Lowering the Threshold

THE CALL: 2024-2025    |    2 MINUTE READ
HOLLY MUEHLEISEN, MISSIONARY WITH WGM

Temple or Shrine Etiquette

When we have visitors in Japan, one of the things we typically do is visit a few temples or shrines as part of our cultural orientation.

One of the first instructions we give is about the threshold of the gate or entrance to the temple grounds.

(left) Senso-ji temple at Asakusa in Tokyo (right) A high threshold at the entrance to a temple in Kyoto

The threshold is the barrier that indicates that you are now entering "holy ground." It is culturally offensive to step on the threshold; you step over it. And some of the thresholds are high.

"Lowering the threshold" is a common Japanese phrase. Can you guess what it means?

It means making it easier for those outside to join in or participate in an event or join a specific group of people.

Barriers to Entry or Involvement

One of the major things that hinders ministry in Japan is the reluctance or fear that people have of those who are serious about their religion. Even if a person is curious about a church or Christianity, they are very unlikely to enter the building.

Can non-believers come inside?

What goes on in that place?

In fact, most people probably don't even know a Christian, and they wouldn’t know where to find one.

(left) A Christmas celebration at Nishikunitachi Church of God (right) Fun and games at Immanuel Fujimidai Christian Church

We Go Far When We Go Together

A huge part of the ministry in Japan involves walking together with churches and believers as they seek to lower the threshold. Ministry often involves finding opportunities to reach out to their neighbors, families, friends, and coworkers.

This is happening in ministries that WGM missionary Brandon Kuba is pioneering, and it will continue to happen with ministries that one of WGM’s newest missionaries—Josh McKinley—is working toward! Both are seeking to create spaces that allow people to grapple with how to be Japanese and Christian all at the same time.

We’re lowering the threshold in Japan, one relationship at a time.

(left) Preparing for communion at Immanuel Itabashi Christian Church (right) Handbell practice at Immanuel Shiratori Christian Church

Your Church

What are the barriers you face in your communities, in your family, in your church? Is it easy for people who live around you to visit the church for the first time, to seek out a Christian?

Or is it hard? Is it scary? Is it something that feels uncomfortable for them?

Japan and the U.S. may have different barriers or threshold heights, but we don't want anything to be the stumbling block that separates anyone from knowing Jesus.

ACTION STEPS

PRAY: Ask God to reveal high thresholds in your church and faith community. Is there a threshold that you need to lower so others can enter? Ask God to reveal those to you and to give you the courage and the means to lower them.

GO: If God is calling you to serve Him cross-culturally, WGM can journey with you as you seek to answer that call. You can lower the threshold in Japan with other WGM missionaries. Go to wgm.org/japan-opportunities to see what opportunities in Japan you could fill right now!

Missionary Bio: Holly grew up as the child of WGM missionaries in Nairobi, Kenya. During her last year of college, she received her own calling to serve and to share the love of Christ with a world that does not know or have a relationship with Him. For 14 years she served with WGM in Japan and was blessed to partner with the believers there and with local congregations who have the same burden and passion. Currently she is waiting on the Lord to reveal the next assignment. Follow her journey at wgm.org/hollymuehleisen.