In the 21st century, individuals and churches seeking to advance the Gospel in an increasingly diverse and cynical society need to intentionally pursue cross-cultural competence to be effective. To be clear, I’m not thinking only of those willing to cross an ocean, but of the many more now willing to cross the street. We must learn to adapt our message to various people in various settings without compromising our theology. Thankfully Scripture provides both incentive and instruction to help us do this.
Paul’s Example in Athens

In Acts 17:16-34, Paul displays a high capacity for overcoming the obstacles of cross-cultural outreach. While waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, Paul observes that the city is full of idols. He also observes an altar inscribed, “To AN UNKNOWN God.” Paul then uses these observations to his advantage: “What you worship in ignorance,” he tells the diverse people of Athens-Jews, God-fearers, Epicurean and Stoic philosophers alike-“[is] the God who made the world and all things in it … [the] Lord of heaven and earth, [who] does not dwell in temples made with hands [He] gives to all people life and breath … and He made from one man every nation of mankind. … [Therefore] God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent.”

Note, too, that in his interaction with the Athenians, Paul focuses on shared points of connection and common ground rather than denouncing false, culture-bound, expressions of faith. He also demonstrates understanding and respect for their culture, that is, the fact that they, too, are religious; and he speaks to their belief in an unknown god by leveraging the inscription mentioned above. In so doing, he presents the Gospel incarnationally – that is, through the culture not to the culture, giving no cause for offense. His approach in no way compromised his beliefs. Rather, it provoked increased curiosity among even the most skeptical in Athens and a desire to hear from him again. More significantly, some were saved.

Paul’s Comment to the Corinthians

By his own admission, Paul is intentional in his pursuit of cross-cultural competence for the sake of the Gospel. For as he later writes to the Corinthians: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; … to those who are without law, as without law, … so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

Is it any wonder he was able to share the message of Christ effectively “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16)? We, too, can reach diverse others when we follow these five principles mined from his example:
1. Be intentional in your pursuit of cross-cultural competence.
2. Make observations and learn what you can about diverse others in advance of personal engagement.
3. Focus your initial interaction on shared points of connection and common ground.
4. Demonstrate understanding and respect for another’s culture.
5. Present the Gospel through a culture, not to a culture

Many of us spend much time in front of a computer screen. In my case – three… laptop, desk top and iPad. Four if you count a Blackberry. And yes, all four are often set up and in use at the same time. We are a “plugged-in” generation and receive everything from mail to our news and entertainment via the internet via computers and touchscreens. Many even do their devotions on-line or, at least, on screen. I do a lot of shopping on line – books (more and more e-books to be read on my iPad while traveling), clothes, CD’s, and much else. Social networking on-line is also a big absorber of our time and our privacy. It seems as if we are plugged in 24/7 and for some it is more than “seems” as it is reality.

So, let me give you 6 ways to tune things out so you actually own your time once again – and can accomplish some quality time with the Lord – regardless of whether you use a leather Bible or a electronic one for your devotionals.

1> Start your day screen free. If you are in the habit of doing personal devotions in the morning, resolve to not turn on your computer … the internet connected side of things – emails, social networking, news, instant messenger programs, Skype – or look at your cell phone … until you have done your devotions.

2> Set specific times (no more than three a day) for checking Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Nielsen reports the average Canadian spends an average of seven hours a month on Facebook.

3> Discover what’s sidetracking you. Ask yourself: Do I respond to emails during time with my family? Are personal texts, posts and emails taking time away from work?

4> Find what dulls. Seek out those things that tend to dull your mind instead of sharpening it. Are there certain websites or media you use only when you are bored?

5> Delete and unsubscribe. Stop visiting particularly wasteful websites or put blocks on them, limiting your use. Unsubscribe from blogs with no redeeming qualities.

6> Take a digital fast. Set aside days for fasting from all digital media: cell phone, television, Xbox, computer. The more difficult it sounds and is to do, the more important it is for you to do it.

As I find myself and my ministry more and more “plugged-in” I have made serious use of the above steps and found that they work and work well. Thanks Tim for the wonderful insights that helped me in this area. Your mentoring is appreciated.

Last night I was involved for 5 hours in a wedding rehearsal, the BBQ afterwards, and all the activities surrounding the celebration of two people being married. Family and friends have arrived from all over the country to celebrate with the bride and groom on their special day and I have the honor of being in the middle of the activities and the two day party that is taking place. Today – the wedding (outside in 30C weather) with the suits, the dresses, the flowers, the decorations, the dinner, the speeches, the dance and the booze. It will be a long day but one custom designed for a soul winner even as last night was.

Last night there were 25 people at the wedding rehearsal – I got to build some general relationships. Then, at the BBQ supper at the home of one of the wedding party, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with a number of people about the life-changing Gospel of the Kingdom and the love of God as found only in Jesus Christ. That’s why I went and invested the time.

Today, I will present the Gospel to the 125 who are expected at the wedding and do so in such a way that it will hopefully lead to some good conversations in the 90 minute gap between the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception (pictures being taken) and then again with those who are stuck sitting at the same table I will be at during the supper and events immediately after we have eaten. I am going in focused and intentional about why I am there.

This is not a Christian wedding because the couple being married are not Christians. However, over the last few months of regular meetings I have come to know them, their hopes and dreams, and have earned their respect and their trust. They are open to continuing to relate to me after the wedding is all over and everyone has gone home. So, it will be a “secular” wedding ceremony with the Gospel presented during the “Pastor’s Talk.” Always present the Gospel – because many in attendance only ever “go to church” for weddings and funerals. Make the most of every opportunity.

And how did I get involved in all this in the first place? Easy – 15 years ago I was friendly with both of these young people when they were working in the kitchen of a now defunct restaurant here in the city in which I live. The groom’s parents owned the restaurant and I became decent friends with them as well and over time became very involved in the family – even officiating at the wedding of the parents of today’s groom. His parents have since moved to the west coast of this nation but will be back for their son’s wedding – and will again hear the Gospel presented clearly as it was presented at their own wedding so many years ago. So, when he wanted to get married – I was the only pastor or priest that he knew and he had felt accepted and loved when relating in the past so gave me a call.

Your prayers for this young couple and all those at the wedding this afternoon and the reception this evening would be greatly appreciated.