WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
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THE PRACTICE OF TENTMAKING<br />
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consultant? (Formerly he had a church position as one of its workers).<br />
• Scriptural mindset. As Tim and his team of friends worked through<br />
the Scriptures for a few years, they clarified apostolic principles in<br />
pioneering situations. Why do you think this mindset would be critical<br />
in this context?<br />
• Financial freedom. Tim did not accept support from his church. Neither<br />
did other team members. Their conviction was based on 1 Corinthians<br />
9:19-23. Team members were all self-supporting through their various<br />
businesses and professions. What would happen if Tim’s support came<br />
from a church?<br />
• Mobility. Tim and his family decided to live in a neighbourhood where<br />
the large majority was the people they wanted to befriend and win.<br />
They were convinced it was important to live AMONG the people rather<br />
than just thinking of going to a people. What would be the difference<br />
between LIVING AMONG and GOING TO?<br />
• A Long-term perspective. It would take Tim and family years to<br />
be part of the community. Why is this crucial for the advance of the<br />
Gospel?<br />
Part 2 LIVING AMONG the lost<br />
The first four years in their adopted neighbourhood was like living in a<br />
goldfish bowl. Every move of Tim and his family would be scrutinized. They<br />
decided they would not place a cross on the wall, or eat food that would offend<br />
their neighbours.<br />
Their neighbours slowly overcame their suspicion of an alien stranger<br />
in their midst. Tim and his family got to know over 15 families. They began by<br />
befriending these neighbours and serving them in practical ways. They showed<br />
the life and love of Christ through practical deeds like taking in the laundry,<br />
babysitting children and taking a pregnant wife to hospital in the early morning<br />
hours.<br />
Tim was careful not to use his former ways of directly proclaiming the<br />
Gospel which would be inappropriate in this new context. They had<br />
opportunities though in discussing values of the kingdom like integrity, justice,<br />
love, forgiveness, family life, practising their religion rather than mere religious<br />
profession. Tim prayed regularly for his neighbours and so did his team of<br />
friends. He prayed for an opening to share the Gospel in a relevant way so it<br />
would be seen as really good news.