Christian Teaching Ministry

Lesson 5Contextualizing the Message

Steps of Bible Teaching

“Who is my audience?”

Contextualization

Contextualization is taking into consideration the cultural context in which we are seeking to communicate the Bible.

The process of making the message as much “at home” as possible in a given cultural context.

The serving the gospel on an appropriate “plate.”

Scriptural Basis for Contextualization

In the incarnation, Jesus willingly forsook the glory of heaven in order to become a servant.

Jesus came into a particular cultural context (Palestinian Judaism) at a particular time in history (the first century).

Philippians 2:5-7Have this mind among

yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but

made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of

men.

Scriptural Basis for Contextualization

In the incarnation, Jesus willingly forsook the glory of heaven in order to become a servant.

Jesus came into a particular cultural context (Palestinian Judaism) at a particular time in history (the first century).

Paul willingly forsook his rights so that he would not put an obstacle in the way of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9:12bNevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Scriptural Basis for Contextualization

In the incarnation, Jesus willingly forsook the glory of heaven in order to become a servant.

Jesus came into a particular cultural context (Palestinian Judaism) at a particular time in history (the first century).

Paul willingly forsook his rights so that he would not put an obstacle in the way of the gospel.

Paul took on different cultural forms in order to share the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them…I have become all things to all

people, that by all means I might save some.

Parameters of Contextualization

How far is too far?

Should we become cannibals if we are to reach cannibals?

Christ came into the world and yet was without sin.

Scripture provides the parameters for contextualization.

In order to reach those outside the Law of Moses Paul identified with these Gentiles who were outside the Mosaic Law; however, even in doing so he remained under the law of Christ.

Spectrum of Contextualization

C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 Traditiona

l church setting.

“Outsider” language.

No context-ualization.

Traditional church setting.

“Insider” language.

Cultural church setting.

“Insider” language.

Accepts neutral cultural forms.

Cultural church setting.

“Insider” language.

Accepts biblically permitted religious forms.

Retention of former religious identity.

Rejection of teachings in conflict with the Bible.

E.g. “Jesus-following Muslims”

Secret believers.

No public identity with Christ.

What Contextualization is NOT

Relativism: The idea that all truth is equally valid.

Syncretism: The mixing of beliefs from various religious systems.

Licentiousness: Acting just like the world in an attempt to appear relevant.

Paul: Contextualization in Action

How does Paul adapt his message to the culture of his listeners?

Where does Paul draw the line, even when it meant some might reject the message?

Principles for Contextualization

The Bible shows no ethnically pure or correct culture.

Christian teachers must respect, accept, value, and treat with dignity all individuals and ethnic groups.

The Bible teaches the transcultural nature of biblical truth.

The New Testament’s examples of cross-cultural ministry can serve as models.

The true message of Christianity is Jesus Christ (not our culture).

God expects His people to cross cultural gaps in order to be reconcilers and peacemakers.

Teaching Cross-culturally

Be willing to learn from another culture.

Take the time to learn as much about the culture as possible.

Establish good relationships.

Do not make assumptions.

Distinguish between biblical absolutes and cultural values.

Dimensions of Cross-cultural Communication

Ways of channeling the message

Ways of deciding

Worldview

The collection of presuppositions or convictions about reality which represent a person’s outlook on life.

Universal Quests Identity – Who am I? Immortality – Is this all

there is? Intimacy – How do I relate? Integrity – What is right? Industry – What am I here

for?

Worldview as a Filter

Nature of God: Is there a God, and what is He like?

Nature of Humanity: Are people fundamentally good, bad, or neutral?

Source of Truth: What is true? Where is truth found?

Origin and Value of Life: Where do people come from, and what value do they possess?

Notable Worldviews

Animism

Pantheism

Theism

Modernism

Postmodernism