Remember when I posted last week that I thought the culture argument was overplayed and proof was that I came all the way to South Africa and I got the same questions on polity matters here as I got in Ohio and Scotland? This week I saw the other side of the coin. Amidst clear commonalities, there are true differences.

Last week I was in a Baptist church in Johannesburg. I was with elders and deacons and pastors who had a western mindset and handled the scripture much like I would.

This week Jonathan and I were with a different group in which every word was translated into Zulu. It was one of the most receptive groups I have ever been in front of, maybe with the exception of T4G pastors getting free books! They expressed great appreciation for our teaching. They were apparently moved to change both their "life and doctrine." I have never felt so loved by a group of strangers.

Guess what? I ran into a different South African culture this week. One theme among some in various tribes is to give greater prominence to relationship over and against truth. We were warned that the nodding of the head in agreement does NOT mean they agree; they are preserving and building a relationship -- a big priority. Apparently bigger than truth.

I don't know what to do other than to obey Paul's instruction to Timothy, "Preach the Word." That's the best I can do for a two week visit. The good news is that there are others here who can build the relationship and follow up on the teaching.

We saw a wonderful example of a group of pastors who are coming alongside college students and other young men to prepare them for ministry in conjunction with theological education at George Whitefield College (seminary) in Cape Town which was planted by Moore Theological College in Australia. We were so impressed that Jonathan and I have begun planning a future 9Marks eJournal that focuses on local churches and pastors who prepare men well for ministry, i.e. they don't turn them over to a seminary to "make them pastors."

We'd probably feature groups like Corn Hill in London, Entrust in South Africa, Sovereign Grace in Maryland, The Bethlehem Institute in Minneapolis and our own internship program at Capitol Hill Baptist in Washington. Email me with other suggestions at info@9Marks.org. Each of these groups do things differently, but they all have the aim of preparing men to faithfully preach the word and shepherd the church. Perhaps highlighting these groups will encourage others to do the same?!

We board a plane in a few hours and should land land exactly 24 hours later in DC. Praise the Lord for flight. 24 hours. Judson took something like three months on a wooden boat in the early 1800's to reach Calcutta. Praise the Lord for his Word going out. In India. In Africa. In the U.S. We serve a mighty God whose Word will not return void.