The Work of a Planter: Exegete the Culture

Some folks are going to read that title and want to go ballistic.  If you’ve paid much attention to the church planting world, you’ve heard this term before.  It can mean anything from learn about your area to change your preaching style and (maybe) your convictions to best “engage” the culture that you’re trying to reach.  

When I use the phrase, I basically mean two things:

1. Understand the idols of that culture.
2. Work towards meaningful relationships in the area.

Colossians 4:2-6 speaks to this:

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.  5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Although our message will never change, our time may be more efficiently spent if we understand our “audience” a little more thoroughly.  For example, I live in Shreveport, LA.  98% of Shreveporters consider themselves to be Christians.  Devoting prep time and conversations to refuting Muslim doctrine and teaching is going to be a mistake in my immediate area.  My time will be better spent asking questions about their understanding of the Gospel and trying to clarify for them the actual contents of the Gospel and the right application of those contents.

In New Orleans, there is a strong Catholic presence, so in ministry there, I will want to familiarize myself with current and historical Catholic teaching.  I will need to read up on the reformation and how Catholic doctrine has evolved since then.  Shreveport and New Orleans are very different, but in both places, I must show those with whom I interact that if their trust is not placed in Jesus, it is misplaced.  In New Orleans, it may be overt licentiousness while a Shreveporter may struggle with a very religious works-righteousness.  Neither is trusting in Jesus.  It is essential work of a planter to understand the idols of his mission field.

The second thing a planter or plant team will want to do is to find an ally that is IN the culture.  In Luke 10, this is called a person of peace.  This will be a person who understands what you’re doing and is supportive.  More importantly than that, a person of peace is going to be able to put you into contact with folks in the area that you are trying to reach.  These contacts will develop into relationships where real evangelism and discipleship can take place.  They are your “in” in the area and they are invaluable.  

May we walk in wisdom and we seek to further the Kingdom.

Soli Deo Gloria