[featured_image]Christians must understand how the Word becomes flesh in their local culture. They must know the gospel, live the gospel, and proclaim the gospel in a given cultural context. As Christians begin to adopt missionary behaviors, they must pay attention to the “who, when and where” of culture.
If you are going to impact the culture, you must first study the culture. Once you intentionally exegete the culture around you, you are able then to contextualize the gospel message so that it is understood as good news.
True evangelism goes beyond proclamation to communication. Communication means that someone has to hear and understand what is proclaimed. Often times, the subtle shift from proclamation to real communication triggers a response that was previously absent. Effective communication requires understanding the language and worldview of the people you are trying to reach. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). The challenge is to lift Jesus up in a way that is not obscured by cultural barriers that would prevent all peoples coming to faith in him. (1)
It is impossible to communicate the gospel without trying to get inside the mind of those you around you who do not know Christ. Every Christian needs to learn the language and culture of the people God has sent them to reach
- Garrison, Church Planting Movements, WIGTake Resources, 2004, 179.
