Contextualization

Book Review: Church 3.0, by Neil Cole

Review by Geoff Chang | 9Marks Journal: Pastoral Moves | 12.23.2010

If you want to acquaint yourself with a leading voice of the house church movement, read this book, but then turn elsewhere for what Scripture teaches about the local church.

Why are so many church leaders today talking about contextualization?

9Marks

A lot of people today are talking about contextualization because it’s a fancy way to justify targeting the subset of the population they like best. Some people argue that we have to “contextualize” the gospel and the church into punk rock culture, or elite urban culture, or artsy hipster culture, or rich suburban culture in order to reach such groups of people.

What are the dangers of being too contextualized?

9Marks

Compromising our witness to the gospel. One danger of being too contextualized is that in attempting to adapt to cultural practices of those around us we adapt our way into sin or untruth and so compromise our witness to the gospel. Losing the sharp edges of the gospel. If we focus too much on making our message relevant, or appealing, or palatable to non-Christians, we may be tempted to adjust the gospel at those points where it is most offensive.

How can you tell the difference between legitimate contextualization and unbiblical compromise?

9Marks

The best rule of thumb in determining what’s biblical contextualization and what’s unbiblical compromise is the question: Does this make the offense of the gospel clearer? If so, it’s biblical contextualization. If not, it’s unbiblical compromise.

How do we contextualize biblically?

9Marks

Give up your rights. The apostle Paul had the right to eat meat, to take along a believing wife, and to receive financial support. Yet he gave up these rights in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:4-18). We, too, should be prepared to give up any rights if using them would offend those we are trying to evangelize.