In this episode, we sit down with Paul Wendland, former president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, to discuss the profound value of the gospel message and how a deep understanding of core Christian teachings can equip leaders for effective cross-cultural ministry. Paul shares insights from his diverse ministry experiences, from Africa to Salt Lake City, illustrating the challenges and blessings of sharing faith across different cultural contexts.
Key Takeaways:
The Unconditional Gospel (Objective Justification): Paul explains the concept that forgiveness is a free gift from God, already accomplished through Christ for everyone, regardless of their response. This understanding fuels mission work because it's a message of pure grace for all people.
Theology of the Cross: This teaching helps find God amidst suffering and apparent failure. For missionaries, it means finding validation not in visible success but in God's presence and promises, even during times of loneliness, struggle, or perceived lack of results. It acknowledges that suffering is often part of following Christ, confirming rather than denying one's calling.
The Three Solas:
Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura): The Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and life, standing above human tradition or philosophy. It guides believers to let Scripture shape their questions and answers, rather than imposing cultural assumptions onto the text.
Grace Alone (Sola Gratia): Reinforces the unconditional nature of God's favor.
Faith Alone (Sola Fide): Salvation is received simply by trusting God's promises, not through human effort, merit, or works.
Understanding Culture in Ministry:
Human Commonality: All people share fundamental traits, like a natural knowledge of God and a moral sense, which provides a basis for communication.
Human Culture: Groups share specific customs, beliefs, and ways of seeing the world (tribal truths). Missionaries must learn to understand these cultural specifics sympathetically.
Human Individuality: Avoid stereotyping; listen to individuals to understand their unique perspectives rather than relying solely on generalized cultural knowledge.
Culture's Role: While culture doesn't affect one's standing "in Christ", it matters greatly in communicating Christ. Effective ministry involves adapting communication methods to the specific cultural context without compromising the core message, often best done in partnership with local leaders.
Advice for New Missionaries:
Prioritize personal and family devotional life.
Build fellowship with colleagues (both expatriate and national); avoid isolation.
Be prepared for culture shock and trust God through it.
Cultivate curiosity and a spirit of adventure.
Accept that you may never fully "fit in," and see the value in a cross-cultural perspective.
Resources & Readings Mentioned:
The Apostle Paul and Culture essay by Paul Wendland
Various related essays by Paul Wendland (download here)
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
On the Freedom of a Christian by Martin Luther
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system
Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.
Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
