Calling all “bridge” people 

 
Acts 6:1-6

Cultural offenses in the church can be painful to experience. The church in Jerusalem was made up of Jewish believers, but not all had grown up in the same culture. Some came from a very orthodox background and spoke Aramaic and/or Hebrew. The others spoke Greek and came from a background influenced by Greek thought and customs. The dominant Aramaic speakers failed to notice the needs of the Greek widows. That same kind of insensitivity is not uncommon today.

A Dutch Christian who was hosting some American Christians was appalled at how they piled their slices of bread high with meat. The next morning she suggested eating “in the Dutch way,” serving just one slice of meat for each piece. Silence filled the kitchen as the group contemplated the meager serving. Finally one American said, “Oh, silly Dutch! Let’s do it our way!”

The dominant cultural group in a church often overlooks the sensitivities of a minority group. In most cases they don’t really intend to hurt anyone; they simply assume that everyone thinks and acts like they do. Note how in Jerusalem the Aramaic leaders responded by appointing Grecian Jews to be “bridge” people who could promote unity and inclusion.

Note the differences in those around you. What can you do to honor others’ perspectives and customs and values?

Digging deeper: Zech. 2:11; Acts 16:1-3; 17:10-14; 18:1-5; Rev. 7:9-10.