Collaborative Contextual Theology: Lessons from Thailand
By Steve Taylor | Contextualizing theology is challenging, and discernment is needed to know the difference between biblical truths and cultural beliefs. Local and outsider perspectives can benefit these discussions. A three-step framework used by the Thai Christian Thinkers group offers helpful guidance on how to do this well.
A Paradigm for Family Integrated Evangelism in Islamic Cultures
By George Dumitrascu | Over two billion people identify as Muslims worldwide. Due to globalization, they live across the world and are our neighbors and co-workers. This makes it even more important to understand their context. Approaching Muslims with the gospel from an individualist perspective is often unsuccessful. A shift in approach to a family-based incarnational ministry using a contextualized house-church model could improve missions outcomes.
Contextualization Can Be Messy
By John Devalve | My wife and I lived in a remote predominantly Muslim region of West Africa with few believers for more than a decade. Not long after we arrived, I faced a new challenge: contextualizing a rite of passage ceremony for a new community of Christ followers.
Grafted Together to Fulfill God’s Mission
By Christi Trimbur | Kinship unity develops when diverse members graft together to form one entity. When those groups choose to humbly reach out to each other in acceptance, true partnership or koinonia naturally follows.
How Calling Has Handicapped the Great Commission
By Richard Kronk | What does it mean to be called? Many people in and out of the Church have opinions about the definition of this word. But its slippery meaning makes it hard to claim or verify. Perhaps it’s also hindering engagement in the Great Commission.
Disability vs. Health in Evangelism Strategies
By Phill Butler | While Western culture praises individualism, God did not design us to go it alone. Scripture reveals that collaboration in life and ministry yields long-lasting fruit.
Tentmaking: Paul’s Missionary Strategy?
By Samson L. Uytanlet | Was tentmaking Paul’s intentional missions strategy? Or did Paul simply make tents during his missionary journeys because it was his profession? A deeper look at New Testament passages about Paul’s tentmaking work reveals a more nuanced answer.
Leadership, Ministry, and Church Order in South Korea
By KyungMi Seo | The church in Korea grew rapidly for more than 100 years. This growth happened as the result of Koreans who carefully studied Scripture, zealously evangelized, and managed churches on their own without relying on missionaries. However, the church has declined during the last 20 years. A leadership model in the church that too closely resembles Confucianism and Shamanism may be a significant factor.