How to Make Disciples in Any Culture (Biblical Model)

 

Understanding the Great Commission Across Borders

Jesus's command to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20) transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Yet many Christians struggle with applying biblical discipleship principles in cross-cultural contexts. This guide explores practical ways to make disciples effectively while respecting cultural differences and maintaining biblical integrity.

The Biblical Foundation for Cross-Cultural Discipleship

The Apostle Paul demonstrated remarkable cultural adaptability without compromising the gospel message. As he wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel."

This adaptive approach provides our blueprint for effective disciple-making across cultures:

1. Begin with Cultural Immersion and Understanding

Before attempting to make disciples in any culture, invest time in understanding the people you're serving.

- Learn the language basics, even if just greetings and common phrases

- Study the cultural values, traditions, and social structures

- Build authentic relationships with local believers and community members

- Identify existing expressions of faith within the culture

Successful cross-cultural discipleship begins with genuine respect and cultural humility.

 2. Contextualize the Message, Not the Truth

The gospel message remains unchanged, but how we communicate it must be culturally relevant.

- Use local stories, proverbs, and cultural references as bridges to biblical truth

- Address specific cultural questions and concerns that affect faith development

- Find redemptive analogies within the culture that illustrate biblical principles

- Present Scripture in ways that connect with local thought patterns and values

When Jesus taught, He used farming analogies for agricultural communities and fishing examples for coastal dwellers.

3. Focus on Reproducible Discipleship Methods

For discipleship to spread organically within a culture, your methods must be:

- Simple enough for new believers to implement immediately

- Independent of outside resources or technology when possible

- Based on oral methods in primarily oral cultures

- Connected to existing social structures and community patterns

The Discovery Bible Study method has proven effective across numerous cultural contexts because it emphasizes participant discovery rather than expert teaching.

 4. Train Indigenous Leaders from the Beginning

The multiplication of disciples depends on equipping local believers to lead.

- Identify and invest in potential leaders early in the discipleship process

- Share ministry responsibilities and leadership gradually

- Provide mentoring while avoiding creating dependency

- Ensure leaders are developing other leaders (2 Timothy 2:2 model)

Remember that in every culture, the Holy Spirit is already at work preparing hearts and raising up leaders.

 5. Address Worldview, Not Just Behavior

Transformative discipleship must address core beliefs that influence actions.

- Explore how the gospel transforms cultural identity and values

- Discuss how Scripture speaks to specific cultural practices and beliefs

- Allow space for the Holy Spirit to guide believers in applying biblical principles

- Help disciples examine their cultural assumptions in light of Scripture

True discipleship happens when Jesus transforms culture from within, not when outside practices are imposed.

## 6. Embrace Biblical Community Forms

How discipleship communities function may vary by culture, but certain biblical elements remain essential:

- Regular gatherings for worship, prayer, and Scripture

- Practicing spiritual disciplines appropriate to the cultural context

- Developing meaningful accountability relationships

- Engaging in service and outreach as a community

The early church adapted its forms while maintaining its core functions across diverse Roman, Greek, and Jewish contexts.

7. Measure Success Through Multiplication

Effective cross-cultural discipleship isn't measured by conformity to outside models but by reproduction.

- Look for evidence of Indigenous expressions of faith emerging

- Celebrate when disciples begin making other disciples

- Monitor the development of locally-led discipleship communities

- Assess whether the gospel is spreading through natural relationship networks

Practical Application: A Cross-Cultural Discipleship Framework

When entering a new cultural context for discipleship:

1. **Observe** (3-6 months): Learn the language, build relationships, understand worldview

2. **Participate** (3-6 months): Join existing faith conversations, support local believers

3. **Facilitate** (6-12 months): Begin simple discovery Bible studies with receptive people

4. **Mentor** (1-2 years): Develop local leaders while gradually reducing your visibility

5. **Partner** (ongoing): Maintain supportive relationships with indigenous leaders

Conclusion: Culture-Honoring, Bible-Centered Discipleship

Making disciples across cultures requires deep respect for cultural diversity and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth. Following Jesus's example of incarnational ministry and Paul's adaptable approach, we can participate effectively in God's work of raising disciples from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The most effective cross-cultural disciplemakers aren't those with the most knowledge, but those willing to learn, adapt, and walk alongside others in their journey of following Jesus.

*"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." – Acts 17:26-27*