Ministry in a Multi-Cultural and Unchurched Society

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Mi n i s t r y i n a Mu l t i -Cu l tura l and Unchur ched Soc i et y

The word of our Teacher did not remain in Judea alone – as philosophy did in Greece. Rather, it was diffused over the whole world, over every nation, village, and town.

~ Clement of Alexandria, c. 195. David W. Bercot, ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs . Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1998. p. 260.

There is not one single race of men, whether barbarians, or Greeks, or whatever they may be called – whether nomads, vagrants, or herdsmen living in tents – among whom prayers and giving of thanks are not offered through the name of the crucified Jesus.

~ Justin Martyr, c. 160. Ibid.

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a. It involves going across barriers.

b. It involves making disciples, i.e., living the Baptized Life.

c. It involves ongoing instruction in the commands of Christ, suggesting ongoing connection to others in gathered assembly.

D. Summary: The Great Tradition calls us to embody the kingdom life in the world through deeds of hospitality, generosity, and justice, and through a prophetic witness of evangelization and disciple making among those people groups where no church exists.