Participating in the Mission of God By Evaluating Cultural Distance

In the mission of God, crossing cultural boundaries is essential for sharing the gospel and building relationships across diverse sociocultural settings. As individuals from different cultures interact, understanding the concept of “cultural distance” becomes vital for fostering meaningful connections. Cultural distance, as defined by social psychologist Harry C. Triandis, refers to the variations in language, family structure, religion, wealth, lifestyle, and values that exist between individuals or groups. These differences can create barriers in relationships, making it essential for missionizers to develop strategies for bridging these gaps.

Social psychology offers valuable insights into how cultural distance affects human interactions and provides practical approaches for reducing these barriers. By applying concepts such as empathy, social identity, contact hypothesis, cognitive dissonance, and social learning, Christians can better evaluate and address cultural differences in ways that promote understanding, unity, and mutual respect. Moreover, these strategies can be grounded in biblical principles, allowing believers to engage in the mission of God with grace, humility, and a heart for intercultural relationships.

Below are five key approaches to relating a biblical view of God’s mission to evaluating cultural distance. Each approach is derived from social psychology concepts that align with biblical teaching and includes practical applications that can be implemented in everyday life. By integrating these strategies into their mission, believers can more effectively build relational bridges across cultural divides and fulfill God’s call to reach all nations with the gospel.

1. Develop Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, while perspective-taking involves adopting another person’s point of view in order to understand their experiences more fully. These concepts are crucial when interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds because they allow us to see the world through their eyes. Empathy and perspective-taking help mitigate cultural distance by fostering emotional connection and mutual understanding. In the context of the mission of God, it allows believers to engage deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, addressing not just intellectual but also emotional and spiritual needs. This approach challenges individuals to look beyond surface-level differences, such as language or customs, and to understand the lived experiences, struggles, and values of others.

Biblical Illustration
In this John 4:7-9, Jesus crosses both cultural and social boundaries to engage with a Samaritan woman, a group that Jews traditionally despised. Despite the prevailing animosity between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus shows remarkable empathy by initiating a conversation with her. He asks for a drink, which was highly unconventional, as Jews would normally avoid such interactions. Jesus listens to her story, not merely as a conversation starter but with the genuine intent to understand her life’s struggles and offer healing. This encounter highlights perspective-taking concept on multiple levels: Jesus not only understands the woman’s immediate need for physical water but also perceives her deeper spiritual need. He does not judge her for her past or her circumstances, but instead, He speaks to her with compassion, inviting her to a new reality. Jesus’ willingness to engage with someone from a group considered “other” reveals the heart of God for breaking down societal divides and demonstrating empathy that transcends cultural distance.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Intentional Listening and Engagement
  In your daily interactions, make a conscious effort to listen actively and empathetically to people from different cultures. This means not only hearing their words but also understanding their emotional context and life experiences. Ask open-ended questions such as, “How does your culture view this issue?” or “What has your experience been like growing up in this environment?” This allows you to appreciate their worldview and shows respect for their unique perspectives. By understanding the emotional experiences behind their words, you help bridge the gap of cultural distance.
• Practicing Cultural Sensitivity in Difficult Conversations
  When discussions arise about sensitive topics—such as race, religion, or political differences—engage with patience and humility. Instead of assuming that others see the world the way you do, take time to pause and reflect on how their cultural background might influence their views. For example, when discussing religion or customs with someone from another culture, acknowledge the importance of their beliefs, and offer your perspective without judgment. This helps create a safe space where differences can be explored respectfully, allowing empathy to break down barriers.

2. Observe In-Group and Out-Group Dynamics

Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, explains how individuals derive a sense of identity from the groups to which they belong. This theory highlights the tendency of people to favor their in-group (those who share similar characteristics or identities) and create distinctions between themselves and out-groups (those who are perceived as different). When these group distinctions are emphasized, they can lead to prejudice, stereotypes, and division. Recognizing in-group and out-group dynamics is important in cross-cultural mission because it helps believers understand why certain groups may feel alienated or marginalized. It also helps in identifying areas where division exists and where relational bridges need to be built.

Biblical Illustration
In Ephesians 2:14-16, Paul explains that Christ’s work on the cross reconciled the Jews and Gentiles, two groups with stark cultural and religious differences. The phrase “He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14) refers to the literal and symbolic walls between these two communities. The Jews saw themselves as God’s chosen people, while Gentiles were considered outsiders. This distinction created a clear in-group (Jews) and out-group (Gentiles) dynamic. Paul emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrifice removed these barriers, creating “one new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15). This act of reconciliation shows that in God’s kingdom, there is no longer any division based on cultural, racial, or ethnic backgrounds. The idea of a shared identity in Christ, transcending cultural divides, is foundational to the biblical understanding of the church as a unified body. The work of Christ transforms individuals’ identities from being primarily defined by culture, ethnicity, or background to being defined by their new identity in Christ. By breaking down these social distinctions, Jesus shows that God’s mission is one of unity, inviting people from all backgrounds to share in the promises of God, regardless of their past cultural affiliations. Through the gospel, believers are invited into a shared identity that transcends cultural boundaries.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Building Cross-Cultural Friendships
  To combat the natural tendency to favor those in our “in-group,” intentionally seek out relationships with people from different backgrounds. This might involve joining multicultural groups or teams, volunteering in diverse communities, or attending cultural events. The key is to view individuals from other cultures not as “outsiders” but as equals, co-laborers in the mission of God. Over time, these relationships will challenge in-group biases and deepen mutual respect and understanding.
• Fostering Inclusion in Your Social Circles
  In both professional and social environments, take steps to ensure that individuals from different cultural backgrounds feel included. This might involve consciously reaching out to those who may feel marginalized or making sure that diverse voices are heard in group discussions. For example, in team meetings or social gatherings, invite individuals from various backgrounds to share their perspectives, ensuring that everyone’s identity is valued. This approach fosters a sense of belonging for all and reflects the biblical principle of unity in diversity.

3. Foster Interaction Between Groups

The Contact Hypothesis, proposed by Gordon Allport, suggests that intergroup contact under favorable conditions can reduce prejudice and improve relationships between groups. This hypothesis posits that direct interaction between groups can diminish stereotypes, promote understanding, and foster more positive attitudes. In the context of cultural distance, intentional and meaningful interaction between individuals from different cultural backgrounds can break down misconceptions and build trust. The conditions under which the Contact Hypothesis is most effective include equal status between groups, common goals, and the potential for personal relationships to develop. Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-9) provides a powerful biblical illustration of the Contact Hypothesis. Despite the cultural and social barriers that separated Jews and Samaritans, Jesus initiated a conversation that not only broke down the prejudices of the time but also opened up an opportunity for the woman to encounter the living God. Similarly, through intentional, respectful contact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, missional believers can fulfill the biblical mandate to love their neighbors, regardless of cultural differences.

Biblical Illustration
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan in response to a question about who one’s “neighbor” is. In this story, Jesus uses a Samaritan—a member of a group that Jews typically despised—as the hero. The parable presents a Jewish man who is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite, both of whom would be expected to show compassion, pass by without helping. But a Samaritan stops, cares for the wounded man, and ensures he receives further care. The Samaritan’s actions in the parable embody the principles of the Contact Hypothesis. Jesus uses this story to show that proximity and direct engagement—when coupled with compassion and common humanity—can bridge the cultural divides that often lead to prejudice. The Samaritan’s willingness to help a Jew, and the fact that he is presented as the model of compassion, turns the prevailing cultural assumptions of the time upside down. By highlighting the Samaritan’s actions, Jesus illustrates that true love and neighborliness transcend cultural boundaries and challenge prejudices that divide people. The parable demonstrates that the key to reducing cultural distance is intentional, meaningful interaction, grounded in love and compassion.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Organizing Cross-Cultural Service Projects
  One effective way to apply the Contact Hypothesis is through community service projects that bring together people from different cultural backgrounds. Whether it’s helping with a neighborhood cleanup, tutoring students from immigrant families, or volunteering at local shelters, these projects provide a platform for building relationships around shared goals. The collaborative nature of these projects creates opportunities for people to interact with one another in positive, goal-oriented settings, reducing stereotypes and encouraging mutual respect.
• Cross-Cultural Hospitality
  Invite people from different cultures into your home or social gatherings. Sharing a meal, attending cultural events together, or hosting a discussion group where people from various backgrounds can share their experiences can foster connection. This form of hospitality goes beyond mere politeness; it is an intentional act of opening one’s life and home to others in a way that encourages cross-cultural bonding and understanding.

4. Challenge Assumptions and Embrace New Ways of Thinking

Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual experiences tension or discomfort due to a conflict between their beliefs and behaviors. In cross-cultural situations, missionaries or believers may encounter cultural norms, practices, or beliefs that challenge their own cultural assumptions. This discomfort is an opportunity for growth and transformation, as it forces individuals to re-evaluate their worldview and adapt their attitudes or behaviors. By recognizing and addressing cognitive dissonance, believers can experience deeper cultural understanding, adjusting their attitudes and behaviors to be more inclusive and culturally sensitive. This is crucial for effective mission work, as it helps to break down ingrained biases and opens the door for more genuine engagement.

Biblical Illustration
In Acts 10, Peter experiences cognitive dissonance when God shows him a vision of a sheet containing all kinds of unclean animals, accompanied by a command to “kill and eat.” Peter, a devout Jew, is initially repelled by the idea, as Jewish law forbids eating certain foods. However, God tells him, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:15). This vision challenges Peter’s deeply held beliefs about clean and unclean, especially in relation to Gentiles, whom Jews considered ritually unclean. When Peter arrives at the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, he is confronted with the reality that God is calling him to extend the gospel to those outside of the Jewish community. The tension Peter feels in the vision—his discomfort with the idea of interacting with Gentiles—represents cognitive dissonance. However, through this experience, Peter’s attitude changes, and he realizes that the gospel is for all people, not just Jews. Peter’s willingness to adapt and accept this new understanding of God’s mission reflects a significant shift in his worldview, and the resolution of this dissonance leads to a profound moment of unity in the early church. This transformation in Peter’s attitude underscores how cognitive dissonance, when addressed, can lead to greater understanding and broader inclusivity, essential for bridging cultural gaps in God’s mission.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Engage in Cultural Self-Reflection
  When encountering discomfort in cross-cultural contexts, use it as an opportunity for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like, “What cultural assumptions am I holding on to that might be limiting my ability to relate to others?” This process can help you identify and adjust attitudes that contribute to cultural distance. For example, if you are uncomfortable with unfamiliar food or customs, view this discomfort as an opportunity to learn more about the cultural significance behind these practices, rather than as a reason to dismiss them.
• Expose Yourself to Diverse Perspectives
  Actively seek out resources that challenge your cultural biases. Read books, attend lectures, or participate in online forums that discuss cultural differences and diversity. By exposing yourself to viewpoints that differ from your own, you will gradually reshape your attitudes and become more open to embracing people from different cultural backgrounds.

5. Model Culturally-Sensitive Behaviors

Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, posits that people learn through observation and imitation of others, especially those they see as role models. In a cross-cultural context, this theory emphasizes the importance of modeling culturally sensitive behavior and attitudes. By demonstrating openness, respect, and humility in cross-cultural interactions, individuals can encourage others to adopt similar behaviors. This approach highlights the role of leadership in influencing attitudes and behaviors within a cultural group. For missionizers, modeling inclusive behavior—such as learning a new language, understanding cultural practices, or showing interest in others’ traditions—serves as a powerful tool for promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Biblical Illustration
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites people to come to Him for rest, describing Himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” He offers a model of how to engage others—especially those who are weary or burdened—with humility, gentleness, and grace. His life was a demonstration of how to live in a way that transcends cultural boundaries, offering healing and acceptance to those who were often marginalized. One of the key ways that Jesus modeled cultural engagement was by interacting with people who were considered outcasts—tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and others who were excluded from the religious and social norms of His time. Through His actions, He taught His followers how to engage with others not with judgment, but with empathy and a willingness to learn from and serve those who were different. Jesus didn’t just preach tolerance; He showed His followers how to live it out by modeling a life of openness and sacrificial love. In the context of cross-cultural mission, this approach to social learning means that Christians are called to model culturally sensitive and inclusive behavior. By demonstrating love and humility in their interactions, believers provide a practical example for others to follow. As others observe and imitate these behaviors, they, too, learn to engage with people from different cultures in ways that reflect the character of Christ.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Model Culturally Inclusive Behaviors
  Actively model the behaviors you wish to see in others by practicing cultural humility and sensitivity in your own interactions. For example, when speaking about a culture different from your own, avoid negative stereotypes and instead highlight positive aspects of the culture. When you see others practicing inclusive behavior, affirm and encourage them, reinforcing the importance of these actions in your community.
• Mentoring and Teaching Cultural Sensitivity
  Take on a role where you can mentor others in navigating cultural differences. This could be in a church setting, a workplace, or a social group. Share your experiences, model positive behaviors, and teach others how to engage in culturally sensitive ways. For instance, in a church group, you might lead discussions on the importance of understanding cultural nuances and actively encourage members to participate in cross-cultural events or ministry opportunities.

Conclusion

Each of the biblical illustrations above reveals how Jesus and the early church exemplified the principles that social psychology teaches about reducing cultural distance and building relational bridges. Through empathy and perspective-taking, social identity redefinition, direct engagement across cultural boundaries, attitude change, and modeling behavior, the mission of God calls believers to engage with others in a way that transcends cultural divides. These biblical examples show that God’s heart for mission involves breaking down walls of division and embracing the diversity of His creation with love, humility, and respect. By following these examples, missionizers can effectively engage with people from all backgrounds, building relational bridges that reflect God’s inclusive love.

Understanding and navigating cultural distance is crucial for engaging in God’s mission inside countries across the globe. The five approaches outlined above—empathy and perspective-taking, social identity theory, the Contact Hypothesis, cognitive dissonance, and social learning—provide valuable frameworks for building relational bridges between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Each approach is not only grounded in social psychology but also deeply connected to biblical teachings that encourage unity, love, and understanding in the mission of God. By applying these strategies, believers can reduce cultural distance and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships with those from diverse cultures, ultimately advancing God’s kingdom in a multicultural 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.