East-West Church  Ministry Report
Vol. 10, No. 2, Spring 2002, Covering the Former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe


Guidelines for Guest Preaching, Teaching, and Cross-Cultural Communication

Mark Elliott

Editor's Note: While recommendations relate particularly to the Russian cultural context, most apply as well in other countries of the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe.

These guidelines are meant to serve the purpose of showing God's love with humility and without giving offense. Genuine love, kindness, attention, respect, and a willingness to learn in a new culture will contribute significantly to effective preaching and teaching--and these qualities of character and witness do not require translation.

Working with Translators

Content of Lectures and Sermons Conveying Biblical Truths Through Literature Dress Giving Gifts Cross-Cultural Communication National, Cultural, and Religious Sensitivity The author wishes to express his appreciation for the many helpful corrections and additions provided by readers of an earlier draft of these guidelines: Vitaliy Bak, John Bernbaum, Don Fairbairn, Deb Gallaway, Perry Glanzer, Viktor Hamm, Yvonne Hyma, Matt Miller, Alan Nagel, Nick Nedelchev, Gregory Nichols, Sandra Oestreich, Larry Ort, Katharina Penner, Peter Penner, Ray Prigodich, Andrew Semenchuk, Pauline Semenchuk, and Sam Slobodian.

Recommended Reading

Mark Elliott is editor of the East-West Church & Ministry Report and director of the Global Center, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, AL.


Mark Elliott, "Guidelines for Guest Preaching, Teaching, and Cross-Cultural Communication," East-West Church & Ministry Report 10 (Spring 2002), 8.

Written permission is required for reprinting or electronic distribution of any portion of the East-West Church & Ministry Report.

© 2002 East-West Church and Ministry Report
ISSN 1069-5664



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