Humility & Discernment: Cross-Cultural Ministry

Paul Nitz is the VP of Organizational Development at Kingdom Workers. He focuses on member care and nurturing a strong Christ-centered organizational culture in alignment with the Kingdom Workers' purpose, values, and mission. He also works to develop new partnerships outside of the USA.

What does healthy, long-term ministry partnership really look like? How do you discern readiness, align values, and trust local leadership—beyond what any data can reveal? Paul Nitz explains Kingdom Workers’ approach and lessons from the field.

Q. What do you mean by “new field development”?

A. When we talk about new field development, we are talking about how Kingdom Workers forms new ministry partnerships, not how we independently start work wherever there is need. These partners always come from CELC church bodies. Our focus is not simply need, but whether a relationship within that confessional family is ready to grow into a healthy, long-term partnership.

Q. What do people often misunderstand about starting new work?

A. Many people assume that because potential partners are Christian, they think and work just like we do. That is rarely true. Culture shapes how faith is lived out and how compassion is expressed. While we share the same faith in Christ, our values and approaches to compassion ministry can differ significantly. Recognizing those differences early is essential.

Q. What must be true before Kingdom Workers says yes to a new partnership?

A. We need agreement on key values. For Kingdom Workers, that includes activating local lay members, not relying entirely on pastors or church leaders. We also believe compassion ministry should build long-term strength, not just provide short-term relief. Before saying yes, we ask whether our partners share these convictions and are ready to carry the work locally.

Q. Who is involved in the earliest conversations?

A. The most important voices are the leadership of Kingdom Workers and the leadership of the partner church body. We do not work around leadership. We work with them. Shared understanding and support at that level are critical for a healthy partnership.

Q. When is it wise to wait or say no, even when needs are real?

A. We wait—or say no—when values are unclear, expectations don’t align, or when a partner expects a level of control that would undermine healthy collaboration. At times, the limitation is simply our own capacity. Saying no in these situations is not a lack of compassion; it is responsible stewardship.

Q. How do prayer and Scripture shape these decisions in real life?

A. This work is not just about aid; it is about Christians encouraging one another to love and serve. Scripture reminds us of the priesthood of all believers, so we look closely at who is involved. If compassion ministry depends only on pastors or leaders, or focuses only on short-term relief, that raises concern. Prayer and Scripture help us discern whether the work is truly Christ-centered and sustainable.

Q. Why are local relationships so important?

A. Real discernment comes through listening, conversation, and trust built over time. Local Christians understand their context far better than outsiders ever can. Healthy partnerships require humility—recognizing that we do not know better simply because we come from elsewhere.

Q. How do you know when a community is ready for partnership?

A. We use a pilot program with short-term compassion ministry led by local volunteers. How people participate, take responsibility, and work together shows us whether there is local ownership. That ownership is a strong sign that a long-term partnership can thrive.

Q. Looking back, what early decisions mattered most?

A. The most important early decision is clarity about why we do this work: because Christ has loved us, we love others. When that motivation is shared locally—and when the community owns the ministry—the work is far more likely to flourish.

Q. Why is this slower, relational approach worth it?

A. Those of us involved in new field development have learned through experience that there are no shortcuts in cross-cultural work. Values cannot be aligned quickly or mechanically. Only a relational approach allows trust to grow and differences to be worked through honestly. That is what makes long-term partnership possible.

Q. What would you say to the donors who make this work possible?

A. We are deeply grateful for supporters who understand that cross-cultural ministry takes time, patience, and humility. Having more resources or education does not mean we understand local realities better. The people closest to the situation are best positioned to show Christ’s love in their own context. Your generosity allows us to listen well, move carefully, and trust local Christians to lead compassion ministry faithfully.

Partnerships Built on Listening and Trust

Kingdom Workers’ approach to new field development emphasizes patience, humility, and local leadership. By listening, learning, and walking alongside local Christians, we discern where long-term, Christ-centered partnerships can thrive—ensuring ministry is owned, sustained, and faithful to the communities it serves.

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