Cross-cultural workers deliberately engage with those of other cultures. They often move to new locations and seek to live incarnationally among those to whom they minister. This process involved both learning and adjustment. They learn about the new culture. This can include learning about the layout of their specific area, the ways in which people earn a living, local and government structures, ways of doing business, how to interact with family and neighbors, and religious beliefs and practices. As workers learn about a culture, they also adjust to that culture. Sometimes this is as simple as learning to live in a new apartment, travel, shop, and do one’s daily work. Other adjustments are more subtle and may require reflection and deliberate decisions. One may, for instance, choose to adjust to the culture by what they eat, how they dress, how they greet others, ways in which they affirm others or correct others, how they make decisions, and how they daily schedule their time. While Christians are not to adopt philosophies, practices, or values of a culture which are offensive to God and dishonor him, they can adopt practices and values which are morally neutral, or which do honor God. These practices may be different than what the worker experienced in their home area.

​

Paul the apostle adjusted his ministry approach to different cultures. In 1 Cor. 9:19-23, he describes some of these adjustments, noting in summary that “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” In Acts 17:22-31, Paul spoke publicly in Athens to declare that his message helps answer questions they have about their own deities. It may be argued that Paul did not need to “learn” a new culture as he was familiar with the various cultures of the day (Greek, Roman, Jewish). However, Acts 17:16 does state the Paul was “distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” Paul clearly observed the culture, paying attention to differences, which affected how he communicated Christ to them.

​

Although related to a different context, Jer. 29:4-8 reveals a principle about adjusting to a new area. This passage includes instructions by God to those who were being sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon because of their disobedience to the LORD. Although the Jewish people will not live in that area permanently, they are instructed to “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce” (Jer. 29:5). In summary, they are to settle into the area and make themselves at home. They are to adjust to life there, even though they are not natives of that area, and will eventually leave. They are also to “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.” If the city prospers, they will. These principles can be applied to the cross-cultural missionary. Although they are “foreign” to that location, they serve wisely when they seek to settle in an area and adjust to the surroundings. Cross-cultural workers should learn and adjust to other cultures.

 

Those serving in Muslim contexts will live in cultures likely much different than in their home area. The temptation may be to focus on what is “different” about these cultures rather than what is “similar.” They may criticize the new culture and its practices and be resistant to change and adjustment. Effective workers are ones who do deliberately learn about a new culture and adjust to it appropriately. While they certainly do not follow cultural practices and values which dishonor God, they may be surprised to discover the many practices which are morally neutral, or which do honor God. For instance, workers may not normally dress as Muslim women do, but they may discover this modesty does not dishonor God and be willing to adopt it. They may also choose to not eat pork, even though they are accustomed to it. Remembering that Jesus himself did not eat pork may be an encouragement to them. Embracing local practices which honor God helps workers feel more at home in their “new” location. It also builds bridges with those around them.