This Ramen experience reminded me about the way that our society is really divided into castes–economic barriers that keep people in their place. The store that I shop at is in a upper middle-class neighborhood complete with a sushi chef. The idea that someone of “my stature” would be looking for the staple of the masses, just didn’t fit the social image of my shopping environment. And while noodle choice cannot be placed in the top tier of demographic targeting, it does illustrate the importance of having a deep understanding of culture. We must realize how seriously these subtle social perspectives can influence behavior and responses to ministry.

Understanding the real social, economic and values groupings of the people around us is an important part of our community ministry and church planting preparation. One successful pastor told me that it took him nearly 10 years to really “get” the community in which he planted. We really can’t afford to take that long if we are going to grow healthy new churches. Needs Assessment is one simple way to accelerate the process, because you cannot learn about the Ramen Groups from any demographic survey.

You have to talk to people, listen for their values and cultural perspectives in person–and that’s just what needs assessment helps with.

I would be interested in hearing back (by blog comment) from those who have discovered other unusual social groupings, the ones that lie just beneath the surface. Have you discovered another shopping or Autophobic, or Sportsomatic social strata in some accidental way?

I found the social class that draws the line at cheap noodles, and learned that none of my local outreach events should feature Top Ramen as a menu item.