Culture and Evangelism: A Model for Missiological Strategy

Abstract

This article applies the three-cultures model to the evangelistic distance model developed by McGavran and expanded by Wagner and Winter. Using cultural difference as the criterion for evangelistic distance, a cross-cultural strategy is developed. This strategy places the responsibility for effective evangelism on those who are culturally most similar to the recipients. This leads to the conclusion that cross-cultural missionaries should focus on enabling and equipping local people. So equipped, cultural insiders can then communicate more effectively the gospel message in ways that will match receptor needs.