Effective Bridging and Contextualization 26 Effective Bridging and Contextualization

Introduction Thesis: you can contextualize the gospel without compromising it Using communication bridges that are friendly and meaningful to the audience helps them understand and respond appropriately to your message. Example: Humility

Foreign Message/Messenger “bridging” helps you communicate a foreign thought to a willing listener Strive to make the message natural and comprehensible The NT examples show creative communication in cooperation with the HS Put the hearers emotions at ease before sharing a message they may react to.

NT and Contextualization Jesus, master communicator Used the OT to point to scripture he fulfilled His parables were natural, comprehensible bridges Parables calmed the audience Paul also adapted communication to bring clarity without compromise Appearance of the messenger was addressed by both Jesus and Paul

Contextualization Critiqued There is always the danger of compromise Critics sometimes use “If…then” extreme scenarios; not a legitimate critique The critics’ perceived “purity” of message doesn’t trump clarity It is uncomfortable but essential to start where the listener is standing. (Koran for ex)

Contextualization Critiqued Missionaries need to listen to critique and examine their practice. They have the advantage over critics of having immediate feedback. Critics do point out danger areas that a wise missionary will address Critics need to move from the hypothetical to actual field experience – evaluate actual data from the field

Three Camps Traditional, Moderate, and Extreme contextualization The fear of compromise is foremost It allows misinterpretation through the recipients traditional religious views and prejudices (Koran) Much fewer converts over time

Extreme Contextualization Relate to other religions in ways that make traditionalists very uncomfortable Will use insights from the listeners holy books to spur discussion and dialogue Try to become as much of an “insider” as possible – takes them deep into hostile culture Their reported fruit is their greatest defense, but there is an element of subjectivity Note: they don’t necessarily compromise the gospel

Moderate Contextualization Rely heavily on communication bridges Goal is moving discussion from head to heart Key characteristics are humility and sincerity These missionaries practice CPM principles Convert persecution is greatest with this approach: penetrate deeply into hostile community, and plant visible, recognizable churches Reports say that this approach produces the most “fruit”

Where do you fit? Define the non-negotiables as an anchor Our denominational statement of faith Lausanne Covenant Focus on connecting redemptively to the lost The larger the group, the higher the degree of Contextualization How deep into a hostile community do I want to go?

Conversing with the lost Upon a first meeting, if before you part you share the gospel, then you have not crossed any line of compromise Seems to have been Jesus approach (woman at the well) Missionaries use different strategies to reveal themselves. Months of friendship without declaring yourself was not a strategy taught by Jesus

Find a Person of Peace Look for the person in a community who will start a church planting movement; not you Look for the person who will connect you with a large number of others in the community Listen to the Spirit’s guidance and be up-to-date on your demographic research

Four checks on going too far Conversion – are lifestyles changing in a God-pleasing way? Conviction: Is their thinking changing to a new sense of right and wrong? Confession: Do they long to share their new faith with others? Congregation: Do they desire to fellowship with like-minded believers and seekers after truth?

Conclusion We are not in a “come and get it” ministry, we are taking eternal medicine to fatally sick people who have no clue to their disease. We serve out of gratitude and so move out of our comfort zone to make the message plain