Key: Learn
LEARN the language and culture
The people group to which God led the team did not speak Greek or any other language they understood. This was one of the reasons this group had not been reached yet. Before proclaiming the Gospel, Stephanas and his friends would first need to bond with the people by living with them, gaining a good grasp of their language and appreciating their culture.[1]
Following the instructions Jesus gave His 72 workers; they entered the homes of those who welcomed them, eating and drinking whatever was offered.[2]
They sought roles in their new culture that made sense to the people. They maintained attitudes of servanthood and humility. In this, they followed Jesus in his incarnation. After humbly emptying Himself of the privileges of God, our Lord took on the form of an ordinary person to enable us to relate well and understand Him.[3]
Cross-cultural church planters minimize the social and cultural distance between themselves and those to whom God calls them. Stephanas said to his team, “As much as possible, let’s do things their way.”
[1] A very helpful guide for learning a new language is Language Acquisition Made Practical by Tom and Elizabeth Brewster The book may be ordered through William Carey Library; P.O. Box 40129; Pasadena, CA 91114 USA 1-(800) MISSION The U.S. Center for World Mission says, “No single book has done so much to dispel the fear of foreign language learning. It banishes the mystery and tells you HOW to learn step by step, on your own, in an amazingly simple, east-to-follow guide.”
[2] Luke 10:7
[3] Philippians 2:5-8