This workshop was presented by Marti Smith, an ethnographer with Caleb Resources, a non-denominational frontier mission organization. She discussed using the same methods they use to develop strategies for bringing the gospel to unreached groups for local mission across culture.
Her formula: listen, listen, listen.
Before ministering to a culture, get to know they. Listen to their stories with an open mind. Why are they in the US? What are they worrying about? What are their hopes and dreams? Where can they help us? Where can we help them? How can we build and maintain relationships.
Her process:
- Make observations about the "other"
- Find those within that culture "helpers" who are willing to engage you and interpret their culture to you.
- Start a conversation
- Build rapport/trust. Commit to long term, mutual relationships.
- Ask questions about what you observe.
- Take notes. (Marti says this helps formalize the process, moves you from nosy to learner, and often takes the conversation deeper.)
- Review your learnings with your partner.
- Make an action plan for further relationship and ministry.
No comments:
Post a Comment