A Report of Cross-Cultural Ministry in Glad Tiding Baptist Church, Ogbomoso

A cross-cultural mission is when a church sends out missionary(s) to the people’s group of different culture and language. It is the extension of the church through the crossing cultural, geographical and linguistic boundaries.

From the above definition of cross-cultural ministry, the reporter will evaluate the activities of Glad Tiding Baptist Church in Ogbomoso on their involvement in cross-cultural missions work.

According to Rev. Segun Babalola of Glad Tiding Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, cross-cultural mission is carrying the gospel of the Kingdom of God to people of different cultural, linguistic affiliation. It is presenting the total gospel to the people of cultural different from one’s culture.

Cross-cultural mission activities of the church: According to the pastor, the motivation to involve in cross-cultural mission came from divine instruction to build him a church like that of Antioch (Acts. 13:1ff). To actualize this vision, sound teaching on Antioch (a base for the mission in the Roman Empire) was done. As a follow up to the teaching the church planted churches among the Egedes, Agatu, Idoma and Bassa of Benue State, the Sabbaramas and Kangawas and Bokkos in Kebbi state and in Northern Part of Benin Republic.

Strategy for the Mission work: The church trains and sends Missionaries to these fields. The Pastor, Rev. Babalola stated that every January is meant for teaching and recruitment of missionaries into these fields. The church also involve in one to one method of evangelism in the field and converted souls are followed up and disciple. Other strategy include, planting of churches in those field and social ministry.

Challenges:

The challenges confronting the success of this mission includes:

1. Language Barrier
2. Cultural Barrier
3. Inadequate personnel for the work
4. Inadequate training facilities for the workers
5. It is costly to maintained
6. The challenge of transportation to the field

Achievement:

The church had so far planted three churches, two among Bassa people group, two churches were planted in Jigawa state and one was adopted. The Reverend rejoices over the converted souls among the people and is presently in Diaspora Mission School for their training. He further asserts that the Convention had finally adapted Kengawa field and appointed a full-time missionary after nine years of their work their.

However the work in Benue state is not growing as expected. The intention of the church is for the church to grow and become self-governing.

Qualities Require in Cross-Cultural Ministry: Rev. Babalola maintained that the following is expected in a pastor who will be involved in cross-cultural ministry.

1. He must have a global vision of the gospel
2. He must not be a sheep snatcher
3. He must be conscious that it is cost intensive and be ready to paid the price.
4. The church planting in such areas is majorly pioneering work.
5. Be ready to follow God’s direction.
6. He must be ready for spiritual warfare.

Role of Local Church in Cross-cultural Mission

The church is responsible for the following in mission work:

1. The church must pray
2. The church should support the missionary and the mission work
3. Visitation to mission field is require of the church
4. The church must sensitize and mobilize labourer for the assignment.
5. The church must prudently invest in the work

Evaluation:

Glad Tiding Baptist Church is worthy of emulation in the area of cross-cultural mission and mission work as a whole. The church is a replica of New Testament Church in carrying the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the whole world. The church should be emulated.

The church should take the responsibility of involving sensitizing other churches in Ogbomoso Baptist Conference on the need to be actively involved in cross-cultural mission and apart from this should develop training manual on practical mission work of which other churches can learn from.

Conclusion:

The need for cross-cultural mission is very essential if the church will fulfil the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel will be carried to the whole world. The church of God has this responsibility and it is high time we learn from the example of Glad Tiding Baptist Church, Ogbomoso.