New contributor introduction post - Tertius Van Lill

Tertius Van Lill

Today we welcome Tertius Van Lill to The Gospel and Culture blog who is the lead elder at Every Nation Worcester, a church he helped plant in 2014. He is a calm person with thinking eyes a great listener and a strong leader who is focused on what we are commanded to do in Matthew 28 by Jesus. To go and make disciples of all the nations.

It is great to have him onboard and we look forward to his contribution but first, as an introduction to The Gospel and Culture blog, we are putting him through the paces with a few questions. We will do the same with other new contributors.

What is the Gospel?

The Gospel is the good news about God, who expressed His love for us by the sacrifice of His Son for our sins, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

What is culture?

Culture is shared vision, values, beliefs, and customs defining a group of people, habitually transferred from one generation to the next.

What is the difference between culture and society?

Culture is micro, society is macro. Different cultures exist, develop and evolve within societies.

Can the Gospel and local culture coexist?

Yes, but the extent to which local culture contradicts or violates the principles and standards of the Gospel will determine the harmony between the two.

How should Christians approach the coming together of the two?

Christians are called to represent God’s love, character, power, forgiveness, restoration, and truth in society. There will be conflict with local culture’s beliefs and customs, no doubt. Approach the coming together of the two with gentleness, kindness, love, and conviction – not shying away from demonstrating the truth through lifestyle and testimony.    

Can Christian culture add unnecessary and incorrect pressure on culture?

Pressure is inevitable. A true Christian culture will add necessary and correct pressure – at least from our point of view. If perceived as unnecessary and incorrect it is most likely in the eye of the ‘sinful’ and opposing beholder or executed by a ‘false’ Christian culture driven by unbiblical motives.

Should the Christian church in different cultures look the same? If not why does it in so many countries?

No. External expressions of the gathered church related to style of music, clothes, buildings, etc. will differ. Local leaders must ‘crack the code’ of the local culture to engage their community effectively. We see a lot of ‘copy and paste’ in the world. Unfortunately, what works in a specific location and culture will probably not work in the next.   

What is church?

The church is the body of Christ – it is the people of God – true believers and followers of Christ. Christ is the Head of the church. It is a body – not a building. It is a family – not a business. It is an army – not a brand.

When culture is at odds with the Gospel how do we approach it as followers of Jesus?

We cannot compromise to fit in, but we are called to love sinners and expose them to Jesus through our lifestyle and testimony. Build relationships. Engage the culture.

A lot of religions and faith systems have proselytization built into it. How does the follower of Jesus convince people that we have the way? The only way. Something perceived by some as arrogance and oppressive, even a kind of colonialism.

I think every Christian should firstly determine why they believe Christianity is the only way. Research and explore the authenticity and reliability of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus, different arguments for the existence of God and creation – basic apologetics – equip yourself to defend the faith. Then, trust in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as you share your testimony, the gospel message, and some useful apologetic arguments – God will do the convincing. Remember to be kind and gentle, never aggressive.

Are there any other thoughts you would like to add about the coming together of Jesus’ message and the culture in which it is presented?

The gospel message has stood the test of time. Relationships are the bridges that will carry the message across. Engage the culture, engage people, build relationships, love people. Be the real deal.