WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

THE PRACTICE OF TENTMAKING
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1 Religious Fundamentalism
The rise of religious fundamentalism has led to civil unrest and
disharmony. In some multi-religious societies, laws have been imposed to
maintain stability and to protect groups. Authorities believe that there will be
negative and possibly violent repercussions if large numbers turn to Christianity.
Governments also fear that Christianity might become a political force. They
also are concerned about other religious movements.
In countries where there is a state religion (including state-sanctioned
Atheism), Christianity is perceived as a threat. Countries that have a state or
national religion will oppose the propagation of any other religion.
2 Nationalism
Nationalistic movements have cast suspicious eyes on any foreign or
cross-cultural influences, including Christian movements which in some
countries are still perceived to be related to Western cultural imperialism.
There has been a history of growing restrictiveness on Christian
education, especially aspects that are considered spiritual and evangelistic.
Censorship of literature or certain internet sites is an effort to curtail foreign
influences.
3 Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism
Authoritarian regimes have demanded and enforced strict control of all
potential political forces which may pose a threat to their hold on power. This
would include the control of religious movements. In some of these countries,
there is no constitutional freedom of religion.
Religious propagation is perceived to be threatening and must be
restricted. Freedom of assembly is curtailed. The press and the media are subject
to controls. Postal communications and telecommunications, emails through
the internet are being monitored. Imprisonment and persecution of Christians
are practised.
RESPONDING TO CURRENT TRENDS
We need new, creative and sensitive approaches to respond to current
trends. In many difficult areas, the role of the tentmaker has become even more
relevant and significant.
As more Christians become trained as lay disciplers, more bi-vocational
labourers will become involved in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission. This
growing movement could be far more significant than the traditional missionary
movement.