EMQ » January–March 2021 » Volume 57 Issue 1
By Colin Bearup
William Carey Publishing, 2020
122 pages
USD $9.99
Reviewed by Bob Bagley, the Associate Executive Director of Global Partners (GP) who previously served in Africa with GP for eighteen years.
If you have been looking for the CliffsNotes to prepare new missionaries for service in Africa, look no longer. Colin Bearup’s Clues to Africa, Islam, & the Gospel: Insights for New Workers is just that. At first glance one might wonder if this small thin volume could offer so much. Yet Bearup’s clear concise writing focuses unbelievably well on the central religious and cultural issues that western missionaries need to understand as a foundation for effective ministry in Africa.
The book begins with an exploration of the nature of Islam within Africa; then moves to a discussion of key cultural values shared by Africans whether Muslim or not; and then concludes by addressing considerations for an appropriate proclamation of the gospel in the African context.
Bearup cautions that outsiders who approach Muslims in Africa from an understanding of “textbook” Islam will fail to interact effectively. “We need to relate to them as they are, not how we were misled to believe they should be” (38). This is because the values, beliefs, and practices of Islam in Africa have been shaped as much, or more, by traditional African culture as it has been by the Qur’an. Though the author does not develop this idea, it is striking how African Christianity has been similarly shaped by its context, especially in African independent churches and “post missionary” mission churches. Obviously, a volume of this sort cannot cover everything, but one wishes Bearup gave some attention to the increasing profile of radical Islamic groups such as Boko Haram and Al- Shabaab.
The book highlights four worldviews that shape African thinking and ultimately their response to presentations of the gospel: (1) collectivism, (2) high context, (3) honor and shame orientation, and (4) patronage. The discussion of each of the cultural dynamics concludes with an extremely helpful summary of some of the implications for gospel communicators. While hardly a comprehensive overview of African culture, Bearup has done an amazing job of identifying those dynamics most relevant for outsiders.
The book finishes by challenging our understanding of the gospel message and how we should communicate it in Africa. “It is imperative that we develop gospel presentations that have a narrative that resonates with the culture and the sense of need that people have.” (98) With simple reasoning, Bearup challenges both our theology and many of our contemporary approaches to evangelism and discipleship in Africa. His is a voice that needs to be heard.
Though intended as “insights for new workers,” there is much in this small volume for experienced workers to reflect on and digest. It would equally make an excellent resource as the foundation of an orientation course for new missionaries or a refresher course for old hands. It is an essential read for every North American Christian worker serving in Africa.
For Further Reading
Daniels, G. and W. Farah. Margins of Islam: Ministry in Diverse Muslim Contexts. William Carey Library, 2018.
Georges, J. Ministering in Patronage Cultures: Biblical Models and Missional Implications. InterVarsity Press, 2019.
