Preparations - Jan 2008
Well, exactly a month since I promised it, here is the second half of my blogs on my preparation notes…
I left off last time saying I was a little way into a book called Cross-Cultural Servanthood (Elmer). I finished it this morning, and have to say it is a must-read for anyone involved or thinking about being involved in cross-cultural ministry! Though at times I wonder about Elmer’s use of certain verses, his treatment of social science texts is useful and scholarly; his Biblical bases are sound; and his applications and illustrations helpful. His main thesis is that evangelicals naturally assume superiority (the ‘robe’) when they enter into another culture – something which leads to all sorts of negative repercussions upon local ministries and relationships. Instead he calls Christians to take up the ‘towel’ of servanthood just as Jesus when washing his disciples’ feet. The key to cross-cultural servanthood lies in several virtues that must be constantly refined in the missionary’s life: openness, acceptance, trust, learning, and understanding. Elmer’s treatment of these is fairly comprehensive, lingering on some such as learning and acceptance to ensure that common missionary activities and issues such as language learning, differing styles of ministry, and conflict are given adequate space and examination. Have a read!
I’ve also sent off my second letter to many of you to let you know how things have been going and some ways you can support me. If you haven’t got it and would like to, drop me a line…and if you did get it and don’t want any more, that’s okay too!
Posted: Jan 23, 12:26 AM Category: