A cultural analysis of Cambodian Methodist Church worship services and their implications for evangelis

Cambodia has been identified as one of Methodism's fastest growing fields of mission today. It is also unique in a sense that Methodist mission agencies from five different countries began missions there separately at different times (the earliest being eighteen years ago), not knowing of the other's existence and work. Since then, close to two hundred churches have been planted, as well as, many other social ministries. Having served over six years as a missionary sent by the Methodist Church in Singapore, I believe that I am strategically placed at a point in time in the life of the Methodist mission and church in Cambodia to make an assessment of the apparent growth. I am inclined to think that cultural factors played an important part.;The assessment will take on a cultural tack. However, I also believe that cultural factors are currently used as expressions of worship only and not consciously exploited in evangelism. Therefore, a study of cultural factors to uncover core beliefs and underlying worldviews of Cambodians found in their culture was made. An ethnographical study of the many cultural expressions found in Cambodian Methodist churches' worship, wedding, funeral services was conducted. The study was done by participating and observing in the three types of worship services, personal and group interviews with pastors and leaders of the churches observed.;Findings yielded worldviews that presented many bridges where the gospel can be effectively presented and correctly understood. As a result I hope that findings will be pertinent and instrumental to further evangelism, discipleship and church growth. Otherwise the inability to contextualize the gospel message in Cambodian thought would also mean an uncertain future for Christianity in Cambodia. Faith comes from hearing (as in understanding) and contextualization is imperative for understanding. The Cambodian church is not too much in its infancy, and the political and spiritual climate of the country of Cambodia remains tolerant and open. One must therefore take advantage of these privileges to further God's kingdom in Cambodia but in a manner that will endure by enabling Cambodians to speak to their own people and culture with the gospel.