Spiritual Gift of Cross-Cultural Ministry in the Marketplace
The spiritual gift of cross-cultural ministry is the special ability to spread the awareness of God’s glory by ministering to people in a significantly different culture.
People who ask to be admitted into foreign countries as “missionaries” are no longer being admitted into many nations around the world. However, these same “closed” nations are eager to allow business professionals to live and work within their borders, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Business professionals with the spiritual gift of cross-cultural ministry should consider doing business in other parts of the world, using their businesses platforms for revealing the glory of God.
Spiritual Gift Recognition Statements
- “I am passionate about connecting with people from other cultures and nationalities.”
- “I gravitate toward people who are from different cultures and nationalities than mine.”
- “People have told me I should be a missionary in another culture.”
Marketplace Impact
Ken Eldred uses his spiritual gift of cross-cultural ministry to finance and build multi-million-dollar “kingdom businesses” in India and China to transform these nations with the gospel. He co-owns a call center in India that was founded to spread the gospel and make disciples throughout the country.
Although the country’s population is only five percent Christian, approximately 60 percent of the company’s 1500 employees are Christians. Local pastors nominate members of their congregations as prospective employees of the company, many of whom are young and recent college graduates. These young people gain valuable work experience and discipleship training at the call center. Then, they move on to greater positions of influence throughout India and beyond. Ken explained,
“You will know if you have a gift of cross-cultural ministry. The Lord will confirm it with introductions and situations that compel you to make a difference from right where you are, step by step. But, you must submit all your plans to him and ask him to show you your mission. The mission he gave me has been the same for almost 40 years ago. The twists and turns are up to God. The adventure is exciting but unpredictable. Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and all these things will be added unto you.”
Biblical Insights
- Acts 8:4, 27; 13:2-3; 22:21
- Romans 10:15
Discussion: Do you have the spiritual gift of cross-cultural ministry? If so, please share how you use this spiritual gift in a business setting. Can you think of any other marketplace Christians who use this spiritual gift in a business setting? If so, please share his/her story to encourage other marketplace Christians who have this spiritual gift.
