We are charged as Christians to face the challenges of our times head-on. We need churches that have cultural relevance and dare to go beyond their comfort zones in order to affect lasting change within their local communities and beyond. As we do so, I am convinced we must keep in mind three things.
1. Practice humility
It is easy for those who have wealth or privilege to believe that they come to the communal table with answers. We must harness our false sense of superiority and practice humility when approaching other cultures. Each person has the God-given autonomy to be the leader of her or his own life. When engaging cross-culturally we must come as a support, humbly learning from our neighbor.
Esteemed missiologist Lesslie Newbigin in his book The Gospel in a Pluralist Society expressed that when engaging another religion or culture we should take off our shoes, for the ground on which we stand is holy. A deeper read of Newbigin reveals that he staunchly believed in Christianity as fact, and as such rendering all other religions as false. Even with such decisive convictions, he still regarded the “other” with utmost regard and genuine love. When we approach other cultures we do so as students, not as experts.
2. Provide for immediate needs
No one wants to hear what we have to say until they know our motives are genuine. This comes through meeting people’s immediate needs. Please note that, whether rich or poor, everyone has needs.
When conducting outreach in larger cities like Pittsburgh or in small towns like Warren, Latrobe, or Kittanning, Pa., we have to focus on meeting their immediate needs. The needs may be an after school program, career mentorship, financial seminars, homework help, daycare centers, free public meals, a food bank, a community center, job training programs, etc. Once people see we are genuinely invested, then they may trust us to speak into their souls.
3. Tell your testimony
I will never forget traveling throughout South East Asia visiting Sikh temples, Buddhist temples, and Muslim mosques. I was so utterly humbled by the impeccable display of servitude, devotion, and faithfulness I witnessed. In my post-trip debrief with a mentor I confessed how inadequate my own Christian service seemed in comparison to my new friends. How could I tell them about Christianity being fact when I was so awestruck by their personal devotion. My wise mentor shared with me a truth I will share with you. There is power in your testimony!
No one can ever refute or deny that which Christ has done in your life. I personally know God as a healer, deliverer, provider, forgiver, and so much more. My life testimony of Christ is fact. Because the power of God’s love and grace in my life has been so amazing, I cannot help but share God with others. We each have a testimony. It is our most powerful expression of the gospel message.
In a day and age when it is so easy to live an isolated life, presumably unaffected by the challenges of the people around us, may we step past our comfort zones and cultural safety nets and live out the gospel in the world around us as did our brother Christ.
Kimberly Merrell, an MDiv alumna of Pittsburgh Seminary, is the director of the Metro-Urban Institute at PTS.