What about church plants here stateside amongst specific language/cultural groups, e.g., Latino, Hmong, Ukrainian, etc whom are straddling two cultures, their own and ours? Is it best to relate to them in their culture of origin context or should the attempt be made to help them assimilate into an American cultural context?
dave
· 9 months ago
It all depends on the local context, calling of the leader and their capacity. The more immigrant the population in a new country, the more there is a tendency to preserve rather than pioneer. I use the mantra, you can't pour new wine into old wineskin. . . not because old wineskin or new wine is bad! Just different. Another key phrase in that text is if you let each go its own way both will be preserved. I love that! So Honor the Past and Feul the fringe.
kristabelieves
· 9 months ago
I love this analogy used with the monkey and the fish, and how it gives a great illustration of how we often approach evangelism.
I have a question for Dave...
I see how this third-culture church has been used abroad, but do you have some practical methods of how we can incorporate this type of living and evangelism on a local level in our own communities?
Thanks, Krista
dave
· 9 months ago
I found instead of answers when doing cross cultural living it's better to have questions and principles. For example, when you overlay key questions you'll come up with a customized answer. Here's several.
1. Who are the Fringe of your community? (this will guide you to figure out who to serve) In LA, while we were a suburban church, when we asked this question it led us to launch a multi-site in the murder capital of America). 2. What is in your hand? What resources are within your reach? Don't focus on what you don't have. You have what you need to do God's mission today. 3. What is your pain? Your pain will help to connect you to a community. Most people can't relate to your strengths or gifts, but they can connect to your hurt. The next deeper question is to consider what is the pain of those in your city. Find it, Embrace it, and See Jesus Heal it.
KimB
· 9 months ago
I saw ANOTHER new term "third culture"...and thought, oh no....more new ways of viewing the world, and people, and the church. I was pleasantly surprised and relieved when I read the book reviews that the focus IS on Jesus and HIS ministry and how we as individuals as well as church bodies should be trying to imulate Him.......I am now excited about reading this book!
dave
· 9 months ago
Sweeet! Check out this video, it may give you more encouragement on your third culture journey.
Good Stuff. How do you deal with the first culture folks that Toss words like heresy at those are simply seeking to reach those that the the church has missed or at worst disenfranchised?
dave
· 9 months ago
Hmmm, probably wouldn't try to debate them. I try not to change people's minds but if they'd like to have a true dialogue, probably have them see how Jesus defined the "neighbor" we're to love as someone NOT like us and someone we would actually hate. It's hard to argue that passage. Also, probably share Jesus at Matthew's party. Christ said, "I've not come for those who are well but for those who are sick." There are many beautiful narratives and exhortations that weave a biblical theology of loving the outsider: Acts 8, 1 Corinthians, John 4.
BibleDude
· 9 months ago
Jeff... You were the lucky random winner of the free copy of Dave's book 'The Monkey and the Fish'! I've just sent you an email requesting your mailing address. Enjoy the book dude!
Marlo
· 9 months ago
Serving the least of these...I was in a position when I worked with the government many years ago where I was serving this very population in our city. I am embarassed to say that I began to resent it after a few years. I lost my heart for it and became a bit hardened to 'the least of these'. I was quite a new Christian and didn't really have that heart of compassion for people - not God's heart. Any compassion I had was of my own flesh and that is why it disappeared. This is the main reason I left the field.
I don't have a question, really. I just want to say that I cannot wait to read this book after watching the video clip and reading what the author had to say here on the blog. I believe, that even though I messed it up 9+ years ago when God presented me with the opportunity to serve, that He will use that past experience I had to continue to stir me up to serve today. But this time, I understand God's compassion and it is through HIM that I will serve, not by my own steam.
Thanks so much for the props and participating in this Blog tour. It was fun.
BibleDude
· 9 months ago
Thanks for coming by Dave! It was a pleasure hosting this here and having you stop by to answer additional questions! I hope to chat more with you again soon. Thanks!
angelakerns
· 5 months ago
Wow! This book speaks my heart! I've been a "third culture" minded person for so long and didn't know it! My husband and I raised a "third culture" minded daughter, who is the one who shared this book with me. She serves in China at present, is returning to the states to tend to some business the Lord has put on her heart, and ALL of us will be seeking Him as to how we can apply what you've written about Dave Gibbons! I'm telling everyone I know about this concept, your book... and praying that we can see more and more and more third culture activity in our own community! I want to be water in a dry and thirsty land! Thanks for writing this.... Lord, help me apply this to my daily walk... and may others be excited, motivated and taking the initiative to do the same! Forgive me Lord, for taking so long to get it!
BibleDude
· 5 months ago
Sweet! I'm glad that this has impacted you! It was a great interview with the author, and this is a great book! If you like this, then you will want to watch this site over the next couple of weeks. I've got a rock-star lineup ready to review each chapter of this book... one every day until we work throught the whole book.
I'll have an informational post up later this week, and the 'group blogging project' itself kicks off on Monday. You might want to follow along and share your thoughts as we work through it together!
All Comments
I have a question for Dave...
I see how this third-culture church has been used abroad, but do you have some practical methods of how we can incorporate this type of living and evangelism on a local level in our own communities?
Thanks,
Krista
1. Who are the Fringe of your community? (this will guide you to figure out who to serve) In LA, while we were a suburban church, when we asked this question it led us to launch a multi-site in the murder capital of America).
2. What is in your hand? What resources are within your reach? Don't focus on what you don't have. You have what you need to do God's mission today.
3. What is your pain? Your pain will help to connect you to a community. Most people can't relate to your strengths or gifts, but they can connect to your hurt. The next deeper question is to consider what is the pain of those in your city. Find it, Embrace it, and See Jesus Heal it.
http://3culture.tv
I don't have a question, really. I just want to say that I cannot wait to read this book after watching the video clip and reading what the author had to say here on the blog. I believe, that even though I messed it up 9+ years ago when God presented me with the opportunity to serve, that He will use that past experience I had to continue to stir me up to serve today. But this time, I understand God's compassion and it is through HIM that I will serve, not by my own steam.
http://3culture.tv
I'll have an informational post up later this week, and the 'group blogging project' itself kicks off on Monday. You might want to follow along and share your thoughts as we work through it together!