First World, then Word- Christel Ngnambi

Our guest on the podcast today is Christel Ngnambi, the consultant CEO for Imago Dei, which is a network of professionals seeking to ask questions and seek answers to the biggest challenges of their industry and discover how Christianity might offer good news in that area of human life. In the episode, Christel showcases how the increasing secularization in francophone (french speaking) culture is ultimately not an obstacle to the Christian witness but a genuine opportunity. Yet, he suggests, there is power when Christians begin with the questions, concerns, and fears of the people and industries where they find themselves and then egnage those questions deeply with Scripture. In other words, as Christel says, we need to listen to the world around us as we engage the Word. Listen in as Christel shares tangible ways Imago Dei has provided pathways for non-Christians to experience a distinct, culturally relevant, and winsome Christian witness. Resources related to this episode: Learn more about Christel’s work with Imago Dei https://www.imagodei.fr Learn more about The Global Faith and Work Initiative: https://www.globalfaithandwork.com/ Learn more about the Surge Network https://www.surgenetwork.com Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 2:25 How Christel partnered to start Imago Dei and their work within many industries 5:35 What the word “francophone” means and how faith and work is unique in the French-speaking world. 14:20 How we must start first with the questions of the context to explore how the gospel is good news there 19:28 How the fashion industry is a case study for listening and speaking the gospel in relevant ways 24:05 How non-Christians are becoming curious about Christianity through the arts 31:12 What are the next questions coming in Western culture and ways Christians can seek to be a renewing presence in the face of them? 36:05 What is one characteristic of God as a worker that you see reflected in your city and how can we pray for you and your context?