How Buddhists in Hawaii Turn to Christ

Many of us study a theology of conversion which is a great thing. For instance, we need to know biblically how to pray for conversion because God draws people to himself (Matthew 6:10; John 6:44). We also need to know the Holy Spirit's action to birth new life so we can help guide people's experience to walk in a new relationship with God (John 3:3; Titus 3:5). These theological truths help us minister better and more effectively.

There is another side of the relationship though to study as well: the human side. How do people perceive their conversion from darkness to life? Also, do groups of people in a similar group or culture experience similar things as they turn to Christianity? Often, the answer is yes. Studying the human side helps create strategies to reach the people in a localized community.

Kelly Michael Hilderbrand has given this type of gift in his research on Buddhists in Hawaii converting to Christ to peek into the mind of people expressing their life-change. He used a Grounded Theory on how people perceive their circumstances leading to conversion. The research found commonalities specific to the community of Hawaiin Buddhists. He uncovered an ecosystem of exposure among family, friends, studies, media, and business associates that contributed to the beginning of a quest. The methodology is a great example of how to listen to people to inform our actions towards our communities.

You can find the full article in the American Society of Missiology.