Working with people from different continents and cultures for the sake of the gospel as well as community development can bring great joy and accomplishment. We often rejoice alongside of the apostle Paul when he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
God desires us to work together for the common good of the people.
Kefas Akundo from Nigeria captures this joy of partnership well. “All the missionaries,” he says, “were fully involved in the life of the local church. All were engaged with us rather than doing their own things. They fellowshipped with us fully. They were very accommodating and supportive. Looking at my missionary friend Mike, he was just like us, just like a Nigerian. He didn’t have a superior attitude and gave his opinion just like everyone else.”
God desires us to support each other and work together for the common good of the people. Many of us have seen or heard stories of great achievements and real fruit which came about through healthy working together in ministry relationships between Africans and foreigners. What are the factors that bring about those successful partnerships? This is the first of three articles attempting to answer that question. Throughout the series we’re going to share the principles we consider essential for these relationships. In this first article we’re going to focus on the cultural realities we must face.
The Challenge of Cultural Differences
Though partnerships between Africans and foreigners can be very rewarding, it also brings about challenges and often culture shock due to the differences in beliefs, practices, and expectations. If not addressed, cultural differences can hinder the progress of well-intentioned projects and relationships. One simple example is different greetings. A typical African way of greeting is relational, detailed and touches on almost every aspect of life and family. Depending on where a foreigner is coming from, they may be used to brief and unstructured greetings. Even this simple difference can result in negative feelings at the very beginning of the relationship.
Cultural differences can hinder the progress of well-intentioned projects.
The difficulty of adjusting to different cultures, for both sides, can cause discomfort and even a negative attitude towards either the host African country or the foreigner’s country of origin. Feelings of superiority can arise. Misunderstandings quickly abound. Breakdown occurs. In some cases, foreigners may even end up harming the community they’re trying to serve; Africans might frustrate foreigners, who then completely give up trying to help in Africa.
We need to recognise that the presence of cultural differences doesn’t mean one culture is right or better. Remember God created all of us in his image, despite our cultural differences. Therefore we must be willing to learn and understand each other. We must listen and adjust to one another.
The Need for Orientation
Before foreigners want to begin working in Africa, it is important for them to research the local culture(s), customs and values. Likewise, Africans need to research and learn about the culture and values of the foreigners coming to work with them. We all need to be flexible and open-minded in our interaction and avoid generalisations as well as stereotypes.
Foreigners and Africans should learn to appreciate each other’s cultural differences.
Both parties need to be prepared for the possibility that things might not go according to plan. Furthermore, both parties must be willing to embrace required changes. Foreigners and Africans should learn to appreciate each other’s cultural differences. They must both identify and promote the beautiful and praiseworthy aspects that honour God and the dignity of man. Finally, they should also gently challenge those cultural practices that cause harm.
One key step in this preparation is to have a cultural orientation led by an African about his or her culture, and a cultural orientation led by a foreigner about his or her culture. This will help both groups to better understand the cultural environment and expectations. Additionally, consider promoting exchange visits between the two countries to further the learning and deepen relationships. We need to be mindful that it may be difficult to have a healthy partnership if all the visits are only going in one direction.
The Role of Careful Communication
Communication styles vary across cultures and continents. Some will be direct; others indirect. In some African tribes, people find it difficult to directly tell a friend that their shirt is dirty. Instead they might ask, “do you have a better shirt or an alternative to this one?” But those in another culture put it more bluntly. “Your shirt is dirty. Change it.”
Communication styles vary across cultures and continents.
Another example is how different cultures answer “yes” or “no” to questions. Some African cultures may find a straightforward “no” hard to say. They may not want to offend or let the person asking down. Instead of doing so, they might pose a question. “Do we have other options or alternatives?” Again, other cultures, but perhaps Western ones in particular, don’t struggle with being so direct. This can cause confusion, frustration and misunderstanding.
Communication Breakdown
Here is one account of a communication misinterpretation. There is an American organisation which sponsors children in Uganda. One of their policies for taking photos of children states: “Please include all family members, if possible.” A missionary reports what had happened.
Foreigners must take time to respect and understand the people they are working with.
“Our Communications Manager in the US had grown frustrated with the lack of progress in gathering enrolment photos. The Ugandan staff member had been riding his bicycle 2-4 kilometres each day for several weeks, visiting homes to take photos. When asked by his supervisor about the delay, he revealed the issue: ‘it would be helpful if we could take the photo even if one family member is absent.’ In this rural area, family members are rarely all at home during daylight hours, so the staff kept revisiting the same homes trying to gather the whole families. If the request had read ‘all family members available,’ the photos would have been completed quickly”
This illustrates the need for a better orientation plan and ensuring that all organisational policies are procedures are well understood by everyone. It is important for foreigners to take more time to listen, learn, respect and understand the people they are working with before rushing forward. They should realise that while some Africans may find it easy to challenge an idea or insist on a different approach, others may not partly because of the lingering effects of colonialism. Likewise, Africans need to listen, learn and be flexible to the different ways of communication by foreigners, as well as ensure clear communication and feedback.
Transparency Is Critical
All of us need to have clear, transparent, and timely communication channels that promote understanding. Be patient and allow time for people to process information, listen attentively and pay attention to the verbal and nonverbal communication of both parties. Create an environment that encourages open discussion and expression of ideas without fear of judgment. Do not give false information or exaggerate the situation in Africa, as a foreigner or as an African, for your own selfish gains or for the purpose of trying to raise more funds. And take time to explain any complicated realities in your nation as a foreigner or African.
We need clear, transparent, and timely communication channels that promote understanding.
Cultural differences do not have to stop productive ministry or partnerships from happening. We can learn to appreciate and rejoice in the beauty we see in each other’s cultures as we learn from each other. In the next two articles, we’ll look at the importance of equitable partnership and appreciation.
