The Social Barrier
The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh barriers are somewhat different from the first three in that they are not unique to cross-cultural contexts. The “social barrier,” in particular, must be taken into account even in contexts in which the communicational sender is from a background that is culturally near to that of the receptor. The “social barrier” has to do with the related issues of credibility and trust. To a certain degree, these issues are tied into a successful overcoming of the first three barriers. Though there are some exceptions to the rule, someone who is geographically, linguistically, and culturally near, in many, if not most, cases, will be more likely to be viewed as credible and trustworthy by the receptor of the message. Nevertheless, in many contexts in which the first three barriers have been successfully overcome, the “social barrier” still poses a significant obstacle toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Overcoming the “social barrier” involves gaining personal credibility with the people one is seeking to influence, leading them to see the sender of the message as a person whose word is worthy of consideration and trust. Though this list is not meant to be conclusive, there are at least four important ways in which missionary practitioners may gain credibility and win the trust of their hearers. These include personal friendship, good works, a life testimony consistent with spoken testimony, and the communion of the church.
The gospel is a message of personal relationship between God and man, as well as between man and man. It is a natural corollary, therefore, that the communication of the gospel best takes place within the context of authentic, heartfelt, and caring personal relationships. It has well been stated: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Gioia Michelotti shares the following reflections on missionary work in Japan, based on her interview with Japanese pastor Takeshi Shiraishi:
During bridge-building, which Shiraishi calls the first stage of evangelism, the concept of common grace must be appreciated and nurtured. In this stage Christians prove that they are Christians by their love. After warm relationships have been formed, the second stage of seed-planting can occur naturally, because the soil of the heart has been adequately prepared. Finally, after much watering and tending by caring Christians, soul-harvesting will come at the time ordained by the Holy Spirit. “The direct, confrontational approach used by most Western missionaries is not the best way to win the Japanese heart,” said Shiraishi. “Eastern culture esteems the indirect, relational approach.” (19)
Rankin endorses this approach as a basic principle for cross-cultural witness in any context:
When missionaries, or even short-term volunteers, go to plant their lives in a culture and among people who do not know Jesus, the living presence of Jesus Himself goes with them. As they live out their faith through friendships and personal relationships, people can observe the reality of their faith. They gain credibility that allows them to share it verbally. Being there, they can communicate with an understanding of the worldview of the people they live among. They can cultivate a witness, follow up and nurture new fellowships of believers, and walk alongside those God calls out as indigenous local leaders. We call this an “incarnational witness.” It is not only using media tools, humanitarian platforms and occasions for teaching and preaching, but it is allowing nonbelievers to observe in flesh and blood what it means to be a follower of Christ. (20)
Another important way to help overcome the “social barrier” and gain credibility in the eyes of the people one is seeking to influence for the gospel is by means of what may broadly be classified as “good works.” Paul says, in 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” In a real sense, then, our acts of service toward other people to whom we are seeking to proclaim the gospel are a form of preaching in and of themselves. However, the essential message we proclaim is not merely one of humanitarianism and goodwill to fellow human beings, but rather the lordship of Jesus. Though there is a definite priority placed in the Bible on the verbal proclamation of the message of spiritual redemption, the implication of this text is that neither our preaching of Jesus Christ as Lord nor our acts of service toward those to whom we preach are complete without the other.
Dick Grady and Glenn Kendall share some very practical advice on the relationship between social ministry and gospel proclamation in a church planting context:
More effective church planters establish greater credibility. . . . Credibility is established in two ways, by meeting social needs and by building relationships with community leaders. These steps of themselves do not make church planters more effective. But as church planters incorporate social work and building relationships into their total ministries, people respond. Social work is not the primary focus of effective church planters, but one of many activities done by the more effective ones. They do not say, “First, we will fill your stomach and then you will be willing to hear our message.” Rather, they say, “We will proclaim our message. If you want to have your stomach filled, that is possible, too.” Social activity and gospel witness go on simultaneously. One does not depend on the other. (21)
Howard Searle, Director for Community Health Progams of MAP International, argues for the strategic value of development ministries as a vital part of a balanced holistic approach to missions:
When Christians actively demonstrate Christ’s love by responding to physical need, relationships of trust develop which often lead to opportunities for sharing Christ’s message on a one-to-one basis. . . . The Great Commission and community development are not antagonistic. Rather, the Christian who patiently, gently helps people learn to relieve their suffering heightens receptivity to the Christian message. People see that Christianity is a vital faith lived out through love and deeds. (22)
Another important way of contributing toward the overcoming of the “social barrier” is a life testimony consistent with one’s spoken testimony. Paul’s description in 2 Corinthians 4:2 of the standard practice of his missionary team serves as a model for modern-day Christian workers: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” It is vitally important that potential receptors of the gospel message perceive the senders of the message as sincere, authentic, and consistent in their personal lifestyle.
A final means for overcoming the “social barrier” is the communion of the church. In his high priestly prayer, Jesus himself appears to link evangelistic effectiveness with Christian unity: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20–21)
In 1 John chapter 1, John writes of three different spheres or levels of communion. First, in v. 3, he references the fellowship that “we” (presumably John, together with the other eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry inferred in v. 1) share “with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” Next, in v. 7, he references the fellowship that “we” (this time, the broader community of followers of Christ wherever they are found) have “with one another,” as “we walk in the light.” Finally, in the first part of v. 3, he writes of proclaiming “to you” (the receptors of his epistle) “what we” (John, and his fellow eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry) “have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.”
A logical inference from this passage is that an important basis of gospel proclamation is Christian fellowship, first between the proclaimer, God the Father, and God the Son, but also between the various disciples that comprise the Christian community. A necessary previous condition for inviting others to “have fellowship with us” is a pre-existing fellowship between those who are already believers.
Jim Reapsome makes some cogent observations on the strategic value of this vital means for overcoming the “social barrier”:
Our unity is the most overlooked ‘strategy’ for world evangelization . . . When we throw out John 17 for the sake of the good old church fight, we send ripples of spiritual degeneration around the world. Divisiveness at home is connected to spiritual resistance abroad. If what Jesus said means anything at all, it means lack of response overseas is connected to what we are here. Praying for a breakthrough in the 10-40 Window? Great. Where are the great prayer summonses for unity in Christ’s body? Where are the churches and mission agencies that will issue a call for unity before studying the ramifications of Generation X for world missions? (23)
Though frequently overlooked or minimized, in many missionary contexts, the “social barrier” can be one of the most significant obstacles that gets in the way of successfully fulfilling the Great Commission. Providentially, there are also various tools the Lord of the Harvest has given to his workers, which are effective means of overcoming this barrier.
(to be continued…)
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(19) Gioia Michelotti, “The Search for the Best Way to Win Japan,” EMQ (1995): 295.
(20) Rankin, 143.
(21) Dick Grady and Glenn Kendall, “Seven Keys to Effective Church Planting,” EMQ (1992): 368.
(22) Howard Searle, “Development Work Fits the Great Commission,” EMQ (1982): 160–61.
(23) Jim Reapsome, “Our Most Overlooked Strategy,” EMQ (1996): 134–35.
Excellent again, David. I think we will have arrived when we find ourselves as interested in discussing missiology as we do engaging in petty food-fights over a glass of wine. Oh well.
Excellent article.
the term ‘fellowship’ . . . is this somewhat similar in meaning(s)
to the ‘biblical’ word ‘koinonia’ which appears many times in sacred Scripture?
or does it have a more casual meaning in your post?
Chistiane,
As I understand it, Christian fellowship is the same as the biblical concept of koinonia. It is also the practical application of Christian unity, and is expressed more specifically through the various “one another” exhortations of the NT.
thanks for responding, DAVID
For what it’s worth, I asked R. Keith Parks in the summer of 2008 how he felt John 17 fit into effective missions. He said that unless there is an appreciation for how the lack of unity impacts missions, then we’re likely to see a generation or more of ineffective missions as the result of significant periods of disagreement. Now I’m going to make my controversial comment: in Parks’ view the Baptist World Alliance and other such forums help with unity worldwide. I’m not as sold on that as he is. But you can’t attend to unity while emphasizing separatism.… Read more »
Greg, I agree with Keith Parks that, at least as a general principle, the BWA and other such forums help with unity worldwide. The only catch is that, from the perspective of some, there were other factors involved that overrode the priority of seeking and promoting unity through the BWA. Whether or not those other factors were really that crucial, I am not totally sure. I have seen some information that has led me to conclude there were (and continue to be) some doctrinal problems among some groups associated with the BWA. I think an important question behind all this… Read more »
Dr. Rankin was pretty good about cooperating with others even outside the denominational fold to foster missions, was he not? That is my recollection anyway.
Here is an article that gives some insights into the answer of your question:
http://loveeachstone.blogspot.com/2006/05/historical-documents-baptist_23.html
And here is another that discusses the role of Dr. Parks:
http://loveeachstone.blogspot.com/2006/05/historical-documents-baptist_20.html
Updating the reference to what I believe isParks’ position paper entitled “The Great Commission”. (The reference on David’s blog didn’t resolve for me and I think this is the correct document.)
‘Though frequently overlooked or minimized, in many missionary contexts, the “social barrier” can be one of the most significant obstacles that gets in the way of successfully fulfilling the Great Commission.’
I know it is for me. In the required Evangelism course years ago in college networking was taught and emphasized as an important aspect of evangelism. I knew then that I would be fairly ineffective in evangelism.
“As they live out their faith through friendships and personal relationships, people can observe the reality of their faith.”
Those are pretty weak cords in my case.
Thank you David. This is an excellent article on a subject that seems so obvious but is often overlooked in our rush to carry the Gospel to the World. I assume this is part of a dissertation. I hope I can read the whole project. I have been off line lately so I am getting caught up on your series and hope to read each one carefully and if possible comment. I hope someday you end up back with the IMB. They could use your wisdom. Overcoming social barriers is often crucial in gaining a hearing for the Gospel. As… Read more »
It is not part of my dissertation, but it is a paper I wrote for a doctoral seminar on some ideas I have been presenting for a number if years when I get to speak about missions to various groups. I have tweaked the content just a little to make it wirk as a series of blog posts. The clincher, which will make more sense and give more continuity to the series as a whole, will be the final post… two more barriers, and then the conclusion.
David, I agree with you and Keith Parks that the BWA helps in the area of Christian unity worldwide. Our break with the BWA was not over theology but because the BWA accepted the CBF into its membership. If you read the correspondence between the SBC executive committee and the BWA, that is obvious. Paige Patterson and others decided they should be punished for this and only then began looking for some way to claim theological problems to justify their actions. The week that the SBC Executive Committee voted to recommend withdrawal from the BWA, BWA President, Billy Kim, the… Read more »
Pulling out from BWA was, on balance, not a good long term move unless there is far more information than was made public to Southern Baptists back when the SBC movers and shakers drove the action and the SBCin session approved it. The alternative, one guy working out of the SBC Executive Committee, didn’t fill the gap. Now, that has been eliminated. I consider myself to be reasonably well informed on such things but I have no idea what strategy and means we are now using to relate to other Baptists worldwide. It may be time to reconsider our decision… Read more »
William we hurt ourselves more than we hurt the BWA. They are doing fine without us. We need their fellowship and support. After the break with the BWA, Bobby Welch was hired by the Executive Committee to try and establish relationships with other Baptist bodies. Of course IMB missionaries already had those relationships but were not consulted. I don’t know what they were thinking. I know of nothing Welch accomplished besides being paid a salary and traveling around a lot. I never saw any evidence of his work in East Asia. If they would hire me for one day, I… Read more »
Interesting comments, Ron & William. I wonder if it is possible at this juncture for the SBC to go back and revisit something like BWA membership. I seem to remember hearing something about someone going to meetings as an observer, but I am very fuzzy on this. I have also wondered what became of the Global Evangelical Relations office. I agree that in most places the important ground-level relationship building is done between career missionaries and national denominational leaders in the countries in which they work. But it is also good for denominational leaders to build relationships with their counterparts… Read more »
I believe not long ago John Upton and other BWA leaders met with Frank Page and others at the SBC Executive Committee to discuss the SBC rejoining the BWA. Frank Page was not open to it. He has always been careful not to cross the line that would offend those in control of the CR. This was either not reported in Baptist Press or not given much coverage. Again it is not something those in Baptist Press feel free to speak much about. They might have to go back over the embarrassing history of how we left the BWA.
And I really like Frank Page, and due to his track record thus far on other issues tend to have an a priori trust for his judgment on matters like this. But I would really be curious to know more of the ins and outs regarding all this. I know that a few years ago when Bill Wagner was nominated as president of the SBC, this was a key issue on his agenda. But it does appear to me there have always been some elements related to all this that have been kept “under wraps.”
David,
I’m curious, do SBC missionaries have relationships/involved with the various Baptist Unions across the globe? Do SBC missionaries interact with local Baptist churches where they are serving?
I understand that the answer to that question may depend on geography.
I’m just wondering what the SBC’s departure from BWA really meant practically-speaking at the national and local levels.
BDW, It’s been about 4 years since I’ve been officially affiliated with the IMB, so you will need to take that into account. But since the question you ask is one I am particularly interested in, somewhat of a soapbox issue for me even, I will be happy to share what I know. The answer does depend somewhat (as you correctly intuit) on the particular region and even on the country within that region. It also depends, though, on the particular missionaries involved, and the particular national Baptist leaders involved. Longer-term missionaries who already had developed close relationships with national… Read more »
BDW, David’s reply I think is very accurate and reflects what we experienced as well. We served for almost 16 years with the FMB/IMB, predominantly in Argentina following a year of language school in Costa Rica and then for a short stint in Mexico. There is no question I think that New Directions marked a significant upheaval in the way missionary strategy was done in connection with national conventions. The IMB basically moved from a cooperative mindset when it came to establishing priorities in conjunction with national leadership to an autocratic, unilateral approach to both missionary deployment and funding of… Read more »
Rejoin the BWA ….. Are y’all serious?
The ambitiously named Global Relations Office and GR Ambassador (I immediately named BW our Ambassador to the Galaxy) was an ad hoc, made up deal. Frank Page wisely jettisoned the whole thing as a part of his XComm budget cuts. So far, FP is the only SBC entity head who isn’t trying to grab even more cookies from the jar.
I doubt it is in the offing but I’d explore a relationship with the BWA. Back in the day, we paid far too many of the bills, good old SBC golden goose.
I’m posting this as a separated comment from David Rogers’ most recent one, though you might find some similarity. In Indonesia there was a continuing tension between the pastors of the Indonesian national convention and the Mission (i.e. the FMB/IMB localized administration and all the missionaries.) While this is far enough in my past that I don’t remember many of the details and especially I don’t remember the key personalities (let me offer that during my memory Jerry Rankin was not in any kind of formal leadership role in the Mission and served “merely” as a field evangelist), I do… Read more »
BTW: I think this is a MACRO problem for the SBC that influences Barrier #4 and #6. But that doesn’t mean it causes every one of our missionaries to be ineffective. They can still be effective even if the SBC as a whole becomes less influential in world missions over time mostly by its own choice. The only question is whether we can please God by doing what we’re doing. I think we can. But can we please him more when we seek unity? Possibly…as long as we don’t sacrifice something more important in order to have collegiality. This is… Read more »
Greg, Thanks for sharing your recollections and impressions gleaned from your childhood in Indonesia. It enriches the discussion. I am basically in agreement with what you share. I do want to clarify that, in my answer to BDW, I am contrasting missionary-national believer relationships before New Directions (and the decision to disassociate with the BWA) and after these two developments. Actually, that is another interesting sidelight on all of this. Both of these events (New Directions, and leaving the BWA) occurred about the same time, and though I am not sure they were directly related in their root, in the… Read more »
Yes. I had a little trepidation about mentioning the tension in that it could distract from the point you (and Ron) were making since my memory significantly predates this situation. But since the previous two IMB presidents and a significant plurality of the vice presidents or equivalent (I think that list includes Jesse Fletcher, Bill O’Brien, Avery Willis, and Clyde Meador) served in Indonesia, I thought the historical perspective specific to Indonesia might actually be informative at least for contextual purposes. One other event that I’m less clear on is whether the replacement of the central campus approach to seminary… Read more »
The Rüschlikon ordeal all went down shortly before my wife and I were appointed with the IMB. I am not really privy to the ins and outs related to that. One of the problems with the FMB/IMB before New Directions, in my opinion, was they were in many cases too beholden to the wishes of national Baptist unions, who, many times, were interested in getting what resources they could (financial, human, and otherwise) out of the deal. In theory, we are all working for the same team, with the same ultimate kingdom objectives in mind. But in practice, those things… Read more »
David and Greg, Excellent comments by both of you. I would agree completely with David’s response to BDW. With over 100 countries and many different Baptist and non-Baptist bodies we work with no two situations are exactly the same. Certainly in the traditional mission fields many Baptist bodies right felt the IMB was breaking a friendship and trust that had been built up in many ways over years. There was no need to handle it the way it was done. Of course in many restricted access countries we were working with whoever we could find, i.e. house church networks in… Read more »
(WSHEW: megapost incoming…in an attempt to respond to the hanging threads and hopefully close them all from my point of view.) I do remember Cal Guy was a consultant and remember discussing him with probably my mom though possibly also my dad. I think that decision might have predated my parents’ arrival in 1973 possibly as early as 1970 (which would have been Jerry’s first year on the field, by the way, which is why I mention him as not in leadership). As an aside, my mom worked on one of the “programmed instruction” modules and with my fledgling language… Read more »
Greg you and I are on the same side in this discussion. I don’t remember ever mentioning Cal Guy, my missions professor at SWBTS, on this blog but it is possible. As I said, the idea of spreading theological education out to where the people live is good. We tried to institute TEE in Taiwan and it met mixed success. I am aware of the difficulty with visas in Indonesia. I have had several friends who were forced to leave. Billy Gaddis and George Trotter for two. There are several places in the world that the missionary visas depend on… Read more »
Thanks, Ron. The funny thing about memories is that there is a tendency when we remember them to filter in the best parts and filter out the worst. I’m sensitive to the potential of being accused of name dropping, too, but I just found that time fascinating and therefore remembered an extra portion of it that my sibs don’t remember at all. As a quick note: in addition to the Gaddises and the Trotters, I recall that one of our missionaries considered revoking his US citizenship and applying for Indonesian citizenship in order to continue his work there unhampered by… Read more »