Approaching the Mission of God Through Cultural Knowledge

The mission of God, or the “Missio Dei,” calls believers to actively participate in His global work by sharing His love, truth, and justice with the world. In the context of the church, this mission transcends cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries, challenging Christians to engage with people from all walks of life. Acquiring cultural knowledge is an essential part of this calling. It involves intentionally examining one’s own cultural assumptions, exploring diverse viewpoints, gathering cultural information, and fostering creativity and problem-solving through dialogue. Through these actions, Christians can better understand how God’s truth intersects with and speaks to the many diverse cultures and contexts found in the world. The following five approaches offer a biblical framework for relating cultural knowledge to God’s mission. Each approach provides ways to develop a deeper understanding of other cultures, challenge one’s own biases, and foster mutual respect and creativity in the pursuit of God’s kingdom.

1. Humility in Learning from Others

Humility is the cornerstone of any meaningful engagement with people from different cultural backgrounds. When Christians approach others with humility, they acknowledge that their own cultural perspective is not the only valid or authoritative one. Humility allows for openness to learning from others without judgment or preconceived notions. It is an attitude of respect that seeks to understand the lived experiences, beliefs, and practices of others. This approach enables Christians to challenge their own assumptions and biases and opens the door for greater empathy and cross-cultural understanding.

Biblical Illustration
The Apostle Paul’s ministry in Athens provides a powerful example of humility in learning from others. In Acts 17, Paul encounters a city filled with idols, and he does not immediately condemn the Athenians for their idolatry. Instead, Paul engages with their ideas by quoting their own poets and showing an understanding of their religious beliefs. By presenting the gospel in a way that resonates with the cultural context of his listeners, Paul models how Christians should humbly engage with other cultures without dismissing their worth or insights. His approach demonstrates that humility and respect are essential for sharing the gospel in a way that is culturally relevant.

Application

• Foster Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
  In your workplace, you may encounter colleagues who come from cultural backgrounds vastly different from your own. Rather than immediately offering solutions or dismissing their viewpoints, take time to listen and learn from them. If a coworker has a different work style or communication preference, instead of labeling it as “incorrect,” inquire about the reasons behind it. This humility to learn from others fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, opening doors to richer relationships and understanding in the workplace. Moreover, it enables you to be more considerate and sensitive in your interactions, reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways.
  
• Appreciate Diversity Within the Body of Christ
  In a church setting, humility can help members appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ. For instance, a pastor might invite a guest speaker from a different cultural background to share their experiences of faith. By being open to learning from others, church members can better understand the variety of ways in which people experience God’s grace and mission. This approach not only enriches the church’s collective understanding of God’s global mission but also deepens the relationships within the congregation, reminding everyone that Christ’s love transcends cultural differences.

2. Embracing Cultural Curiosity

Embracing cultural curiosity involves a genuine desire to understand the cultural practices, values, and worldviews of others. Rather than assuming that one’s own culture holds the exclusive key to truth, this approach fosters a willingness to explore and appreciate the differences in the way people live, think, and believe. Cultural curiosity goes beyond surface-level interactions; it involves asking insightful questions, listening attentively, and seeking to comprehend the deeper motivations and traditions that shape people’s lives. When Christians embrace cultural curiosity, they are better equipped to share the gospel in ways that are both respectful and impactful.

Biblical Illustration
Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 is a powerful example of cultural curiosity. Despite the cultural hostility between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus engages the woman in a respectful conversation, asking her for a drink and exploring her personal life. He doesn’t simply impose religious truth on her but seeks to understand her background and address her specific needs. Jesus’ willingness to break cultural norms and engage the Samaritan woman reflects the curiosity that Christians should have when encountering others from different cultural contexts. His approach invites dialogue, fosters understanding, and opens the door for transformation.

Application

• Discover Cultural Practices and Beliefs of Others
  In a multicultural community, you may find yourself surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds. Rather than making assumptions or staying in your cultural comfort zone, take the time to ask questions and learn about their cultural practices and beliefs. For example, if a neighbor practices a different religion, ask about their traditions or holidays. This cultural curiosity not only fosters deeper relationships but also helps you appreciate the richness and complexity of God’s creation. Through this approach, you may find that God’s message is already at work in ways you did not expect, and you can share His love in more relevant and personal ways.
• Foster Conversations with Those Who are Culturally Different
  If you travel abroad or engage with international students in your area, make it a point to learn about their customs and perspectives. Whether you are visiting a foreign country or hosting someone from another culture, take the time to ask about their history, values, and social practices. Your curiosity can bridge gaps and build trust, offering an opportunity to present the gospel in a culturally sensitive manner. For instance, if you’re invited into someone’s home, respectfully inquire about their family’s traditions, and use those conversations to reflect the love of Christ in ways that resonate with their experiences.

3. Reflecting on Cultural Presuppositions

Reflecting on one’s cultural presuppositions involves examining the ways in which our cultural background shapes our understanding of the world and influences our faith. This process requires an honest self-examination of the assumptions and biases we hold, often unconsciously, about other cultures. By reflecting on these presuppositions, Christians can identify areas where they may be inadvertently imposing their own cultural norms onto the gospel. This practice also helps to reveal potential syncretism—when cultural practices are blended with the gospel in ways that distort its message. Reflecting on one’s cultural assumptions allows for a clearer, more authentic engagement with God’s mission.

Biblical Illustration
In Galatians 2, the Apostle Paul confronts Peter for his actions of segregating Gentile believers from Jewish Christians. Peter’s cultural assumptions about purity and separation were influencing his interactions with Gentiles, undermining the unity of the church. Paul challenges Peter to reconsider his biases, pointing to the gospel’s message of unity and inclusion. This confrontation highlights the need for Christians to constantly examine their cultural prejudices and be willing to let go of anything that conflicts with the gospel’s inclusive message. Paul’s rebuke emphasizes the importance of avoiding syncretism and cultural elitism in the church.

Application

• Reflect on Your Own Cultural Lens
  When discussing faith or social issues, it is crucial to reflect on how your cultural lens might influence your views. For instance, if you hold certain political or social views that are shaped by your culture, take time to consider how these beliefs align with biblical principles. Ask yourself whether your opinions are based on cultural traditions or the gospel’s transformative power. This reflection can help you engage with others in a more humble and open-minded way, acknowledging that your perspective is not the only valid one and being open to learning from others.
• Evaluate Monocultural Church Practices
  If you are part of a church that predominantly represents one cultural group, it’s essential to examine how the cultural practices of the church might be influencing the way the gospel is preached and practiced. For example, worship styles, preaching methods, and community events may reflect cultural preferences rather than the diverse needs of the global body of Christ. By reflecting on these practices, church leaders and members can identify areas where they might be unintentionally excluding or misrepresenting the gospel’s universal message.

4. Promoting Problem-Solving and Creativity

When faced with challenges, promoting problem-solving and creativity involves encouraging the expression of diverse perspectives. This approach values the insights and contributions of all individuals, recognizing that innovation and effective solutions often come from integrating different viewpoints. By fostering an environment where people from diverse cultural backgrounds feel free to share their ideas, Christians can cultivate creativity that addresses problems in more holistic and inclusive ways. This process reflects the body of Christ, where each member brings a unique gift to the table, enhancing the collective mission.

Biblical Illustration
In Acts 6, when the early church faced a practical challenge in distributing food to widows, the apostles did not try to resolve the problem on their own. Instead, they called together the believers and sought their input, leading to the appointment of seven deacons. This collaborative approach allowed the church to address the issue creatively and effectively while promoting unity and inclusivity. The solution was not the result of one person’s idea but a collective effort, reflecting the value of diverse contributions in solving problems.

Application

• Encourage Collaboration in the Workplace
  In your workplace, encourage colleagues from diverse backgrounds to contribute their ideas when tackling a new project. For example, if you’re working on a marketing campaign, seek input from people with different cultural insights to ensure that the message resonates with a broader audience. By promoting creativity through diverse perspectives, you can develop solutions that are more innovative, relevant, and effective.
• Encourage Collaborative Evaluation in Christian Organizations
  In a church or community service setting, if a program isn’t meeting its goals, involve people from various cultural backgrounds in brainstorming sessions to find new solutions. This collaborative effort can reveal creative ideas that may not have been considered within one cultural framework. By promoting problem-solving through diverse perspectives, you are modeling the inclusivity of God’s kingdom and advancing the mission of God in ways that honor all cultures.

5. Building Cross-Cultural Bridges

Building cross-cultural bridges involves actively creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and work together. This approach emphasizes the importance of relationships in advancing the mission of God. Rather than viewing cultural differences as barriers, Christians are called to see them as opportunities for collaboration, mutual learning, and sharing the gospel. By building these bridges, Christians can promote unity and peace, modeling the reconciliation that Christ offers to all people, regardless of cultural or ethnic background.

Biblical Illustration
Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks powerfully of how Jesus has broken down the walls of hostility between Jews and Gentiles. Through His sacrifice, Christ has created one new humanity, reconciled to God and to one another. This reconciliation is the foundation of building cross-cultural bridges within the body of Christ, where all people, regardless of their cultural background, can come together in unity and worship.

Application

• Foster Relationships Between Different Cultural Groups
  In your local community, consider ways to foster relationships between different cultural groups. For example, if your church has members from diverse ethnic backgrounds, create opportunities for joint worship services, shared meals, or community events. These gatherings help bridge cultural divides and strengthen the church’s witness to the world as a place where reconciliation and unity are celebrated in Christ.
• Intentionally Learn a Different Language, Customs and Values
  If you’re involved in an international mission trip or cross-cultural ministry, actively engage with local communities and work alongside them to address their needs. Be intentional about learning their language, customs, and values, and share the gospel in ways that respect their culture. Building these cross-cultural bridges demonstrates Christ’s love and fosters long-lasting relationships that continue to bear fruit in God’s mission.

Conclusion

Acquiring cultural knowledge is a vital aspect of living out the mission of God. By challenging our assumptions, listening to others’ perspectives, and fostering creative problem-solving, we are better equipped to engage with the diverse cultures and contexts in which we live and minister. The five approaches outlined above—humility in learning, embracing cultural curiosity, reflecting on cultural presuppositions, promoting creativity, and building cross-cultural bridges—serve as practical ways to deepen our understanding of God’s global mission. Engaging with cultural diversity not only enriches our faith but also allows us to demonstrate Christ’s inclusive love in tangible ways, ultimately contributing to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for the world.

Curt Watke, PhD

Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice.  Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.