“The apostolic decision to leave the Gentiles culturally free paved the way for the local churches to develop customs and standards relevant to their own cultures. Details concerning the correct mode of baptism, the order of service, the style of music, the type of building (or lack thereof) were not spelled out by Jesus or the apostles. This principle should help us form policies that leave mission field congregations free to evolve their own interpretations and practices on nonessentials. No matter how much the missionary loves the familiar songs, symbols and creeds under which he was raised, they must be detached from the essential Gospel he presents on the field.”

~ K.P. Yohannan, Come, Let’s Reach the World ~