Glenda Brown on Dealing with Different Time Orientations

Glenda S. Brown explains an important lesson from The Crossing Baptist Church’s year of multicultural learning.

Our grant activities were held in minority congregations near our church and went on far beyond the normal time constraints of our formerly all-Anglo congregation. The morning workshops were filled with times of teaching and singing one another's songs, interspersed with longer-than-usual breaks, with meaningful intercultural conversations taking place around refreshments.  

We always ate a dinner meal (supper) together, followed by closing worship. A Hispanic woman from our church invited a mature Anglo saint to attend the evening meal and worship service with her. These two women, very dear friends, are in tune with what God is doing in our church. They’re lifelong learners of the Spirit's activity in our world.

Barb asked, "What time is dinner?”

Lourdes responded, "Five o’clock."

"And the worship service?"

"Around 7 p.m.," Lourdes answered.

"Seven o’clock! Who would wait so long for the service?" Barb asked.

After several moments of silence, Lourdes sweetly answered, "Someone of another culture."

Barb says, "My eyes were opened! I began to understand the importance and value of community and fellowship to the new sisters and brothers at The Crossing."

Non-time oriented people stop whatever is going on to make even a latecomer feel welcome. Anglos tend to get impatient with this disregard for time.

In my Bible Study class, we have changed our format a bit. We start promptly with the question "What has God been doing in your life this week?” We find that God does inhabit the praises of his people.

We leave space near the door for latecomers. By the time everyone finally arrives, we have caught up on the news of the week, all have been encouraged by the “mighty deeds of the Lord,” and everyone feels welcomed. We have discussed this plan and agreed as a group to start our Bible Study at 10:45 without further interruption. We have plenty of interaction. It is always fascinating to me to hear perspectives of the Scripture from extremely varied walks of life.

In choir, we begin by warming up with songs familiar to us. By the time everyone arrives, we are ready to work on new and more difficult music.