NewHopeGilbert.org | 480-497-4101 | 1380 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert AZ, 85234 |
Unexpected Cross-Cultural Experiences in Mission
Not only are we experiencing a different culture on the reservation, but we are also here with a team from Missouri made up of people ages 50+. Our team is made up of 7 high school students, and 4 adults ages 22-59.
Last night, this diverse group of people worshipped together, and we sang half hymns and half contemporary praise choruses. I could feel some tension, but this time it was not from the older group but from our youth, because we were singing hymns. They said their peace, and then entered in with full participation.
On our way to work this morning, our youth began talking about how they appreciated the message of the hymns, and they liked singing them acapella. Sometimes we have sub-cultures within our own church that need to come together as well. When we listen to others, and come to appreciate the reasons why people do things, we can find more in common than we think. I find, when we are in mission together, the walls come down a lot quicker.
