Yet, amidst this complex and fractured landscape, Evangelicals have a unique opportunity to offer something transformative—an approach to cultural engagement grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
By Dr. Tim Orr
In an age where division and misunderstanding dominate the headlines, the call for genuine dialogue has never been more urgent. Yet, amidst this complex and fractured landscape, Evangelicals have a unique opportunity to offer something transformative—an approach to cultural engagement grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By embracing meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, we share our faith and reflect the beauty of God's kingdom, which transcends every nation, tribe, and tongue. How do we, as Evangelicals, step into this vital role? Through the power of stories—stories that show how faith-driven dialogue can bridge divides, foster mutual respect, and reveal the heart of God in a divided world. Let us explore how we can turn cultural differences into connections, growth, and Gospel witness opportunities.
At the heart of Evangelical cultural engagement lies the example of Christ himself. The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26) is more than a mere conversation. It is a moment that challenges societal norms, demolishing cultural and religious barriers. Jesus, fully aware of the divide between Jews and Samaritans, purposefully sought dialogue. This teaches us that dialogue doesn’t happen by accident; it’s an intentional pursuit of relationships with others, even those society may tell us to avoid. As Evangelicals, we follow Jesus’ example by intentionally reaching across boundaries, seeking to initiate meaningful conversations that can lead to transformation and healing.
In this story, Jesus also modeled listening and vulnerability. He didn’t immediately confront the woman’s sin but engaged her in a meaningful exchange about worship, life, and faith. In our modern context, this challenges Evangelicals to listen to and understand others' experiences before presenting the truth of the Gospel. Empathy becomes a powerful tool in building bridges. By practicing patience and actively listening, we create space for authentic engagement, ensuring that others feel heard and valued in our conversations.
The mandate of the Great Commission is not simply to preach but to disciple all nations, which requires us to immerse ourselves in the cultural contexts we encounter. In doing so, Evangelicals have an opportunity to learn from other cultures. Rather than a one-sided exchange, engaging with other cultures can expand our understanding of the Gospel. For instance, in the work of missionaries like William Carey or Hudson Taylor, their success was in converting individuals and respecting and honoring local customs, even while challenging aspects of them with the truth of Christ. This approach teaches us that cultural engagement is a two-way street where both the Gospel and the cultures we interact with have much to offer one another.
This process reveals humility in our mission work: recognizing that the fullness of God’s truth may be expressed in different cultural ways and that each culture can reflect aspects of God’s image. Evangelicals must, therefore, not only teach but learn, embodying Christ's servant-leadership. When we approach cultural dialogue with this humility, we mirror Christ’s attitude of serving rather than being served, which can open doors to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
The rich tapestry of cultures worldwide mirrors the diversity within the Godhead—the Trinity. Just as Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct yet unified, so too is the global body of Christ made up of different nations, tribes, and tongues (Revelation 7:9). Recognizing this biblical vision helps Evangelicals appreciate cultural diversity not as something to be feared or homogenized, but as something to celebrate. Each culture reflects unique facets of God’s creativity and reveals different aspects of His character that we might otherwise miss.
When we engage in dialogue, we do more than share our faith—we also witness the expressions of faith, creativity, and wisdom that God has placed within other cultures. Evangelicals who celebrate this diversity can offer a compelling vision of the Kingdom of God as a place where all are valued and where cultural differences enhance rather than detract from the unity we find in Christ. This understanding helps us see that the beauty of the Gospel is in its ability to unite people from all walks of life, drawing them into a shared story of redemption.
Cultural engagement is not without its challenges. One of the key hurdles for Evangelicals is overcoming our own biases and preconceptions. For example, in an increasingly secular and post-Christian Western world, Evangelicals may face resistance from people who associate Christianity with colonialism, intolerance, or outdated worldviews. This makes dialogue even more crucial, allowing for misconceptions to be addressed through personal relationships and lived-out faith. By patiently addressing these misconceptions, we can show that Evangelical faith is rooted in love and humility, not in control or dominance.
Consider the story of a young Evangelical serving in a multicultural city. At first, their attempts at outreach were met with skepticism. However, this individual built trust slowly by taking the time to listen and understand the perspectives of those from different backgrounds. This trust became the foundation for meaningful conversations about faith, where the Gospel was shared not as a monologue but as part of a relational exchange. Through this relational approach, we demonstrate that our faith is not just a set of doctrines but a way of life that values the dignity and worth of every individual.
Evangelical engagement should be more than an effort to share; it should also be an effort to receive. Through dialogue, we deepen our understanding of the human experience and grasp of the Gospel. Stories like that of William Carey or missionary Hudson Taylor show us that learning from the culture we serve allows for a deeper, more contextualized Gospel witness. These historical examples challenge us today to enter into conversations as teachers and students of those we engage with. By adopting learners' posture, we can better present the Gospel in ways that resonate with the hearts and minds of those we seek to reach.
Cultural dialogue grounded in the Evangelical faith calls for intentional listening, deep empathy, and a willingness to meet others where they are—just as Christ did. As we encounter cultures different from our own, we can grow in our understanding of God's vastness, realizing that His kingdom is far bigger and more diverse than we can comprehend. Through these interactions, we bring the Gospel to life, not as a message to be imposed but as a light to shine through relationship, compassion, and mutual respect. This kind of dialogue invites people to see the transforming power of Christ’s love in action through our words and deeds.
The invitation is clear: as Evangelicals, we must go deeper in dialogue, allowing our faith to guide us as we listen, learn, and love those from diverse backgrounds. In doing so, we contribute to the larger mission of God's kingdom, where every culture, language, and nation finds its place in the grand story of redemption. When we embrace this calling, we not only fulfill the Great Commission but also reflect the heart of God, who desires to reconcile all people to Himself.
Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including three books.