WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

BASIC MINISTRY TRAINING
Evangelism involves communication through life, deed and word.
• Our lives are to be exemplary. Jesus tells his followers that they are “salt”
and “light” (Matthew 5:13-16).
• Our deeds should pave the way for people to be attracted to Christ
(Matthew 5:16; Titus 3:8).
• We are to be ready always to witness graciously by word of mouth and
through conversation (Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:15).
Evangelism is a process involving both sowing the seed and reaping a
harvest. The example of Jesus in John 4 is an excellent study of attractive soulwinning.
Jesus “reaped” a harvest through the winning of the Samaritan woman
who later witnessed to her whole town. Jesus was training His disciples to be
“fishers of men”.
Though the work of conversion is that of the Holy Spirit’s, the ministry
of reconciling men and women to God has been committed to us. A meditation
of 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 will clearly point to our responsibilities.
The process of training is best conducted through actual practical
situations. It is especially effective if an experienced disciplemaker can actually
teach the disciple and observe him over a period of time.
1 Developing Friendships
Just as Jesus was a friend to many unbelievers, we too should cultivate
many such friendships. Unbelievers would have felt comfortable with Jesus,
knowing that He was genuine in His care for them. True friendship means
demonstrating care and concern as well as acceptance of people. Such friendship
also breaks down barriers of communication.
In many countries today, direct evangelism is not only legally restricted
but unwise. “Relationship evangelism” is basically the only way to reach people
for Christ. Many have found this approach to be fruitful. Lay labourers within
their occupations can develop friendships with many people. Friendships not
only pave the way for evangelism but allow for follow through in discipling
those who are responsive to the Gospel.
Working in a sensitive country, an Asian engineer cultivated friendships
with two young men. He would regularly meet them individually at a park.
Over a period of time, they received Christ. They were discipled. Now they are
beginning to reach out to others. This engineer has also been helping other
cross-cultural labourers (non-Asian and Asian) in their witness in the same
country.
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