Superficial Contextualization

Jonathan Dodson—lead pastor of Austin City Life and the author of forthcoming Gospel-Centered Discipleship—is an advocate of true contextualization, but laments that "most of what is done in the name of contextualization isn't contextualization at all."

Two misuses of contextualization among so-called missional churches are, first, a superficial approach to culture and, second, gospel contamination that results from this approach.

In the superficial approach, "contextualization" addresses a subset of American culture (e.g. white, suburban, middle class). It is surprising to me that so many churches engaged in contextualization look the same, regardless of their location or cultural context.

Moreover, the gospel communication among these varied churches is often identical, using pre-packaged sermon series, teaching materials, and discipleship curriculum in order to "contextualize the gospel."

You can read the whole thing here.