Three areas for contextualization
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This document discusses contextualization in reaching Muslim communities with the gospel. It emphasizes bringing the word of God into the target culture's context while maintaining theological integrity. There are dangers in both over-contextualizing and under-contextualizing. The message, messenger, and church each require contextualization. For the message, certain themes and terminology can aid understanding while staying biblically accurate. The messenger's life should model integrity and love for the community. Muslim background believer fellowships may best facilitate new believers by employing familiar cultural forms of worship, community, and life rituals. Issues like leadership, women's roles, and organizational structure also require discernment in applying biblical principles contextually.
Three areas for contextualization
- 1. CONTEXTUALIZATION Contextualization: Bringing the "text" (Word of God) into the "context" (culture and environment) of our target audience. It should include a "passion for truth" as well as a "commitment to relevance." There are dangers involved in contextualization, and dangers in not contextualizing as well! Complete adoption or complete rejection of target group will lead to syncretism and/or lack of growth. Goal: Adopt that which is not prohibited in Scripture (and may be beneficial) and transform those things which may be supplemented with Biblical content. Three Areas for Contextualization: The Message, Messenger, & Church The Gospel Message: It must be Scripturally accurate, understandable and relevant in order to have impact. Muslim terminology can help with understanding. Certain themes, metaphors and scriptures will resonate better depending on the people you are working with. The Messenger: (1 Peter 2:12) "Live such good lives among the pagans. . . they may see your good deeds and glorify God. . . Our lives must seem to be good in the eyes of the community! Our lives will not only affect our credibility but will be a MODEL for new Believers! How can/should we model contextualized love and integrity?! Our attitude should be like the apostle Paul in 1 Cor 9:19-22. The Church: Muslim Background Believer churches? Some would argue Gal. 3:28. However we also need to realize that 1) many established churches employ western worship forms, 2) often MBB’s are not welcome in traditional churches, 3) there may be NO church nearby anyway! MBB fellowships often present the best opportunity for multiplication. (see: THE STEPS TO BIBLICAL CONTEXTUALIZATION IN CHURCH PLANTING)
- 2. Some Issues Related to the Muslim Convert Church Evangelistic Forms: We must try to find forms that resonate with the community. Group decisions, creative communication strategies, etc. We need to be wise/discerning with timing issues related to baptism, open declarations of faith and potential confrontations. Overall we need to be "shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Mt. 10:16) Worship Forms: Can we consider “reclaiming the pillars” for the Kingdom of God? Employing cultural forms that are familiar and facilitate an MBB’s sense of worship? "Ummah" or Community: How can we see the MBB fellowship (and the whole Body of Christ) fulfill the reality of God’s intention for community? Life Cycle Rituals, Festivals, and Celebrations: We need to be prepared to offer Christian alternative practices and/or Biblical reinterpretations. Group/community cohesion is interconnected here. Organizational Forms: what form will the MBB fellowship (and connection with other MBB fellowships) have? Patterned after the mosque? Western denominations? New Testament house churches? Leadership Training: How can we equip and disciple new Believers? What does 1st Timothy & Titus look like in a Muslim context? Should we also consider the “Sufi Pir” model (like OT school of the Prophets)? Other forms of leadership training? The Role of Women: Once again we need to be both relevant and prophetic. How do we apply Titus 2:3-5 & 1 Tim 5:9-10? Book of Acts and other OT and NT models of women in ministry? We must seek to empower MBB women into their destinies in Christ and their active participation towards the expansion of God’s Kingdom!.