How to Minister to Native Peoples
The following is written for Christians who lack knowledge about the history and culture of Native peoples. However, the information can generally be applied by Christians who want to share their faith with anyone from another culture or background.
Given the significant barriers that Native peoples may have to Christianity (see the page ‘Barriers to Christianity’) it can be difficult to know where to begin in sharing ones faith. While it is true that we, of course, want to treat others the way we want them to treat us, doing this cross-culturally can be much easier said than done. For this reason, we offer the following suggestions.
Pray
Pray to God for a humble heart and to expose and remove any hidden feelings you may have of arrogance and superiority toward Native peoples. Be strong and faithful to your conviction in Biblical truths, but be humble and kind, remembering that you are a messenger. Also, a Native person’s barriers to Christianity may be so deep that the only way to be fruitful in conversation is to rely, primarily, on constant and heartfelt prayer.
Read and Learn
To more effectively relate to, and share the gospel with, Native peoples, learn their history and both current cultures (urban and reservation) and past cultures. Also, become informed about how the US and Canadian armies committed acts of genocide against Native North Americans*, and avoid the tragic mistakes of past Christian missionaries.**
* See ‘Bury My Heart and Wounded Knee’, by Dee Brown. A definitive history of genocide against Native peoples in North America in the mid-late 1800’s.
** See the following to leverage cross-cultural understanding to effectively share the gospel:
1. Paul’s appeal in Acts 17 to those who worshiped an “unknown god” in Athens
2. White Man’s Gospel, by Chris Smith, a Native American Christian
3. The Grieving Indian, by Art Holmes, a Native American Christian
4. A Framework for Understanding Poverty, by Ruby K. Payne
5. Eternity in Their Hearts, by Don Richardson
Listen and Learn More
When you meet Native Americans, don’t necessarily be the first to share what YOU believe; rather, LISTEN to their stories and personal experiences. You will of course be more able to understand and empathize with their stories if you have already read about their history, culture, and values.
Sharing the Gospel with Interested Native Americans
As Native Americans teach each other through stories, you can share stories from the Bible. Stories about the persecution of the Jews from the Bible’s Old Testament may be the most accessible scripture to Native Americans because of their many persecutions.
When sharing the gospel, speak the truth in love and acceptance and avoid a judgmental attitude. Let the Spirit do the ultimate work of convincing, convicting, and saving while you humbly share Jesus’ message, including his infinitely valuable promise of eternal life.
While sharing Christian beliefs, personally relate them to how they have given you great hope. However, while sharing with others, do not compare and contrast Christianity with the Native religions as such efforts will direct attention away from Jesus Christ.