The Gospel as Holistic Mission: The Challenges of Contextualizing Relief and Development

Abstract

Contextualization of the gospel means that the gospel has not only been communicated but has also been understood, lived out, and has transformed individuals, and communities, as well as their culture. If we are to communicate the gospel message to other cultures, we must find ways to make it comprehensible without losing the message in cultural trappings. The gospel has multiple facets, of which relief and development are an integral part. Thus the integration of word and deed, being and doing, must always be the focus of true holistic mission.