Contextualization Video Series Takeaways

[Taliya]

Contextualization removes unnecessary obstacles. As a foreigner, it is very likely that some things I am used to (in how I act or view the world) may actually be causes of disconnect or out up a wall when I’m in another culture. I don’t want to kill my chances of connecting with someone about the gospel in that way. Contextualizing myself and how I share the good news is important to avoid those unnecessary walls.

Contextualizing the believing community: How does an indigenous church look like in this culture? How is renewed life in christ expressed in this culture? Giving space for self-expression (traditional music or dance or or if fellowship outside is more common than meeting inside), self-theologizing (contextualizing the message further into how the indigenous people can understand better), and self-initiated service will allow for the community of believers to have longevity because it is connected tot heir culture.

The difference between the elephant church and rabbit church is interesting. I expect that a rabbit church style may be what would work best in the culture I will be going into, but I will keep an open mind to that!