The world is indeed a big place. There is so much more outside of America than our mainstream media outlets and entertainment centers actually portray. This planet that we live on consists of vastly different cultures that are composed of beautiful and heart-breaking pieces. All of which mix our world up into a giant sphere of disconnection. Whether it be languages, traditions, or misconceptions, human-kind is divided through cultural differences. This separation has it’s challenges, such as communication and relation, but there is no barrier strong enough or big enough for the power of God. What I believed could have been one of the hardest parts of doing ministry in different cultures, God has used to gain the most glory. So, when it comes to relating the love of Jesus Christ to a people of a foreign nation, it is all done through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Since most nations, cultures, or tribes are different from the ones to their left and to their right, the way we do ministry must adapt to the people. However, the most crucial and important rule to remember when relating the gospel, serving, or ministering to a people group is this: The Word of God never changes, it is always true. Therefore, the message of the gospel will never be different in order to fit in to a certain culture. Paul tells us that if “even we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal 1.8). The saddest example of this happening is in the American church. We see things like a prosperity gospel, or churches that water down the message to attract more people, and to extremes those who pick and chooses what they want to believe and follow out of the Bible. With this, “As we have said before, so now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (1.9). It is of paramount significance that we are always telling the whole truth of God and not just what people will want to hear.
When we are rooted in the Word of God, that is when we can begin to relate to the culture. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul tells us that he became “all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (9.22). This is the model that we must follow when doing ministry in a foreign land. To become like the person, to relate to their needs and wants, and to understand them for who they are is more powerful than coming in as the one who knows how to fix all his/her problems. For example, when I am upset and someone tries to console me, it doesn’t work for the fact that they don’t know how it feels. On the other hand, if this person had been through a similar experience I would be more inclined to listen and respond to their consolation. When we approach cross-cultural ministry, there must first be inside of us a spirit of humility, and then a willingness to become as the person is. On top all all this, the thing with the most weight and power to sustain our ministry, is love. If we go across seas to scream Jesus from the mountain tops and have not love, then we are “noisy gongs and clanging cymbals” (1 Cor 13.1). In any and every ministry, whether it be in foreign lands or home soil, there must inside of us the love of God.
Certainly, though, there is challenges and barriers that prevent the smooth flow of communication and the development of relationships when in another country. However, in my personal experience, I have been able to build amazing connections with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ despite our differences. What has facilitated this is the love that they have for me and the love that I have for them. Likewise, one of the best ways to communicate with one another is through acts of love. So, with everything in ministry, all is possible through love.
God is a good God, and when he calls us to a people or a culture, he is faithful to help us overcome any and every challenge. Wherever we go, whoever we minister to, the Holy Spirit will guide and lead our steps to make waves for the kingdom and bring God the glory, as long as we go in love.
