Missionary Attitude, Evangelism and Conduct
(Part 2 of 3)
(Learning to study, adapt and present Christ in love)
Do Not Argue or Offend
Often times, western missionaries have gone out to the far corners of the world to reach the lost only to find that there has been someone there before them. What the nationals encountered with these tourists or missionaries could have been a positive or negative experience. Likewise, there will be others that follow in behind you.
Unfortunately, one major stereotype that runs throughout the world regarding western civilization individuals is pride and thinking that everyone should do things as they do in the west. (Prov. 13:10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise) Keeping this all in mind, we should be extra careful and humble not to cause offense or to “muddy the waters” for the next witness that comes along. (John 4:37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.) (Ezekiel 34:18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?)
It is our duty to study the culture, history, and at least attempt to learn some of the language, customs and religious beliefs of the people groups to whom we are called to help in order to be a testimony of Christ. Our studies in these people groups and cultures will help us reach them without offending them while on short term mission trips or volunteer trips and projects.
First, we must become the student to be an effective teacher or witness. (2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ) This knowledge is not to be used for arguments, but to aid in understanding the people and present the Good News in the best way possible to them as Paul did. Acts 17:22-24 (NLT) “So Paul, standing before the council,[a] addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples,” Paul did not argue with them but instead used what they already believed and told them about the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Secondly, to avoid offending the people we are wanting to reach for the Lord, we must be culturally sensitive. This can be done by taking some cultural sensitivity training that pertains to the people group you with which you wish to reach or work. (Prov. 18:19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.) First of all, we really need to examine and clean up our own cultural baggage we may be packing when we prepare to leave for cross-cultural ministry. Becoming a long term missionary will take these steps even further and require more adaptation. (Prov. 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Prov. 17:19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; Prov. 18:6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.)
It is OUR responsibility as the guest to not argue or cause offense when crossing into other cultures to evangelize, minister or volunteer. We must learn to be the example of an effective witness for Christ both home and abroad.
Go to these links for more information on:
Short Term Mission Trips or Short Term Volunteer Trips
