UNDERSTANDING MISSIONS (16)

 Understanding the Cultural and Belief System of the Host Community

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV

Understanding the cultural beliefs and practices of our host community is imperative to our success as missionaries. An open attack, sanctimonious attitude, and defiant condemnation of people's age-long practices would end the ministry and influence of a missionary even before he starts his ministry.

The mission of the missionary is to present Jesus only to the people. Once a missionary becomes insensitive to the cultural beliefs and practices of the people and condemns them outrightly, he has only succeeded in separating himself from the people. Although he is physically present with them, he has been grossly disassociated from any meaningful impact on them.

I have seen men who condemned the people's cultural names, their foods, modes of dressing, greetings, and more. It appears some men have no significant messages other than the ministry of condemnation and vicious attacks.

When men come with perceived superior and distinctive cultural supremacy, they embellish the message of the cross and misrepresent the essence of Christ's life. They will need textbooks, historical references, and analogies rather than resorting to the Bible and scriptural precepts.

In my years of mission engagement, I have learned that the acceptance of a man's ministry is not predicated on his powerful message but his loving disposition toward their lives and living. The love shown is far better than the love preached.

Why is it imperative for a missionary to necessarily avail himself the opportunity of learning and appreciating the cultural beliefs and practices of his host community?

First, understanding cultural beliefs helps missionaries to effectively communicate the message of the cross without hatred and bias. This will help him contextualize his message with clarity and sincerity. Look at Paul: "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.'" Acts 17:22 ESV. What a wise approach! He acknowledged the religiosity of the people, and upon this, he was able to leverage the message of the cross.

Second, it helps him avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. Remember, any group that could welcome and accommodate you has a good culture. Some years ago, we visited a village and could only conduct our services by meeting the people in their various farms. Initially, we waited endlessly for them to come to the village center for worship. But they were so engrossed in their farming work that I felt if we must make an impact, we must meet them at their duty posts.

In the same vein, cultural understanding enables missionaries to identify common ground and points of connection between their own beliefs and those of the host community. Deliberate understanding of cultural differences will enhance the missionary's willingness to know the means to bridge the gap, thereby entrenching room for meaningful dialogue and sustained understanding. For instance, the Ohori tribe of République du Bénin has a tradition that places a male child above their female counterparts. A male child, no matter his age, is empowered to take and insist on decisions over other females (his mother inclusive) in the absence of his father. If he is the only male, he is made to marry as early as even ten years of age. Also, in the absence of a male child, the female cannot entertain a visitor, not even a preacher. And the decision of the male is culturally binding on the other members of the house. It is such a cherished cultural heritage.

I perceive there is a need for cultural modifications to this belief in light of the scriptural injunction. Yet, we tread with caution, else we jeopardize the essence of our calling because of our irreverent zeal to enforce the scriptural injunction.

Summarily, for a missionary to succeed in his mission assignment, he must deliberately study and appreciate the culture of his host community. He must not introduce a foreign god to them, making them think that Christianity is a white man's religion. He must be careful never to judge the people's practices without careful understanding.

May we succeed as Christ's representatives on the earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Peter Abdul-Razaq, OLAYINKA, a serving missionary with: Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara.

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