By Ken Blue
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
North America consists of many diverse cultures and ethnic groups. Churches that ignore this truth do so to their own peril. This fact is made more evident by Chinatown, Little Italy and other community groups within most large cities.
Churches that attempt to force a culture into their church, foreign to the surrounding community, will find it like trying to drive a square peg into a round hole. It is practically impossible. Paul never attempted to bring Jewish culture or customs into Gentile churches. The gospel and the Pauline epistles easily fit any culture.
[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]A pastor should make every effort to see that his church is not foreign to the area where he serves.[/pullquote]
I see some pastors attempting to force southern culture into their churches in the northern states. There is a world of difference, not only within large cities, but within the various states. Of course the gospel is the same, but the cultures may not be the same. That is why a pastor should make every effort to see that his church is not foreign to the area where he serves. Paul was able and willing to adapt, but Some pastors are not. It is easier to let people go to hell, than it is to adjust.
We must ask ourselves; are we trying to get men and women transformed into the image of Christ, or are we trying to force a culture that is foreign to them? Every foreign missionary knows what I am talking about. Do you?
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.