How to Be More Effective in Cross Cultural Ministry
There is a sad truth I would like to share with you. All too often people with great intentions do harm in Jesus' name in cross cultural ministry. In my ten years on the mission field I have seen a lot of amazing things happen but I've also seen a lot of hurt caused by well meaning ministry workers.
I have compiled this short list of things I have learned, and that I think you should know to help you be more effective in cross cultural missions.
1. Always remember that YOU are the foreigner. This is not your country, you are a guest and should act like one.
2. The people you are serving know SO much more than you ever will about their country, culture and needs.
3. Your way isn't the only way, or necessarily the right way.
4. You better work your butt off to learn the language, and quickly. If you have been living or serving in a foreign land for a year and still can't communicate more than basic greetings to those you came to serve you need to make some changes, FAST! Language acquisition should be one of your top priorities. Being able to communicate will change your ministry and show respect for those you came to serve.
5. You don't have all the answers.
6. Lack of education does not mean lack of intelligence. Never forget this.
7. Learn about the culture you are living in and respect it.
8. Just because people do things differently than you would, doesn't mean they're doing it wrong.
9. Treat those you are serving with the upmost respect, always.
10. If you are coming in the name of Jesus, you better do all you can to treat those you serve as Jesus would.
11. The country you live in has laws, you need to learn them and follow them.
12. Don't hate people who ask you for things.
13. If you have employees treat them well. They are the people you will impact the most. Your staff are your most impactful ministry opportunity!
14. Don't focus on numbers, focus on people.
15. Trust takes many years to build and moments to be destroyed. Be careful not to break peoples trust.
16. Never accuse anyone of anything unless you have proof.
17. People are going to lie to you, steal from you and pretend to be your friend for personal gain. Accept this, take measures to prevent this when possible and move on.
18. Value and respect go a long way and need to be part of the foundation you build a ministry on.
19. You are not, and will never be, anyones savior.
20. Be patient and kind, even when you are frustrated.
21. Always carry toilet paper, a book, a few snacks and a full water bottle in your bag. (This will help you be patient and kind.)
22. Remember why you came, and remind yourself daily. There are days you will get lost in the busy work of ministry and the frustration of life in a foreign land. The reminder will keep you focused.
23. Take care of yourself.
24. Write it all down. The moments you think you will never forget could get lost down the line in your overwhelmed mind.
25. Three weeks is the recommended length of time to take vacation. One week to get out of work mode and calm your ever running mind, one week to enjoy and relax, one week to run errands and pack.
26. Be honest about your struggles, they'll come and you'll need support.
27. If you need prayer, ask for it.
28. Make friends with other missionaries. You need to have people by your side who can understand your life.
This is just a short list, barely touching the surface of what it takes to be effective in cross cultural ministry, but it is a start.
Missionary friends, feel free to add additional advice in the comments!
I have compiled this short list of things I have learned, and that I think you should know to help you be more effective in cross cultural missions.
1. Always remember that YOU are the foreigner. This is not your country, you are a guest and should act like one.
2. The people you are serving know SO much more than you ever will about their country, culture and needs.
3. Your way isn't the only way, or necessarily the right way.
4. You better work your butt off to learn the language, and quickly. If you have been living or serving in a foreign land for a year and still can't communicate more than basic greetings to those you came to serve you need to make some changes, FAST! Language acquisition should be one of your top priorities. Being able to communicate will change your ministry and show respect for those you came to serve.
5. You don't have all the answers.
6. Lack of education does not mean lack of intelligence. Never forget this.
7. Learn about the culture you are living in and respect it.
8. Just because people do things differently than you would, doesn't mean they're doing it wrong.
9. Treat those you are serving with the upmost respect, always.
10. If you are coming in the name of Jesus, you better do all you can to treat those you serve as Jesus would.
11. The country you live in has laws, you need to learn them and follow them.
12. Don't hate people who ask you for things.
13. If you have employees treat them well. They are the people you will impact the most. Your staff are your most impactful ministry opportunity!
14. Don't focus on numbers, focus on people.
15. Trust takes many years to build and moments to be destroyed. Be careful not to break peoples trust.
16. Never accuse anyone of anything unless you have proof.
17. People are going to lie to you, steal from you and pretend to be your friend for personal gain. Accept this, take measures to prevent this when possible and move on.
18. Value and respect go a long way and need to be part of the foundation you build a ministry on.
19. You are not, and will never be, anyones savior.
20. Be patient and kind, even when you are frustrated.
21. Always carry toilet paper, a book, a few snacks and a full water bottle in your bag. (This will help you be patient and kind.)
22. Remember why you came, and remind yourself daily. There are days you will get lost in the busy work of ministry and the frustration of life in a foreign land. The reminder will keep you focused.
23. Take care of yourself.
24. Write it all down. The moments you think you will never forget could get lost down the line in your overwhelmed mind.
25. Three weeks is the recommended length of time to take vacation. One week to get out of work mode and calm your ever running mind, one week to enjoy and relax, one week to run errands and pack.
26. Be honest about your struggles, they'll come and you'll need support.
27. If you need prayer, ask for it.
28. Make friends with other missionaries. You need to have people by your side who can understand your life.
This is just a short list, barely touching the surface of what it takes to be effective in cross cultural ministry, but it is a start.
Missionary friends, feel free to add additional advice in the comments!
Thank you for sharing these nuggets of truth in love and grace. I especially love the toilet paper suggestion! Why didn't I think of that??? But seriously, so many times missionaries express their disdain very openly about the things you have just spoken about and all it does is break down and discourage. I thank you for taking the time to "build up" and bring awareness:))
ReplyDeleteSo good!
ReplyDelete