The gospel can be communicated through diverse cultural lenses.
By Michelle Hartman, Communications Director
Steele Creek, North Carolina, U.S.
Growing up in a multicultural home and diverse neighborhood shaped how I see the world. I learned early on that people carry different stories, values, and ways of understanding the world around us.
In our increasingly globally connected world, understanding different worldviews is essential. The gospel is unchanging, yet it speaks into every culture with power and hope. We don’t have to travel overseas to be on mission. Crossing cultural boundaries can happen right in our own neighborhoods and relationships.
A helpful tool is the 3D Gospel, a framework presented in Jayson Georges’ book, The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures. The book argues that the gospel must be communicated through three main cultural lenses. The 3D Gospel framework gives language to how different cultures experience brokenness and how Jesus meets each one with healing. Jesus offers forgiveness to the guilty, honor to the ashamed, and freedom to the fearful. You can view a video explaining the worldviews in depth here. Below you can review the highlights and tips for applying this tool in ministry.
Three Cultural Worldviews and Gospel Entry Points:
Guilt / Innocence
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- It’s common in Western cultures (U.S., Europe).
- The core issue is right versus wrong; law-breaking results in guilt.
- The response to sin is feeling guilty and needing forgiveness.
- Jesus’ answer is:
- He takes our guilt on himself (Romans 3:23–24).
- Through his sacrifice, we are declared innocent and justified.
- The entry point is: “Jesus paid the penalty for your sin so you can be made right with God.”
Shame / Honor
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- It’s common in East Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and some African cultures.
- The core issue is social status; sin brings disgrace and relational exclusion.
- The response to sin is feeling ashamed and disconnected.
- Jesus’ answer is:
- He bears our shame (Hebrews 12:2).
- He restores our honor by calling us beloved children and welcoming us into God’s family.
- The entry point is: “Jesus bore your shame and invites you into a new identity of honor in God’s household.”
Fear / Power
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- It’s common in Indigenous, tribal, African, and animistic cultures.
- The core issue is spiritual danger; people live in fear of unseen forces.
- The response to sin is feeling vulnerable and needing protection.
- Jesus’ answer is:
- He defeats the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15).
- He gives us authority and the Holy Spirit’s power to live boldly.
- The entry point is: “Jesus conquered every power and offers you freedom, peace, and spiritual protection.”
Tips for Using the 3D Gospel in Ministry
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- Listen first. Ask about their story. What do they fear? What brings them shame? Where do they feel guilty? Their emotional response often reveals their primary worldview.
- Don’t limit the gospel. Start with the cultural lens that connects but expand to show how Jesus addresses all three dimensions of our human experience.
- Honor their culture. Don’t treat other worldviews as incomplete or wrong. Affirm the truth in each and show how the gospel fulfills the heart cry of every culture.
- Use stories. Parables like the prodigal son speak powerfully across all three worldviews (guilt, shame, fear), depending on which aspect you emphasize.
- Be self-aware. Reflect on which worldview you default to and be willing to stretch into unfamiliar territory for the sake of connection.
As we grow in awareness of the worldviews around us, may we live and share the good news of Jesus in ways that reflect his heart for humanity.
