking Points next week. Please comment so we can all share in this discussion.
People from other nations can find ways to send the Gospel even where it is dangerous for them to return to their homeland.
People from other cultures and political systems have learned many survival and defensive skills from living in countries of oppression and economic poverty. I have watched as I traveled in 8 countries. I have also been very closely related to several leaders who come from a very restricted nation. In fact some I know have lived under a leader who is listed number 2 to 4 worst dictator on human rights.
Christians coming from these conditions have learned to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Mat. 10:16b. Christ said in the beginning of this verse, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.” People under oppression and persecution have a clear sense of what to live or die for. If Christ is their Hope He is greater than their fear of the king or death.
They learn skills for proclaiming and defending their basic beliefs and culture. Based on this they can find ways to send the Gospel even where it is dangerous for them to return to their homeland. One man I know has gone on short trips to his homeland to assist believers and help with evangelism, even at great risk.
True other ethnic people want to learn many things from us but as American’s, let’s accept the gifts and abilities God has given to them. Don’t let American arrogance get in the way of giving them respect and maybe the leadership.
But what about the millions of immigrants who do not know Christ as Savior? They are living next to us. We need to pray for love and opportunity to share the Good News with them. Pastor Rob Elkington. Whitby, Ont. replied to my blog post last week, “Once they know the Lord, are settled in a church home, and feel loved and a part of the family of God in their local church, they will eagerly work with the church body to reach their homeland in ways we could never imagine.” He has seen this happen in his intentionally multi ethnic church.
Let’s do all we can to refocus our traditional ways of church and ‘missions over there’ in order to love and win the people God loves and that Christ died who are from The Nations around the world. They also live in our community.
More on my Key Talking Points next week. Please comment so we can all share in this discussion.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ethnic People Communicate Better
Key Talking Point # 8 Ethnic people have the best insight into how to communicate the message to their own ethnic group.
It was very humbling to me when I first met the Kachin believers in Burma. They had no contact with American missionaries for 35 years but when I met them they had formed a new Bible based association and opened a Bible College. They were doing things that surprised this American but then I realized they had Bible and submitted to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their own culture.
Often you detect an attitude, at least subconsciously, that if it is to be done right American’s have to do it or instruct the national. I realized that any believer who has the Bible and the Holy Spirit can:
a. see the spiritual challenge,
b. determine a way to meet the challenge
c. and experience personal blessing because they allowed God to do it through them.
Internationals that bring their native culture to America:
· Know the language
· Know the culture
· Are aware of the economic standards
· Understand the religion and opposition
· Can discover ways to communicate with the homeland
We who accept the call of foreign missions work hard to adapt to all of this but think how natural it is for some one who comes from that culture.
If you invest your passion into this gold mine you would allow God to demonstrate His grace on the nations. We need to recognize the “gold mine” that God opened; that is people from other cultures locating in our land. This is an opportunity to win them to Christ and allow them to find ways to send or take the Gospel to people of their homeland.
Recognize the opportunity. Allow God to help you mine the gold and give freedom for the “gold” to cast its influence on the world.
I welcome your comments. Click on the small envelope below and post your thoughts.
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