Cultural Immersion and Stress Points: How the Ministry of Mark Cares Typified a Shift in WELS Evangelism Philosophy

Abstract

Cross-cultural evangelism opportunities present the Christian with unique challenges for carrying out the Great Commission. Various historical factors left the WELS employing a largely monocultural approach to evangelism for much of its history, but recent years have seen a shift towards a multicultural focus. The Mormon outreach work of Mark Cares serves as a perfect example of this shift. This thesis examines the scriptural principles relating to cross-cultural outreach. This is followed by a history of cross-cultural outreach in the WELS, focusing on the factors that contributed to maintaining a largely monocultural approach and the factors that led to a shift towards a multicultural focus. Lastly, the outreach approach of Mark Cares will be placed into the context of this shift.