Good deeds often help workers gain a good reputation in the host community. Fruitful workers make clear that their good deeds are an expression of the gospel; otherwise, local people may assume that the worker is simply a good person or is trying to earn religious merit.
Our research documented that workers who are engaging human need are also producing spiritual fruit, whether their good deeds were expressed through hospitals, business development, education, or another route. One important thread that runs through the discussions about these practical activities was the importance of doing them as an expression of the gospel, rather than as a hook for it. Muslims often accuse Christians of doing good deeds in their communities as the bait on a hook for proselytising. Unfortunately, this is sometimes true. The only way workers can overcome this perception is by acting in an opposite spirit.
A fine example of this comes from an occasion when a worker provided a job to a devout Muslim woman who soon started pushing Islamic observance on the other workers in his business. Despite concerns from other expatriates, the business owner let her stay on the job, but committed himself to pray for her. A few years later, the woman made a clear profession of faith in Christ and explained it to her boss this way:
All our leaders they say don’t go this place, don’t do this or they’ll convert you. But not even once you asked me to change to your religion. You never talk about it …But you kept on helping me. I have seen Isa al Masih and his things through your life (GTFP, Interview 11, 2007).
As we consider the fruitfulness of meeting tangible needs, we also need to hear an important cautionary note:
We have seen incredible results from meeting physical needs. Also [we have] seen the reverse, where a man had purchased 140 wells but he did not make it clear that it was Jesus helping them. They [Muslims] loved him but not Jesus. The key was they did not articulate the gospel. … [In the minds of Muslims they were] good people and they are earning merit and that’s why Christians are doing it. It had no impact on the church. Development doesn’t grow a church but must have a verbal witness along with the help. Scripture demands that we do help, but also articulate the good news (GTFP, Small group 15, 2007).
If we want the Muslim society around us to glorify our Father in heaven for our good deeds, then we must state clearly that it is for His name’s sake that we do them.
All the Fruitful Practices related to Society:
Society 1: Fruitful workers communicate respect by behaving in culturally appropriate ways.
A worker’s attitude toward the host culture sends powerful messages. Fruitful workers behave in culturally appropriate ways in major cultural domains such as clothing and food, and especially in regards to hospitality. The key is sensitivity to the local setting, not necessarily whole-hearted adoption of local practice.
Good deeds often help workers gain a good reputation in the host community. Fruitful workers make clear that their good deeds are an expression of the gospel; otherwise, local people may assume that the worker is simply a good person or is trying to earn religious merit.
Society 3: Fruitful workers relate to people in ways that respect gender roles in the local culture.
Gender roles, and the taboos associated with them, are potent issues in the Muslim world. While maintaining a biblical perspective on these issues, fruitful workers strive to understand gender roles in their local context and demonstrate respect for these social norms.
Society 4: Fruitful workers mobilize extensive, intentional, and focused prayer.
Fruitful workers invite others to join them through committed intercession for themselves and the people they are engaging. They recognize that this can be as important as inviting people to join the team that lives in the host culture.
Society 5: Fruitful workers pursue language proficiency
Workers who are able to freely and clearly communicate in their host language(s) are much more likely to be fruitful. Fruitful workers carefully consider questions concerning language choice, such as whether to use heart or trade language, sacred or secular language. By learning language, they also gain a deeper understanding of culture, making language proficiency fruitful across a number of different dimensions.
Fruitful ministry is shaped by many different streams of information, including ethnography, linguistics, and history. Workers who conduct research or actively reflect on the research of others are more fruitful than those who base their ministries on preconceived ideas or the patterns of ministry in their sending countries.
Society 7: Fruitful workers build positive relationships with local leaders
By sensitively and carefully relating to local authorities, including non-Christian religious figures, workers gain respect and good standing in their host community. Those who are intentional about choosing their relationships with local leaders are more likely to be fruitful.