Zambia Hunt

Resource: Cross-Cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer

In today’s interconnected world, the call to serve Christ across cultural boundaries has never been more relevant. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, “Let a man so consider us, as slaves of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” This fundamental principle of Christian service takes on new dimensions when applied across cultural contexts.

The Biblical Foundation of Servanthood

Jesus not only commanded servanthood but demonstrated it powerfully. In John 13:1-18, we see Christ himself taking on the role of a servant, washing His disciples’ feet. This act wasn’t merely symbolic—it established a pattern for Christian ministry that would challenge cultural and social hierarchies. When His disciples were competing for positions of prominence, Jesus redirected their ambitions, teaching that true greatness in His kingdom is found in serving others (Matthew 20:20-28).

The New Testament frequently uses the terms Kyrios (Lord) and Doulos (slave) to describe our relationship with Christ. This master-slave relationship involves exclusive ownership, complete submission, singular devotion, total dependence, and personal accountability. As Jesus stated in John 13:16, “No servant is greater than his master.”

Learning from Paul’s Example

The Apostle Paul exemplified cross-cultural servanthood beautifully. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, he describes becoming “all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel. He adapted his approach whether working with Jews or Gentiles, consistently placing the advancement of the gospel above personal comfort or cultural preferences. Paul’s flexibility wasn’t compromise—it was strategic servanthood that prioritized others’ salvation above his own cultural identity.

Learning from Paul’s Example

Modern cross-cultural workers face subtle but dangerous temptations. One is the tendency to wear “the robe instead of the towel”—adopting an attitude of superiority rather than service. This can manifest in various ways:

– Competitive attitudes toward other missionaries

– Assuming Western education equals superior wisdom

– Imposing rather than serving

– Failing to value local perspectives and experiences

Building Effective Cross-Cultural Ministry

Successful cross-cultural service follows a progressive pattern of relationship building:

1. Openness: Willingly stepping outside comfort zones to initiate and maintain cross-cultural relationships
2. Acceptance: Communicating genuine value and respect for others
3. Trust: Building mutual confidence through consistent, respectful interaction
4. Learning: Actively gathering insights from those we serve
5. Understanding: Recognizing and respecting cultural patterns and values
6. Serving: Empowering others to live God-glorifying lives within their cultural context

The Journey to True Servanthood

As George McDonald noted, “To hold to a doctrine or an opinion with the intellect alone is not to believe it. A man’s real belief is that which he lives by.” True servanthood isn’t about what we do—it’s about who we are. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes His faithful servants as those who served without calculating or even realizing their service. Their acts of kindness flowed naturally from their character.

Cultural Humility in Practice

Humility takes different forms across cultures. What represents servant leadership in one context might appear differently in another. The key question for cross-cultural workers becomes: “What are the cultural equivalents of foot-washing in this context?” This requires careful observation, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to learn from those we serve.

Conclusion

Effective cross-cultural ministry requires more than good intentions—it demands intentional humility, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine servant’s heart. As we engage in cross-cultural ministry, we must constantly examine our attitudes and approaches, ensuring that we truly serve as Christ served. The goal isn’t to replicate our own cultural expressions of faith but to empower others to glorify God authentically within their cultural context.

The challenge for every cross-cultural worker is to move beyond a theoretical understanding of servanthood to practical, culturally appropriate service that reflects Christ’s love and humility. This journey begins with an openness to others and culminates in enabling them to live God-glorifying lives in their own cultural context.

In this way, we truly fulfill our calling as “slaves of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,” serving faithfully across cultural boundaries for His glory.