This past week, I finished rereading an excellent book called Cross-Cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer. I highly recommend this for anyone who is involved in the missions task (and we all are at some level, right?). It would be a great book to buy for your missionary friend, or for your pastor before he goes on a short-term trip. In weeks to come, I would like to highlight some of the themes of this book, but for now, I will just quote the summary from the back of the book to give you an idea of the book’s theme.
“Missionaries could more effectively minister if they did not think they were so superior to us.”
The last thing we want to do in cross-cultural ministry is to offend people in our host cultures. Unfortunately, all to often our actions inadvertently communicate superiority, paternalism, imperialism and arrogance. How can we minister in ways that are received as true Christlike service?
Cross-cultural specialist Duane Elmer gives Christians practical guidance for serving internationally with sensitivity and humility. With careful biblical exposition and keen cross-cultural awareness, he shows how our actions and attitudes often contradict and offend local cultural sensibilites. He offers principles and guidance for avoiding misunderstandings and building relationships in ways that honor host cultures.
Whether you’re going on your first short-term mission trip or ministering overseas for extended periods, this useful guide is essential reading for anyone who wants to serve effectively international settings with grace and sensitivity.
Thanks for the review. I think Jana and I talked about this one. These are good reminders.
Posted by: Diana | 03 April 2011 at 12:48 AM