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Editor's note
How do we communicate the gospel across ethnic boundaries without imposing our nonessential personal and cultural beliefs on groups we address? Is it possible when so much of what we say or believe is based on our experience within our own racial/ethnic group? In 1 Corinthians 9:19 – 23, Paul explains his method of crossing the boundaries of his time. He made himself “a slave to all” — the Jews, those under the law, those outside the law and the weak — “so that I might win more of them.” Instead of asking others to be or think like him, Paul listened, observed and acted like those with whom he wanted to share the gospel. I suspect he learned that incarnational pattern of communication from Jesus, who became like us to show us what true humanity and a right relationship with God should look like. But bringing different ethnic groups together in one church is not easy, Paul’s example notwithstanding. We don’t unlearn our prejudices quickly. We need to hear stories of how people have learned new ways to express faith from one racial/ethnic group to another. The articles in this issue look at a variety of ways Christians are working at crossing social and ethnic boundaries to share the gospel. There are no magic solutions, just the honest struggles of people who want to be the body of Christ for all. In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
