Ron Smith - Photo by: Shane ParkerChristian believers almost universally tend toward complacency in the practice of their belief system. This is especially true in terms of their prime outward directive – to make or recruit other disciple-believers.

Jesus, our Teacher, Leader, Coach, and constant Companion, apparently knew even at the fresh young age of 12 that He “must be about (His) Fathers’ business.” He also appears to have spared no effort to exercise this motivating self-realization in the activities of His daily life and His contacts with people.

Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me."

Continue reading: You Shall Be My Witness

Pastor Dan & Leisa - Photo by: Shane ParkerAmerica was a fascinating place when I was growing up. There never seemed to be a shortage of something new going on. Solomon wrote that there is nothing new under the sun, But Solomon never lived in the 60's & 70's. There was, to me, an ongoing upheaval moment to moment, and it was not in form that we see it today. No, today we have to manage how much chaos we can handle! We actually have to shut out the "new" news in order to survive it. It comes down to, almost, an act of self-preservation. Back in "the day" new stuff was popping up all over! My family were proud owners of a Opal Cadet! Lets be real, does that conjure up any visual or painful memories. You have to believe that this was new "under the sun", and Solomon never saw one of those baby's. Oh, oh, let me not forget that we also had a Chevy Vega! Thats right, a Chevy Vega! I rest my case.

Continue reading: A New Direction for an Election Year

Michael Moor - Photo by: Shane ParkerIn the 1980's I heard Dr. Gottfried Oosterwal preach a series on the history of missions and the direction it should go at the current time. It was eye opening to see how in the past few centuries Christianity was presented to other cultures in the form of Westernism. Indigenous peoples were taught about technology and European forms of worship. This included solemn services and Protestant hymns. He spoke of his Dutch heritage. He expected the African people to respond to their salvation the same way as the Dutch, with solemn reverence in the presence of God. However, the African people are a more festive culture, so when they experienced forgiveness and healing from God, they were ready to dance for joy. Dr. Oosterwal then proceeded to point out that Jesus is ultimately cross-cultural, reaching people where they are.

Continue reading: Cultural Sensitivity

Johanna White - Photo by: Shane ParkerFor just over two years I have been trying to become bilingual (my goal is to be more or less fluent before I turn 50). I take classes at the community college, read magazines and newspapers published in Spanish, and look for opportunities to communicate with Spanish speakers (face-to-face and by email).

This summer I had the opportunity to visit Europe for the first time. My husband and I traveled first to Rome where we met our son. (See other articles on this website by Michael White regarding his time studying in Greece this summer). We three traveled on to Spain. The week we spent in southern Spain was a much-awaited opportunity to use my Spanish skills. For me, it was a week of language adventure. For my husband, who speaks no Spanish, it was a week of language frustration. The necessity of communicating everything though another person holds no appeal for someone used to planning and organizing everything firsthand.

Continue reading: Lost in Translation