Exploration of how folk cultures function and ways to recognize folk cultural aspects. Emphasis is also placed on key opportunities to bless and effectively communicate to folk culture friends.
Equips students to understand and effectively minister to friends with folk religious practices and perspectives.
Understanding folk practices of our friends is a key ministry skill. Reaching out with God's love and grace to meet our friends in their concerns, fears, and methods of coping with life is the heart of the Gospel.
Jesus met people where they were and did not operate solely on categories. He addressed and ministered to their felt needs.
In order to be effective missionally, we need to understand the life challenges people face and the various ways they address these. Only with this more complete understanding can we minister to people where they are.
Understanding context means understanding people in times of crisis and in the midst of facing daily life. The point of understanding is the gateway to entering into their lives.
Understanding ourselves and the other as we meet daily challenges enhances intercultural communication. We get beyond the stereotype and reach the person.
Everyone has folk practices on which they rely. Knowing how to understand our own practices and explore those of friends is a lifelong skill.
We don't meet people in a book about them, but in personal interaction. As part of the course, the student will reach out and minister to a person from another culture addressing their underlying perspectives, concerns and means of addressing daily life.
