The Importance of Storying: Culture

"You get to be wiser by storying the world and seeing it through other forms of consciousness than your own."  

-- Aidan Chambers

Culture: a patterned way which people do things together;  an integrated system of beliefs, values, customs, institutions. 

There are four different ways of learning:  visual, auditory, reading/writing, kinesthetic. The U.S. schools have approached the classroom lecture-style -- "cognitive dumping" as we call it.  But that's not the only way.  Nor should it be when we're adapting to other cultures. Two-thirds of the world are primarily oral learners (by mouth, spoken rather than written).  We see this in villages where stories have been handed down generation after generation.

Jesus wasn't English.

It wouldn't behoove of me to share the Good News in a Western way.  When my husband and I are overseas, lecture-style wouldn't get far, even if we knew the language well, and culturally there are still barriers we may never get past in 30 years.  If we're sharing the Gospel only in a literate way, there is higher risk of a superficial grasp of faith. The goal here is to urgently, efficiently and strategically adapt our styles of teaching to the culture we are reaching so that it can reproduce without us.  There are cultures within a culture, many dialects within a language, and various worldviews that differ from ours.  So what can we do?

First, it's not about us.  It's about the One who gives life and keeps us breathing.  It's about God's glory and nothing else.  Yes Jesus died for our sins but the purpose was so that we can have a restored relationship with the God of the Universe -- and it ultimately brings Him glory!

Second, because of His awesome love, grace and passion for His lost children who are dying every day not ever hearing His Name, He commands us to go.  He may not be calling you overseas, but he may be asking you to develop a relationship with that co-worker or neighbor of yours.  Have an open mind, soft heart, listening ear, and feet ready to go.  Be aware and refuse to remain ignorant that there's a constant spiritual war happening all around us.  It's beautiful when we obey because we come to a closer understanding of who God is, and that deepens our relationship with Him and brings others closer to Him.  Stay rooted in His life-giving Word!  Surround yourself with the Church -- someone who can mentor you, someone you can walk alongside with and keep each other accountable, and someone you can mentor.

Third, ask Him how He wants to use you.  He's already equipped you with all you need at this moment.  He can use your testimony, talents, personality, even something you own or someone you know.  I've known several families on the field where they were able to develop relationships just because they have kids.  When you're single you have more freedom to invest your time and energy traveling, discipling youth and doing some ministry opportunities families are not able to do.  My dad owns a mower business and he personally delivers parts and mowers to his customers, showing he cares about them and is then able to develop relationships that way.

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:18-19

Do your research but also ask questions of another people group you're trying to reach.  Invite them over for tea or coffee -- what does their culture enjoy?  Ask to visit with them or have them take you to an ethnic store -- where do they shop and what meals do they enjoy?  What do they value and what is their story?  You'll find that talking about His Story comes easier than we think.  But God can't use us if we're not active.

Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, how can we walk in obedience and Truth this week?