Becoming Native to Win the Natives: Cross-Culturally Becoming All Things to All Men

In the authors ten years living in China Chinese friends and foreign friends alike have told him that in many ways he is more like a Chinese person than an American. He sees himself as an egg which is white on the outside and yellow (Chinese) inside. For cross-cultural ministry we learn from the apostle Paul: I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Cor 9:22). Pauls purpose in becoming all things to all men is so that some may be saved. We can see this displayed in his preaching to the Athenians in Acts 17 how he becomes a local by relating to them through their culture. This book first looks at how we are to imitate Christs love and humility to effectively love the locals to whom we are ministering. Then the book covers many specific aspects of life abroad and how we can better live like the locals in many areas that some may be saved. Though this book is particularly targeted for those readers who are ministering cross-culturally it is also a very beneficial book for Christians aiming to be light in their home country. It is one thing to know these post-colonial principles as head knowledge it is another thing to concretely live them out in the mission field. Mr. Laughlin has purged even the last bit of condescending demeanor and become one among us. As a theological educator who grew up in mainland China I recommend this book to anyone whos interested in cross-cultural mission. --Zhiqiu Xu Associate Professor of Theology Director of Chinese Seminary Studies Columbia International University While many Christians are aware of the cross-cultural mandate imparted to us by our Savior few are aware of the complexities involved in the process. Laughlins book provides practical insights to Christians from all walks of life who sense a calling to crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries for the sake of the Kingdom. --J. Scott Bridger Author; Associate Professor of Global Studies & World Religions Criswell College In Becoming Native to Win the Natives [Laughlins] honest words offer practical help for missionaries in any context. Rather than settle for mere principles he gives perspective that will shape a missionarys head heart and hands. This is one of the first books Ill recommend to people wanting to work cross-culturally. --Jackson Wu Author One Gospel for All Nations and Saving Gods Face As one who lives cross-culturally for the sake of the Gospel I am deeply appreciative of Tabors book and its contribution to the Great Commission. This book is a great primer for anyone crossing cultures. --Dirk Canyon Nineteen years in China reaching Tibetan Buddhists Tabor Laughlin has been living in China for ten years. Hes the leader of a small missions organization there overseeing about twenty workers in three cities. He got his bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering from Oklahoma State University and his MDiv in Islamic Studies from Southern Seminary in Louisville Kentucky. He blogs occasionally on both China Source and Desiring God. He lives with his wife and daughter in China.