Contextual Theology and Being Missional

Being missional is the buzz word that is replacing all things emerging, so I believe it is a good idea to dialog about what it means to contextualize theology. This is not only the work of a missionary in a foreign land anymore; it is now the work of local pastors and leaders in the churches of America.

Paul G. Hiebert in his book, Anthroplogical Insights for Missionaries (Baker, 1986), suggests that critical contextualization is a proactive to balance effectively the development of contextual theology. His four step concept was developed by missionaries ministering in a foreign culture to help in making sure that the development of a contextual theology remains properly balanced. Hiebert's critical contextualization encourages the participation of all the members within a church.

1. The first step is to recognize the need to deal biblically with all areas of life.


2. Step two is for the congregation to meet and analyze the cultural issues they confront from an uncritical perspective.


3. The third step is to conduct a Bible study that is relevant to the particular cultural issue being considered.


4. Finally, the congregation needs to evaluate critically their own past customs in the light of their new biblical understandings and to make a decision regarding thier use.

Although this process can be tedious, it is the new work of the local church as they seek to understand, engage, and influence today's culture with the timeless message of hope that the local church champions. Think about it...

QUESTION: What is your church or ministry doing to contextualize theology (i.e. being missional)? Is it effective? Is it worth it? Any suggestions?

The Hardest Word for Leaders: NO

Although I have learned to do this more as time goes on, I need to hear it again from time to time. In his blog today, Seth says:

"Saying no to loud people gives you the resources to say yes to important opportunities."

I have heard Craig Groeschel say that every time you say yes to something you say no to something else.

With that said, we must protect our no's as much as we give out our yes's which can be hard in a society of "yes men." Moving beyond being mediocre doesn't mean saying yes to eveything. It means saying no when it matters, so we can say yes when it does!

Tony Morgan on Faith

I am reading through Tony Morgan's Killing Cockroaches and finding somekind of challenge on every page. Here is what he says on faith in his chapter on "Churchiness is Easy":

"Real faith is dynamic. It's contriversal. It's dangerous. It's constantly growing. It asks challenging quesitons. It involves mystery. You can't put it in a box. You can't keep it quiet. You can't outgrow it. You can't out dream it. It's more focused on others than on itself. Real faith gives me peace but makes me discontent to let things stay the same." (Check out Tony's blog for more insights)

I find that my faith is sometimes not even status quo. I find that I sometimes wish faith wasn't even part of the process. For to me, faith says you aren't able to do this in and of yourself...it is the beyond that is within you that will do it. Faith is about doing great things that when done can only go back to the one who placed that faith in us...namely Jesus Christ! It about bending and stretching. It's about pain and growth and turning intellect into godly wisdom. Faith is one complex and messy idea!

Think about it...