Sam Masteller

http://developingoutreach.blogspot.com/


Addison Roberts
CRL 233 Developing Outreach and Discipleship Programs
Instructor Gerry Stoltzfoos
2/26/2009



Sam affected the way I will preach the gospel in the future. He seemed to have his ministry focused on one major element: cultural relevance.

I like the idea of focusing on cultural relevance. Sam asked an interesting question: Why don't we view America as a mission field? In any other missions endeavor, we would study the people, engage the culture and do our absolute best to make the gospel understandable and relevant. Why haven't we done this in America? No missionary to America would do ministry the way the church does it. The American church seems to take a pride in being a separate entity from culture. It shouldn't be this way. Jesus connected with people in their culture. We have to do the same. As Sam said, we must “use what is cultural to convey what is timeless.” Sam told of how he connects with people by telling relevant stories. It seems that he takes life and brings the Bible into the situation that he paints. This connects with non believers in that they can relate to what is being said. After this relation happens, you need to only add the spiritual implications. I think that is so cool and will definitely try to tell more stories when I preach in the future.