Christ Quote by Roland Allen
“We must be willing to begin with positive teaching, not with negative prohibitions, and be content to wait and to watch whilst the native Christians slowly recreate their own customs as the Spirit of Christ gradually teaches them...”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mission of God in the World, 1913
Effective ministry starts with positive instruction and patient observation, allowing indigenous believers to develop their own practices guided by the Spirit.
In simple terms: Teach positively and wait for natural growth.
Key Takeaway
Begin with encouragement, then observe.
Themes
missionary work
teaching
patience
Mood
hopeful
patient
Type
religious
instructional
When to use this quote
- church planting
- cross‑cultural missions
- leadership training
Key Concepts
theology
cultural adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- What positive teachings can you model today?
- How do you balance guidance with autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on positive teaching may ignore necessary correction.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
