P.A.T.H. Book Report (vol. 3)

I've completed the third book that I selected to read for our upcoming P.A.T.H. training. There is certainly a recurrent theme among books dealing with Cross Cultural ministry. The need for understanding, the ability to learn and listen, the importance of building genuine and honest relationships with people as a base for sharing with them the Word of God. These are certainly Biblical Truths, and yet why is it that we are only focusing on them in a missions context? It seems to me we are all commanded to do these very things (Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 28:19-20) in our everyday lives.

Ministering Cross-Culturally
by Sherwood G. Lingenfelter
and Marvin K. Mayers

This is an excellent little book. If I were to hold a criticism of it, I would say only that it were too short. I found the practical examples of the Yapese culture to be a great aid in understanding the concepts being expressed in the book (and very interesting as well). I would certainly have enjoyed more narrative along those lines.

The idea of an incarnational model with respect to ministry is very practical, as well as biblical. The author does an excellent job of expressing just how to adequately go about this. Further to that, he cautions against being too sterile in our approach to non-Western cultures. Developing genuine relationships with people must never be second to our agenda. Worldview and understanding of culture are all vital parts to the incarnational model. The 'questionnaire' and charts are an excellent practical and visual assistance to understanding the thought behind the incarnational model. It would be an excellent idea for anyone working with others in a team to all take the time to complete this exercise and examine just how they will interact together. I would hazard to say it would be very enlightening and resolve a great deal of potential conflict.

A recommended read!