GLST Book Application 1
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Liberty University *
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Philosophy
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by vdjones14
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Book Application
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
GLST-650-D09 Intercultural Communication
by First and Last Name
November 19, 2022
Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………
1
Lesson One……………………………………………………………. 2
Lesson Two………………………………………………………………..
5
Lesson Three……………………………………………………………
1
Lesson Four……………………………………………………………. 2
Lesson Five………………………………………………………………..
5
Conclusion ……………………………………………………………
1
Introduction
In the book, Christian Intercultural Communication, C. Tim Chang and Ashley E. Chang share their experience through the lens of their personal experiences and their scientific research in an attempt to “translate biblical principles into meaningful strategies through which Christians can relate with people in their host culture.”
1
Through the use of secular research, citing, and methodology, his personal experiences, and scripture, Chang ties them together to draw two primary points for his readers. The first point he shares is being called to follow Jesus’s
model “and live a life filled with Christian Intercultural communication, where the goal isn’t just crossing culture, but loving everyone with Christlike love”
2
, and the second point he states is, “In
the end, the most important goal of this book is to glorify God.”
3
Ultimately, he reminds his audience that all truth is God’s truth. Chang, in the introduction of his book stated that he wrote this book “because it is impossible to carry out God’s missionary work without CIC.”
4
This is a bold response from Chang, and can be portrayed as a prideful remark. He used the term ‘impossible’ as if God’s word alone cannot stand on its own. From reading that remark, it can make one feel that for people to share the gospel it is impossible to do so without Christian Intercultural Communication. However, we read in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “
all scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
5
While the 1 C. Tim Change and Ashley E. Chang, Christian Intercultural Communication: How to Share God’s Love with People of Other Cultures, (Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2021), 20.
2 Ibid., 14.
3 Ibid., 21.
4 Ibid., 21.
5 Unless otherwise noted all Bible references are taken from the New American Standard Version (2001 update), Crossway.
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thought might appear to be prideful, I believe Chang is stating that the practice of Christian Intercultural Communication is an important addition to help one navigate how to connect and communication cross-culturally. One can also appreciate Chang’s transparency as he shares his own story revealing his struggles and, in a sense, “walks” with his readers through their own shortcomings. He understood and wanted to communicate that sharing experiences with others is a natural part of Christian Intercultural Communication. Through the chapters in his book, he guides his readers through every chapter with practical ideas to develop their Christian Intercultural Communication skills drawing them back to the two primary points stated above- following Jesus and glorifying God in all things. This paper hopes to engage with Chang through his wonderful and practical work analyzing, expanding, and sharing five lessons from his work. Lesson One: Culture Shock
Reflecting from a time in my life, I remember my first experience with culture shock. As a matter-of-fact, I have experienced it a few times throughout my life and every experience resulted in similar responses. Originally from the south, I had to relocate to New York for a short while, and it did not take me long to shrivel in fear because the culture was less inviting than what I have always been accustomed to, I was clueless on where to begin meeting and connecting with people, let alone where to find food. It was evident that I was not a New York native. Whether I relocated to New York for a short while, moved to a different school that was not considered my home school, or moved abroad to teach, it took a great length of time for me to try and understand the cultural dynamics and the language, which brought about a high level of discomfort. However, these are the moments where God shows himself through the fear and discomfort. During moments of uncertainty and unfamiliarity, it is so easy to rest in discomfort and doubt, one must remember that those who choose to follow the call of sharing the gospel and
follow Jesus, it is not always a life of ease. Chang defines culture shock as a “
relatively short-
term feeling of disorientation and discomfort to the lack of familial cues.
”
6
This statement 6 Ibid., 24.
resonates with me as I am reminded of the endearing words from the apostle Peter, “
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you
”
7
(1 Peter 4:12). Experiencing culture shock can be a struggle; however, I am glad that I can rest assure that God is always near, He is always at work, and I recognize that culture shock is inseparable from ministry. Lesson Two: Putting God First
Many times, within the ministry, we can lose sight of what is truly important- God. There are times we feel as if we’re trying to keep up a certain pace in competition with other churches, make ministry about ourselves, or we can find ourselves caught in the ebbs and flows of keeping the traditions of the church. Chang points out to his readers, “
Satan tries to meddle the thoughts in our heads and make us think that human institutions are more important than God’s eternal Gospel of love.
”
8
Through my personal experience working for a church, I have found Chang’s statement vital and relevant; he tells his readers to, “get your priorities straight
” 9
by focusing on God’s Glory and not one’s own. In ministry, our focus must always be Jesus. Everything we do, how we plan, how we progress, it must be Jesus. If our focus does not shift and point to the glory
of God, we will ultimately fail at completing the Great Commission. Lesson Three: Managing Conflict
Ministry has its challenges. Many are astounded or in disbelief when they learn conflict exists within ministry. I have worked in ministry four years, and I had the opportunity to work with someone of a different culture and background than me. While we both shared similar personalities, it was difficult to get along because we had great ideas but different ideas and execution styles. Our disagreements caused friction; however, it was obvious that while I had a specific vision in mind, as she did too, I did not do a well job of collaborating well for the Kingdom of God. God quickened my heart and shared that while our cultural experiences are different, we must learn to work together for the sake of the Kingdom. As I reflect on my pride 7 Unless otherwise noted all Bible references are taken from the New American Standard Version (2001 update), Crossway. 8 Ibid., 56.
9 Ibid., 21.
and lack of responsiveness to cultural differences in that situation, Chang’s statement rings true stating, “
It’s about listening, pushing our pride aside, being culturally aware, and refraining from saying what we shouldn’t.”
10
Lesson Four: Contextualization
In chapter six, Chang stresses the importance of understanding contextualization, which, according to him, is
, “finding the form best suited for sharing the Gospel within each culture.”
11
Contextualization helps our understanding of the Gospel we can see the Gospel through a different cultural lens. This chapter helped me understand the importance of understanding how prepared we must be when it comes to sharing the gospel across the world. I believe the point Chang is trying to convey in this lesson is that we must be adaptable and eager to learn the best ways to communicate the gospel cross-culturally, and even within our local cultures, to accomplish the Great Commission to the best of our ability making sure that Christ remains the focus of our witness. Lesson Five: Finish Strong, Finish Well
My experience working in ministry has taught me accountability, how to move past pride,
and heed to the instruction of the Holy Spirit. Which is what I have learned from Chang in this chapter. Change is inevitable, but necessary. I remember when God called me to leave the ministry I worked for. I thought it was the very place I would stay most of my life, but not so. Towards the end of my time working in ministry at that particular church, I found myself reflecting on the work I had accomplished, work done for the kingdom. I recognized that each day that I worked was not perfect- some days I was prideful and sometimes selfish, but I learned from those moments. However, there was never a day that I did not give my best, which gave me
peace as I was exiting that I finished well, and I was proud of that. Chang’s chapter reminded me
of Timothy as he “fought the good fight …finished the race…kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). When it was time for me to transition into my next ministry assignment, I kept in mind the lessons I learned and spoke about earlier- not allowing pride, fear, or discomfort from hindering me to do God’s will. I have learned, through this chapter, to rely on God and allow the 10 Ibid., 138.
11 Ibid., 110.
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Lord to use me the way he desires so, and to keep in mind that “the lifelong commitment is not necessarily the place we stay, but rather our devotion to Christ.”
12
Conclusion
Throughout Chang’s book, I have learned many practices and lifelong lessons that will help me make impact wherever I go, which is to embrace culture shock, recognize that God’s glory is priority, learn to manage conflict in a Christ-like manner, carefully contextualize, and trust God’s sovereignty. My hope is to take what I have learned and apply them wherever God sends me knowing that He will guide me through it all. 12 Ibid., 158.
Bibliography
Chang, C. Tim and Chang, Ashley E. Christian Intercultural Communication: Sharing God’s Love with People of Other Cultures. Dubuqe, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2020