The gospel is liberation in every culture. But what happens when the call to share this good news collides with accusations of cultural imperialism? It’s an under-discussed tension in the Christian missions space. By examining Jesus’ mission model, Barry, a church planter who's spent two decades in London, addresses arguments against missionaries that label them as colonialistic, imperialistic, or exploitative. Whether you're wrestling with legitimate questions about mission work, feeling called to cross-cultural ministry, or simply seeking to understand how the gospel relates to cultural engagement, this conversation offers both challenge and encouragement. 

In this episode, they discuss… 

• Colonialism vs. Christian Mission Defined (09:48)
• The Widow of Nain: Jesus' Mission Model (12:58)
• When Gospel Transforms Culture (18:38)
• Addressing Critics and Cultural Context (26:46)
• Finding Confidence in Mission Work (36:46)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Read Examining the Great Commission: Our Calling as Modern Disciples by Emily Shrader 
• Revisit S1:E9 A World in Need: Re-engaging the Great Commission
• Explore Short-Term Trips and our other resources at serge.org
• Bible references: Matthew 28:19-20,  Luke 7:11-16, Acts 19:21-41, Psalm 23

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode was Barry S., a church planter in a multi-cultural community of London and Serge’s Area Director for the UK. He has worked for Serge in London since 2005. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

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