Reaching Norway: Through the Heart, Home, and Highlands

“If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”

– CS Lewis, Mere Christianity, 46

In my previous article, I established the foundations of the history of Norway and demonstrated not only the historical Christian roots in Scandinavia but showed how the region had turned from God. In 1024, the “Kristenretten” or “Christian Right” was put into practice, which outlawed idol worship, polygamy, and abandoning children in the wood. These Christian values shaped this beautiful land. Yet, today things have changed. Norway is widely regarded as one of the most “progressive” nations in the world. She prides herself on her acceptance of values that are contrary to the Word of God for the sake of inclusion. So the question becomes, “How do we reach Norway with the Gospel?”

Through the Heart

My prayer is that Norway and the surrounding countries will see that true inclusion and acceptance is found only in the mercy and grace of Christ that are so much more fulfilling and rewarding than anything this world can offer. That love of Christ is shown through a genuine love for the people and meaningful interactions with the people to share Christ authentically. I remember when I lived in Norway, I attempted to speak the language. My accent was horrible, and my pronunciation was lacking, but the Norwegians saw my heart to speak to them in their language as opposed to making them speak mine. Speaking their heart language mattered.

It is important to note, however, that Norwegians love speaking English. So many of them were excited to speak with a native English speaker because most of the time they only practice with one another. They did not mind my struggles in speaking their language, for they saw that the heart was there. This created relationships and built connections I never thought possible! They gladly welcomed me into the community and invited me into their lives, which often led to talking about spiritual things.

Through the Home

Norwegians have a great sense of family and enjoy spending time with one another in a cozy atmosphere. They intentionally planned the work week and social system around time with family. There is a word for this in Norwegian, “koselig.” A simple translation into English would be “cozy,” but that does not capture the essence of this word. It is fully experienced with a warm drink, a comfortable space, and food to share. It can be felt in solitude, but it is best shared with others in genuine friendship. Norwegians have a longing to love one another and be cozy inside during the winter. This, I believe, is one of the best settings to share the gospel with people. Of course, street evangelism is a wonderful tool to introduce people to the gospel and answer questions they may have, but true relationships are built over time.

Meeting people where they are at is the heart of the gospel. For the Norwegian, that place is often around a warm fire with song and cheer. Many Norwegian families have a cabin in the mountains that they visit throughout the year, especially around Christmas and Easter. You know you have made it with a family when you are invited to the cabin. They are incredibly genuine people who love to laugh and long to enjoy time with others, even if they seem distant and cold at first. If you ever find yourself in Norway, do not be surprised by the silence and large personal space. It is a part of Norwegian culture and is the source of many jokes in Norway. Thus, once you have been invited into the home, that is when you are able to share the gospel with grace and a genuine heart. So do not be discouraged by the cultural coldness, O faithful Christian, but instead lean into the culture of the home and family as a way to share God’s love for them.

Through the Highlands

Another great way to spend intentional time with Norwegians is through the outdoors. Norway is freezing cold for many months out of the year. The farther north you go, the colder and longer the winters are. So, when the sun comes out in spring, Norwegians are seldom found inside. They love to explore the massive mountaintops and swim in the deep fjords. This is often a wonderful way to share the gospel by emphasizing the masterful work of our Creator. Norwegians do not need to be convinced that this is a beautiful world; they only need to see that it reflects Him who created it.

Norway once knew and loved this Creator. Their national anthem, Ja, Vi Elsker Dette Landet, invokes this faith in God in the second verse when it says, “Norwegian man in house and cabin, thank your great God! The country He wanted to protect, although things looked dark. All that the fathers have fought for, and the mothers have wept for, the Lord has quietly eased so we won our rights.”

This beautiful song, which stirs deep within a Norwegian’s heart, calls back to what the Lord God has done. Norwegians just need to be reminded of what their land once believed: that the Lord Jesus Christ died so that we might find life, and life abundant, in Him.

Through Going and Prayer

I believe Norway could return to the Lord and worship Him once again as a nation. It can be easy to write off “Post-Christian” nations as already reached, devoting precious time and resources to other areas of the world. While missions in the 10-40 window are vital and needed, that should not come at the expense of the millions of people who live in Norway, Scandinavia, and Europe as a whole. In recent years, more and more churches in Norway have come together to share the Gospel. Dozens of churches in regions of Norway are working hard to ensure every student in Norway hears the Gospel. The wheels of faith are turning in Norway, and I believe God is working hard to call people to grace.

If you have never considered Norway, please take time to pray for the land. Pray that the Lord will send people into Norway to share the gospel but also pray that Norwegians will continue to rise up in faith and wisdom. Sadly, King Harald V, the beloved King of Norway, recently passed away. The new king, King Haakon VIII, has risen to power. Pray that he will guide his people well and that Norway would come to worship the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe the Lord is not done with Europe. He carefully and wonderfully crafted the fjords and mountains with awe and splendor for us to enjoy and proclaim His majesty. I believe we will hear these praises once again.

Is God calling you to reach Norwegians through the heart, home, and highlands?