Principles of Culture Change (taken from Prof. Timothy Tennent)
1) Understanding – Missionaries must first understand the element to be changed or affirmed from the point of view of the indigenous people.
2) Focus – Missionaries should focus on a minimal number of negative paradigm changes rather than peripheral ones.
3) Dialogue – conversation partners
Contemporary – seek out and enter into dialogue with indigenous leaders and their perspectives and opinions working with them for biblical change.
Historical – appreciate historic creeds and their wisdom. “Tradition is the greatest expression of democracy.” – Chesterton
4) Time – accomplishing biblical change in the culture takes time, which all too often doesn’t settle with Westerners. Issues like homosexuality will not vanish overnight. “Dot forget you’re preaching to the grandchildren.” – Walls