One-Verse Evangelism to the delight of the participants.15This greatly enhanced their excitement and desire to use this method.
This session concluded with the following assignments for the participants: (1) view the video clips on their own computer, (2) practice it with their respective spouse, or family members, and (3) practice with their respective partner according to their
availability. I reminded them that cross-cultural evangelism is engaging in spiritual warfare that requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Learning to share the gospel is cooperating with the Holy Spirit by allowing him to work in us and through us. The session closed with my prayer asking specifically for God to bless each one as they started to practice presenting the gospel with the One-Verse Evangelism method.
Cross-Cultural Evangelism
We focused the next sessions on the three racial components of the International Bible Church: Anglos, African Americans, and Filipinos. The intention of these sessions was to educate participants on the historical, cultural, and religious background of others within the church. With these cultural characteristics in mind, the participants learned to be sensitive and respectful to other people’s cultural and religious backgrounds, and to tactfully establish rapport and relationship with them. The ultimate objective was to help them learn to contextualize their evangelism according to the culture and religion of a prospect.
Session 7: Cross-Cultural Evangelism
insights and suggestions on how to implement our projects. I explained to him about my project and asked him to lead the session on cross-cultural evangelism among the Anglo people.
Parr led the session on April 15, 2012 (see Appendix 7). He began by giving an overview of Anglo cultural traits. Parr claimed that Anglos are competitive and goal- oriented in their professions and straight forward in communication. He noted that since Anglos are in the majority, they do not have any problem being assimilated into the culture. Parr pointed out, however, that their population is declining. But they are receptive to people of different cultures and religious background.17
Parr went on to explain that a person who wants to share the gospel to Anglos ought not to assume that they have a clear understanding of the gospel. Instead, the prospect should be encouraged to speak and learn about his general understanding of what it takes to be saved. Parr further observed that it would always help to establish mutual friendship. Another key element is to always be available to help in times of crisis.
This would enhance the ability to establish friendships. He closed the session with a reminder that “the brevity and uncertainty of life would cause the Anglos to evaluate their priorities. The messenger would do well to befrank and yet friendly in his approach.”18 Session 8: Cross-Cultural Evangelism
among African Americans
Kenneth Ellis of the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, Georgia was recommended to me by Parr to discuss evangelism among African Americans.19 The Cross-Cultural Evangelism Seminar, International Bible Church, 15 June 2012).
17Ibid.
18Jim Henderson, Evangelism without Additives (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2007), 136-39.
19Kenneth Ellis,“Ministry That Changes Lives” (lecture delivered during Cross-Cultural Evangelism Seminar, International Bible Church, 22 June 2012)
session occurred on April 22, 2012 (see Appendix 8). He first challenged the participants to be involved in evangelism. He pointed out that evangelism is not an option, but a mandate for the church. Ellis admonished the participants to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. To be effective, Jesus must be the model for lifestyle. Christians must live out the message they proclaim with a transformed lifestyle. People look ona Christian’sway of life, more than they listen to the message. Ellis also underscored the power of prayer in evangelism—to pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten and convict the prospect.
Ellis called the attention of the participants to the way Jesus did cross-cultural evangelism. Jesus took time to understand his audience. He adapted his approach to their culture and understanding. He recognized the felt needs of the people and then moved on to their real underlying needs. The Messiah shared the word of God with understanding, love, and compassion, without compromising the truth. Ellis enumerated and discussed some of the felt needs of African Americans as he shared contemporary issues that people of this ethnic background are facing today20: (1) racism and discrimination, (2) health and healthcare access, (3) the criminal justice system, and (4) wealth and business
development.
At the end of theEllis’spresentation, I took over and concluded the session with closing remarks about African Americans. I pointed out that in spite of the dark past of African Americans’ ancestors, the present generation had made strides to aspire in their lives including their relationship with their Creator. The messenger of the gospel would do well to be sensitive to their past. He should be compassionate and understanding toward their attitude and spirit as he presents the gospel message.
20“Contemporary Issues Facing African Americans” [on-line]; accessed 8 March 2012; available from http://www.iasb.uscourts.gov/Communithy/section5b.pdf.
Internet.
Session 9: Cross-Cultural Evangelism