Are We Ready to Ask the Tough Questions in Missions?

"When we summon the courage to ask how people from other cultures see us, we run the real risk of hearing some things about our culture we may not want to hear."

Those of us who come from "developed" countries often make the assumption that we are superior to people who have less formal education. We also make the mistake of thinking that those who are poor are inferior. In North America, we are so isolated from radically different cultures that we make the additional mistake of thinking that our way of doing things is the best way, that our lifestyle is best, and that our language is best. All of these assumptions are not only wrong, but work against us in trying to be the "ambassadors" 2 Corinthians 5:20 says God wants us to be.

We can unintentionally intimidate indigenous believers into backing away from what God has called them to do. They are frequently overwhelmed by our superior technology, formal education and wealth. Let's remember that once they are believers, they are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and they are Ambassadors for Christ.

When we summon the courage to ask how people from other cultures see us, we run the real risk of hearing some things about our culture we may not want to hear. But if we are willing to listen to others impressions of us, we will see ourselves through new eyes. As encouraging or painful as that might be, this knowledge will, in the long run, help us find our humble place in God's dynamic global community.

It takes a brave person to ask their spouse, children, boss, employees, and ministry partners the really tough questions:

• How am I doing?
• Do I treat you the way you want to be treated?
• Do you think I understand your needs?
• How can I be a better friend and partner to you?
• What are two things about me that disappoint you?
• What are two things about me that you really appreciate?
• How can we work together to do what neither of us can do alone?

But that is exactly what it takes to build stronger relationships for the future. Is the North American church ready to ask those questions? Are you? Will we believe the answers and are we willing to change? Can we become more Christ-like and less North American?

This article was originally published in the Missions Dilemma Workbook.

Watch the Missions Dilemma Series Here.