Why are local households so effective for God’s work in the book of Acts?

Local households are very effective means of communicating the truth of the Gospel and expanding the Kingdom of God in the book of Acts.  Multiple reasons exist, but I should give a few: 1) small group discipling made modeling the gospel real 2) leaders were chosen by communities and those leaders applied skills immediately 3) households were natural networks of families connected in communities and neighborhoods 4) households were inconspicuous to outside persecution, they did not have “church” or “Christian” written all over them. 5) Households were geographically dispersed, widening the physical capacity for Gospel influence (as opposed to a centralized church with influence in only immediate surroundings.

What parallels do you see in mission work today to the shift from Jewish to Greek culture?

There are many parallels in mission work today we get from the lateral shift of Jewish to Greek culture.  In many ways this one shift that was seen in the Bible validates and gives Biblical backing for the basic mission practice of contextualization.  The principle is that no one culture is better than another, and no one culture has the complete picture of scripture, different truths are more apparent in different cultures.  Another parallel is that in both cultures of “Christianity” (a looser term of the cultural religion), there are honoring and devout “God-fears” and strict law abiding nominal believers.  Similarly, it is true that people on both sides of the coin struggle with the interpretations and applications of the same biblical truths on either side.  Acts 15 shares the struggle they had with this issue; today we see it in the syncretism/insider movement debate.

Explain the lasting influence of Greek and Roman roots in Western civilization and Western Christianity.

The Greek roots of the Jewish people (notably the Septuagint) dominated Western Christianity and Western Civilization until the Protestant Reformation.  The original Hebrew text and culture were not valued or seen as relevant until Luther’s days.  In a reversal of sorts, modern Protestants do not affirm the prominence of the Septuagint in the early days of the church.  Alexander the Great created tremendous change in this time period that we can trace much of Western Civilization back to this era.  The prominence of philosophers Aristotle, Plato, Socrates grew out of Alexander the Great’s connection to these individuals.  Again, much of the way of life in Western Civilization derives its roots from these scholars and philosophers.

What is the meaning of the ancient role of the Septuagint (LXX) for modern missionary strategy?

The meaning of the ancient role of the Septuagint for modern missionary strategy concerns the language and culture of the people being served.  The Septuagint was seen as attractive to the Romans because they could go and hear Greek being read and learn the language.  It was a felt need that the early church and synagogues used.  Usually the Jews made these “God fearers” sit in the back because of their ethnocentricity (a practice we should not repeat), but nevertheless Roman citizens were exposed to the truth.  I think there is a missiological correlation with using the Bible to teach English.  This strategy has been widely used in China and other such closed countries where “English teachers” will come into to Universities, schools, or just neighborhoods and teach English using the truth.  While I have not participated myself, from reports it seems like this strategy helps open people to receive the truth and use one on one mentor relationships to challenge individuals/families to faith and further disciple them (in both English and God’s word).

Missiological Implications of the Intertestamental Period

This summer my wife and I are going through Foundations of the World Christian Movement, a 3 hour all of history overview course.  It follows similar path of the program we run called INSIGHT.  It is a lot of Dr. Winter’s missiology.

This week we’ve been reading about the time before Jesus comes to the scene called the Intertestamental Period.  Here are two major missiological implications of this time period:

• Diaspora: The diaspora set up the possibility for God’s chosen people to be spread out all around the region.  It is said that God’s word was taught in all the cities.  Had the Northern and Southern Kingdoms not been taken over, the people of God would have been geographically isolated.   These spread out believers is who the 1st century missionaries like Paul and Peter went to first.  In these synagogues across the region people’s hearts were more ready to receive the truth that the Messiah had arrived.  The diaspora (along with the Septuagint {in detail below} ) made it possible for Gentiles to engage with truth before the ultimate truth (Jesus) came.  These “God fears” were the start of the Gentile church – greatly aided by the diaspora Jews.  A current missiological strategy could gather the local Christ-followers and make them catalysts for the spread of the gospel.  Most missions tend to neglect the local Christians and toss their nominal faith aside, rather than re-light a fire within them.  Another strategy could be proposed out of this example is saturation.  This is where we infuse an area with a large number of Christ followers and hope they share their faith with their neighbors.
• Septuagint: The Septuagint is the Greek version of the Old Testament, put together during this time of Hellenization (see Alexander the Great).  The meaning of the ancient role of the Septuagint for modern missionary strategy concerns the language and culture of the people being served. The Septuagint was seen as attractive to the Romans because they could go and hear Greek being read and learn the language. It was a felt need that the early church and synagogues used. Usually the Jews made these “God fearers” sit in the back because of their ethnocentrism (a practice we should not repeat), but nevertheless Roman citizens were exposed to the truth. I think there is a missiological correlation with using the Bible to teach English.  This strategy has been widely used in China and other such closed countries where “English teachers” will come into to Universities, schools, or just neighborhoods and teach English using the truth. While I have not participated myself, from reports it seems like this strategy helps open people to receive the truth and use one on one mentor relationships to challenge individuals/families to faith and further disciple them (in both English and God’s word).

My Tribute to Dr. Ralph Winter

Friends,

It saddens me report that the great missiologist, mission catalyst, Dr. Ralph D. Winter past away last week, May 20th, 2009.  While this was a full week ago, that week has been spent reflecting on the man of God Dr. Winter was, and the vision he had that propels us as an organization forward in honor of him.

Dr. Winter had become very frail, he named his successor, Dave Datema – former Insight Pasadena Program Director – and dictated a few final articles containing a conclusion to his life of contributions.  Tuesday May 19th, the immediate community was invited in their home to share our appreciation for him, his life, and his work.  At this point we knew it would be soon, but I don’t think anyone expected that soon.  It was an amazing experience for me.  How often does a person get to share with someone they respect so greatly the ways that person has meant to them.  He laid there in a bed, so weak he could barely keep his eyes open.  A few us where there at a time and took turns thanking him and honoring him right there.  This is the man who is responsible for this life of reckless abandonment our family lives.  It is his realization/popularization of unreached people groups that has encapsulated us and changed our life direction for ever.  He is the reason we left comfort and our home to come to California – to inspire others with this same vision.  He is the one who continues to point us back to the glory of God’s throne, where we lay our lives down in obedience and worship him.

The night he died, the community gathered at the house again to encourage the family and praise God for the man of Dr. Winter.  It was a beautiful testimony to the glory of God.

The following day the U.S. Center community gathered around and shared stories of Dr. Winter and the appreciation they had for him.  Some staff members from up to 30+ years back came and shared of first working with Dr. Winter.  There was joy, laughter and funny stories.  There were memories of dear friends and family members.  There was a re-commitment to continue Dr. Winter’s vision.

I shared three stories.  When we first arrived here in Pasadena, for the first almost year (and even at this bed side last week a little bit), Melissa and I were star struck over being in the same room as Dr. Winter.  Here is this man we respected so highly that was just a part of the community.  We didn’t care about Brad Pitt or Kobe Bryant or the possibility of running into other “celebrities,” but we were still shocked to be with Dr. Winter.  We were at the Perspectives National Conference last summer and got to have an extensive prayer time sitting with Dr. & Mrs. Winter.  I remember feeling so privileged to hear the man pray.

At the same time he was personal and approachable.   When we first arrived, families of the U.S. Center had us over to get to know us a little more.  The Winters took us out to a restaurant to eat.  Here we were sitting and eating with them, riding in their car!  Dr. Winter was telling us a story (unfortunately I don’t remember the meat of the story) and he was talking with his hands being animated about the story.  In mid sentence he knocks his water over and spills all over himself.  Mrs. Winter and I get off as she wipes him off and I wipe up the floor, he is still telling his story, not paying attention to the fact his lap is drenched.

My last story for you all is at a weekly meeting we have together listening to missionaries from around the world share about their work.  That night the sound was off and keep cracking very loudly.  The man speaks and as Dr. Winter gets up to pray, we all relax to get in prayer mode, and Dr. Winter imitates the cracking sound in the mic.  We all look up, not knowing what just happened and he did it again and started chuckling.

Dr. Winter is a hero of the faith, and the leader of a new movement in the mission realm.  His vision and focus still astound many, and his articles pierce through issues with such understanding.  He is someone who will be missed dearly, and celebrated for years to come.  I am still in awe that I was fortunate the know the man behind the ideas, heard his prayers, and the concerns of his heart.  May his vision live on.

Let me link you to a few other reports, blogs, and tributes:

http://www.uscwm.org/about/rdw.html

http://www.frontiermissionfellowship.org/index.php/forums/viewthread/1/

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1811_john_pipers_personal_tribute_to_the_late_ralph_winter/

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090522/ralph-d-winter-remembered-as-giant-in-mission-field/index.html

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2009/05/ralph-winters.html

http://www.lausanne.org/lausanne-connecting-point/remembering-dr-ralph-winter.html

http://christian-connection.org/blog/index.php/archives/149

http://tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com/tallskinnykiwi/2009/05/remembering-ralph-winter-missiologist-1924—2009.html

If you would like to say something about Dr. Winter, either something for his family, or a memorial message – how he influenced you, please comment here or email me directly.

Back to Blogging

My life just got 10 times busier. At the same time I am ready to revive my reflective/analytical self. Welcome back to the world of blogging.

Looking for good reads

Everyone,

I am getting together a “book wishlist” to go through. I’ve got some on the shelf I am going through I will list for you below, but I would love to hear your top 3 reads. Comment below for me.

CURRENTLY READING

Books:
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (all new 4th ed.)
The Mission of God by Christopher Wright
From Seed to Fruit Edited by J. Dudley Woodberry

Magazines:
Mission Frontiers
International Journal of Frontier Missiology
EMQ

Reports of Muslim Ministry from the Field

I have been reading the post (and the many ensuing comments) of a missionary working with Muslims in the Middle East.  I was encouraged by his post and found the discussion that followed shared many of the common beliefs of American Evangelicals.  I encourage you to read the post and some of the discussions that followed on the comments.  I think this issue is one that should be examined and study before we  assert our ignorance.

Here is the link - http://www.sbcimpact.net/2009/01/06/my-pilgrimage/

After taking some time to work out these issues in your own heart, please comment here as to where you stand in this debate.

Christianity in India

*NOTE: I am not the expert in this, however my opinions have been formed by those experts. If you would like me to have a question answered, please post it in the comments.

It seems like the so called caste system is eroding (if it ever existed). The way most Westerners are described caste (and Hinduism in general) is just academic and does not match with the reality on the ground.

More than caste or the general class categories (Brahman, non-Brahman, Dalits), Jātis is what matters in India. Jātis means “birth” or the community you’ve been birthed into. There are hundreds of Jātis and people can range in their Jāti from poor to rich, urban to rural. More than caste Jāti is identity. In America our identity question is either “What do you do?” OR “Where did you graduate from?” In India it is “What is your Jāti?”

So when Hindus become Christian they often add the Christian label to their Jāti and become “Christian-Jāti.” The Christian label is now a modifier and separates one from their Jāti.

Well what do missionaries (& national Hindu background believers) do with caste?  The dual identity doesn’t usually work.  So the perceived solution is you have to get rid of the Jāti, since caste breaks up the church in India.  So now you have Hindu background believers leaving their communities and spheres of influence to join the church and become “Christian.”  What is really happening is their idenity as Christian becomes its own Jāti.  That cannot work.

Those I agree with have proposed instead of dropping the Jāti of their identity, dropping the Christian label out of the identity.  Instead of calling oneself Christian, they now call themselves by the same birth identity.  They are a [blank] who happens to be a follower of Christ.  This keeps all the networks in tact and causes no identity crisis for the new believer.

What do you think?  Do you disagree, should caste of all kind be eliminated from the Christian sphere in India?  How would you handle the situation if you were a missionary on the ground in India?