There is one aspect of being human that really gets in the way of ministry. And it goes back to the fall.

It is the way we think the world revolves around me, or my tribe. It shows its ugly face in all sorts of ways, but particularly when we either dismiss or demonise those not like us.

In ministry there is another related manifestation: we assume everyone is or should be like us. It is this assumption that I want to consider. 

Christians rightly know the gospel is for all people, and we try hard to welcome people of different backgrounds and cultures, but we often do not do this well. 

It seems to me that there are three aspects of tribalism that every Christian needs work on:

1. Noticing and understanding others

It is so easy to assume that those walking into our churches are just like us.

Here is a quick test. Think back to last week at church. Can you identify the ethnic origins of everyone you know, and name the different ethnic groups, or cultures represented in church?

Our ethnic identity shapes so much of our self understanding but this reality does not often enter our thinking. Another test: can you determine from a Christian name or surname the ethnic roots of a person?

Again, origin affects a person. And this is just the beginning. We should not only know the ethnic roots of people, but then work at putting ourselves in their shoes, so we can help each other to Christian maturity. We need to work at standing in their shoes and viewing the world through their eyes.

What aspects of culture of origin really affects them? What things from culture of origin hinder and what things promote understanding and living the gospel? This needs to become part of the way we think and relate. 

2. Understanding your culture

Next we need to understand what cultures we exist in. By this I am not just referring to ethnic culture because we all exist in many mini or micro cultures. For example a resident doctor in a hospital has a culture that is determined by the perimeter of the hospital. So much time is spent there. They relate to and rub shoulders continually with people who also inhabit that culture. Other examples are the sports clubs, or activities our kids do. 

Why does this matter? Proclaiming Christ is usually most easily heard by someone if it is spoken by another within their culture. Any culture you are part of becomes a gospel opportunity for you to use for the glory of Christ. 

3. Assisting another culture

What happens if you perceive there is a culture or micro culture that needs to be reached with the gospel, but that you are not part of? You work to become part of that culture: our missionaries do that.

Another way is to assist those in the culture you have a heart for to minister better within the culture. Here are some simple suggestions.

Pray that God will give you someone in church who is of the culture you are concerned about, and work alongside them. Share your vision for the culture and let them see that their participation in that culture can be a gift from God. (So often people don't see the possibilities, and we can assist to raise up gospel proclaimers just by sharing the vision.)

Work alongside, and eventually behind the person from the culture to enable them to lead or assist in a ministry to their culture. Pray for them, train them, mentor them. 

Finally, why not help (from behind the scenes) to begin a small Bible study for people from the micro cultural group you are concerned about. People like being with people like them and will often join a group for this reason. Ask the person you are working with who they know who could be invited to join, and when new people join ask them who they know who could join. And so it goes on.