How Do You Reach Your Neighbor Who Follows Another Faith? (Part 2)

When you see a Muslim woman, dressed in her hijab, many Christians feel afraid. They avoid talking to people of other cultures. One of my relatives recently befriended a woman from another faith background. It’s been interesting to watch her reach out. As far as I know, it is her first time trying to share Christ with someone of another religious background. Her love, commitment, and the relationship she has built goes a long way. A few basic principles for communicating the gospel cross-culturally and her message will be even clearer. Her friend will be able to “hear” and understand the truth she longs to share.

In the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), Jesus called us to make disciples among all nations. This means that as His followers, we have a responsibility to learn how to share His message with people of other cultures and languages. Then, we must train those who follow, to obey His commands.

The responsibility to make disciples cross-culturally is definitely part of our job as missionaries. We are not the only ones who need to learn to do this. It’s the job of every Christian, at least to some degree!

Sharing Jesus across cultural gaps is easier said than done. To make disciples cross-culturally, you must be willing to grow and learn about other perspectives and worldviews.

When the Veils Came Off

We had gone to a city in South Asia that was predominantly Muslim. Our goal was to find people interested in the gospel and learn about the people groups there.

Reaching the city, we stayed in a church. It was extremely hot and humid. When the power went out, we ended up sleeping outside on the flat roof to stay cool.

Not only was it challenging physically. Our goal was not an easy one either. The women in this city all wore the “burkha” when outside. They seemed hesitant to talk with us. “How will we get inside their homes, let alone their hearts?” I wondered.

Eventually, we were able to chat with some ladies who were shopping at a local grocery store. Seeing them in their veils in such heat (it was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit), I didn’t know how they could do it!

When we explained that we wanted to know more about their life and culture, they invited us to their home. Another young woman went with me to visit them.

Upon entering their home, they took us back into the section of the house where the women worked. Off came the veils and coverings. Conversation and laughter flowed freely there. As long as no men were present, we were able to talk, get to know each other and have great conversations.

Asking questions, we listened carefully. “Is it difficult to wear a veil in this heat?” I asked.

“Sometimes,” they said, “but we feel safer in our veils. The burkha protects us from the roaming eyes of men in the market.”

“That is so interesting,” I thought to myself. “What I assumed was a burden for them, gave them a sense of safety.” How wrong some of my assumptions were about their culture and perceptions!

I learned a lot that day about what it might take to reach this people group. Much more learning was needed. By showing interest, and love, we’d been welcomed into a place in their homes and hearts…a place where we could become friends.

From there, it would be much easier to share my story of transformation. I’d also share God’s story in a way they could understand and consider accepting.

5 Best Practice Principles for Sharing Jesus Cross-Culturally – Part 2

In my first article on this topic, I shared the first three principles for sharing Jesus cross-culturally. If you haven’t read part one, please check that out. Below are five more best practices to consider.

4. Find bridges, pain points, and identify shared values.

In the example of the Muslim women, we had a shared value that was very obvious. We wanted to stay safe as women in a city where men often accosted women or took advantage of them. This was a point of conversation and identification. It was easy to talk about.

Another pain point I discovered, for those women, was the desire to see their children do well in school. They wanted the best for their kids. We were able to talk about study habits and how to help your kids succeed in their education.

These women were concerned about pleasing God. They valued honesty and hard work. These values were something we shared.

5. Initially, avoid common barriers.

Every culture has taboos or things that are considered bad. Find out what those things are and avoid them.

For example, in many Southeast Asian cultures, it is rude to step over someone’s feet or point the bottom of your foot at someone. Being careful to tuck your feet under you when sitting on the floor rather than putting your feet out, can avoid unnecessary offense.

Food is a big factor too. I mentioned this in the first article. For Muslims, eating pork is offensive. For Hindus, it is beef. You may not be able to stop eating these completely, but becoming aware of these things can help you.

Modesty is another common barrier issue. How do people who are well respected in the culture dress? Do women need to cover their legs? Arms? Is it okay to wear a sleeveless top or shorts? Be aware of these things and where you can do what. In Thailand, for example, you can wear shorts in many places, but you should never wear them when going into a temple.

Other barriers have to do with religion. For example, for Muslims, the concept of Jesus as the Son of God is a very difficult one to understand. Eventually, this will need to be explained, but you can avoid that in the beginning. Focus on Jesus as the One sent by God the Creator. Start with their common understanding of Jesus as a prophet. From there, you can slowly introduce them to more about Him.

6. Share your own transformation story.

Your story and sharing how Jesus has changed your life is the most powerful thing you have to share. It crosses cultures.

7. Boldly share the simple truth of the gospel without your cultural baggage.

Do your best to strip away the cultural extras. If it’s not in the Bible, it may be more from your own culture than you think. For example, how important is it that we wear white for weddings. Could we wear red saris instead? This is a cultural issue, not one that has to do with the basics of the gospel.

8. Don’t invest years in a relationship without giving an invitation to take a step forward.

It takes time to learn about other cultures and religious faiths. While it is important to do your research and be a learner, don’t get stuck only building relationships for years and years. You don’t need to be fearful or think you have to know everything about them before you share the truth of the gospel. Be bold and invite them to study God’s Word with you or take a step toward knowing Jesus as you do.

A Step Forward

What one thing could you apply from the five best practices listed above? Why not find someone from another culture and begin to share Christ with them this week? I’d love to know how this article helped you or what questions you have on this topic. Please share them in the comments section or on the Missionary Life Facebook page.