When it comes to reaching other cultures, I learned that it is important to meet the culture on surface levels. That when I go in to a new culture, if I am still dressed as my middle-class midwestern self, I am automatically setting myself a part from them. Now, I get there is a difference between indulging oneself in the culture and still not being of this world. I don't think the point is to adapt morals and views of this world. But strictly on surface levels- you've got to be who you want to reach.
Our learning experience for this topic was a trip to Bergdorf & Goodman. If you don't know anything about high fashion- this is the pinnacle. This is the top of high class/high fashion in New York City. It's on 5th Avenue, right next door to the Plaza. It's a fancy part of town- Tiffany's is just across the street. Our assignment was simply to go, browse, and try something on. In the past, groups from Missouri have been treated very poorly. One girl asked to try something on, but was refused "the right" to try something on because she could not pronounce the name of the designer. No joke. This is because the instant a middle class citizen walks in to that store, they automatically count you out. They know you are not buying anything but maybe want to see what it's like to wear something fancy, worth thousands of dollars. I get it though- I walk in to a homeless shelter and totally judge as well. Even though I don't treat them poorly, I have my own ideas and stereotypes about those people. There's no way that me walking in to Bergdorf & Goodman dressed as a middle class citizen from small town Missouri could ever reach those people for Jesus without making some lifestyle changes.
Our professor led by example when it comes to fashion. First thing I noticed when I met him was that he was fancy. That's the best word for it. Tailor-made suits, he matched his shoes to his belts, even sometimes his lasses. He just looked high class. Well, he has a financial company that helps with capital campaigns. He helps churches and schools raise money for building projects. Who do you think his target is for such projects? Middle class citizens? Maybe. Lower class citizens? Doubtful. High class? Most likely. He lives on Lakeshore Drive in Chicago- he's going after the people with the money. And that's how he dresses. I appreciated that example more than anything.
It's so funny- I never think about targeting the rich. To me that seems a little out of reach because I don't know how to meet the needs of a person in high society. It's because they don't have physical needs to be met. What they need is Jesus and they have no idea they even need anything but money.
He just kept telling us- They are going to see your clothes before you can even introduce them to Jesus. They are going to see your hair before they see your Jesus. They are going to see you before they see your Jesus. When it comes to reaching a different culture, people who are not Christians in this culture, are going to judge me before they judge my Jesus.
2 comments:
Apparently I was not a follower of your blog. Sad, I know! Anyways! I am loving your recaps of NYC! So glad you got to go and experience these things.
This is really interesting, Abigail! Thanks for sharing!!
Post a Comment