After mentioning the world of the Bible and the world of the contemporary culture, Robinson mentions the third of four worlds – the world of the specific local congregation.

His observation that the local church congregation has a very specific culture of its own that only partially reflects the broader culture around is spot on. What is true of this particular congregation? Rural, suburban or urban? Established or new? Educational level? Socio-economic strata? Past crises and present struggles? Interpersonal dynamics? Sin-stained baggage? The two “worlds” of culture and congregation do overlap, but it is helpful to distinguish them so that the preacher doesn’t think that a message will work without change anywhere in a culture. As preachers we must do everything we can to know the specific people we are preaching to. If you are the pastor, be a continual student of your people. If you are a visiting speaker, you may only have fifteen minutes to familiarize yourself, but use those fifteen minutes to the max by asking questions without ceasing. You’re building a bridge, know where it has to land.