Ubuntu
All of us who have had children know there is a point when our toddlers decide they want to do things “by themselves,” whether it be tying their shoes, brushing their teeth, feeding themselves, etc. We encourage this independence as necessary steps toward eventual adulthood. We take pride in a person’s ability to make it on their own. In our culture this individualism is represented by such statements as: “a self-made man/woman,” “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” “make something of yourself,” as if those things are actually possible without the aid and support of others.
In Zulu African culture there is a word that recognizes the interdependence all of us need to exist and thrive. The word is Ubuntu and means “I am because we are.” There is a realization in this term that a person is only a complete person through other people. I believe this better communicates the intentions of God for humanity than fierce independence and the thought that all has been achieved through one’s own volition.
In New Testament times there was an understanding of Koinonia within the newly established followers of Christ. The Greek term Koinonia suggests joint participation, fellowship, community, sharing in all aspects of life. This term is initially found in the book of Acts.
“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” Acts 4:32
The early church developed a pervasive interdependence on one another as a unique nature of their faith community. This is what was so attractive to others and caused the explosive growth of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. I often wonder how comfortable I would feel in that early Christian community and how much the faith expression of Christians has changed since that time.
Ubuntu seems much more akin to Koinonia than the fierce independence we have come to revere in Western culture. Our service to others through mission and outreach is not simply passing on our leftovers to someone in need. It is the full realization that each of us are only complete persons when all are thriving and growing as God intends. As followers of Jesus, we are called to do all we can to ensure that everyone thrives.
Many of us have not felt as if we have been thriving since Covid started. It has turned our world upside down. Yet, most of us have also realized how integral thriving community is to our wellbeing. May we continue to strive to ensure that all of those who live and work in our neighborhood share in the experience of Ubuntu.
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Dan Kreiss, RPC’s new Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach, brings with him a heart for service and a diverse array of experiences in the mission field. Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Outreach Blog to read and follow along as he documents his personal journey and shares his vision for RPC’s mission outreach commitment. Along with providing meaningful resources, this blog will help jumpstart the important conversations our church community must be having about missional living.
Dan Kreiss
Rev. Dr. Dan Kreiss is the Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach at RPC. Dan is particularly passionate about encouraging the church to reflect the diversity found in its surrounding community in regard to age, gender, ethnicity, education and economic status.