In this episode of Missiology Shelf, Martin Rodriguez sits down with Darrell Whiteman to discuss his book Crossing Cultures with the Gospel: Anthropological Wisdom for Effective Christian Witness. They explore Whiteman's extensive experience in cross-cultural communication, his journey of writing the book, and the critical need for missionaries to understand both their own cultural impact and the cultures they engage with. The conversation delves into the importance of friendship in mission work, and the challenges of navigating cultural boundaries effectively while sharing the gospel.

The Book

Crossing Cultures with the Gospel is a guide for anyone involved in Christian missions or cross-cultural ministry. Drawing on over fifty years of experience, Whiteman offers practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of sharing the Gospel across diverse cultural landscapes. Whiteman emphasizes the importance of understanding both the content of the Gospel and the cultural context of the people we seek to reach. With a focus on avoiding cultural offenses while maintaining the integrity of the Gospel message, Whiteman introduces the concept of "incarnational identification" as a key to effective ministry. Whether you're just starting out in cross-cultural ministry or exploring mission work for the first time, Crossing Cultures with the Gospel offers wisdom and practical tools to help you navigate culture shock and effectively communicate the Christian faith across cultural boundaries.

Our Guest

Darrell Whiteman is a missiological anthropologist with a passion for helping people in diverse cultures connect the gospel and biblical values to the core of their worldview. His deep expertise in crossing cultural barriers with the Gospel has led him to train thousands of missionaries and church workers in 81 countries.

After serving as a United Methodist missionary in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, he became a professor of cultural anthropology and mission, later serving as dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary for 21 years. He also held the role of Vice President and Resident Missiologist at The Mission Society in Atlanta, Georgia, for nine years.

Dr. Whiteman's career includes interim leadership of the Overseas Ministries Study Center in New Haven, an adjunct professorship at Yale Divinity School, and founding Global Development, a non-profit ministry that allows him to continue his global teaching and training efforts during his "semi-retirement." He currently trains people for cross-cultural ministry in India, China, Cuba, Thailand, and the Philippines.

He has served on the board of trustees of the American Bible Society for 27 years and has held leadership positions in several prominent missiology organizations. Dr. Whiteman has authored or edited six books, including World Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit, and his latest book, Crossing Cultures with the Gospel: Anthropological Wisdom for Effective Christian Witness (2024). He also served as editor of Missiology from 1989-2002 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Missiology in 2024.

Dr. Whiteman resides in Gig Harbor, WA, with his wife, Laurie, of 53 years.

Credits

Hosted by Martin Rodriguez 

Produced by Martin Rodriguez and Brett Blanchard