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ADVANCING THE GOSPEL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
Part III : Context sensitive
by Tim Keller, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church

What does contextualization mean? To use this word could get me into a mine-field. Contextualization can, unfortunately, be used to mean that one's interpretation of Scripture is as valid as any other. Or, it could mean that every interpretive community has a perspective that helps us see aspects of God's self-disclosure that other communities cannot in themselves see or hear. That's better. But as a practitioner of ministry, I see contextualization is adapting my communication of the gospel without changing its essential character...
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THE FIVE THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE PLANTING A CHURCH
An Interview with Church Planter Drew Field

The Silicon Valley really changed the month we arrived. In 1999, when we were preparing for this plant and raising money, the Valley was a high growth area. People had a lot of money and there were so many people moving into the area. But the tech bubble burst about a week after we signed a lease for the church and committed to moving to the area. Population has actually declined a bit and perhaps people have a bit more humility... > MORE

WHEN THE VISION CLASHES WITH WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING
Veteran Church Planter Charlie Drew tells us why he didnÕt scrap it all and start over

About eighteen months into our life as a church I began to hear some rumblings. At its heart complaint was this: "Emmanuel isnÕt exactly what I hoped it would be." In some cases the rumbling was over failure to flesh out the stated vision, and in some cases it had nothing to do with the vision. I realized that my leadership team needed to do four things... > MORE

INFINITY CHURCH :: THE GOSPEL IN THE HOOD
Part II: Connecting With the Context

Infinity focuses on the gospel. Using drama, hip-hop, R&B music and a direct speaking style, Dimas reaches out using the language of the community, with a more casual worship style. The first service in September 2003 went well with 60 people in attendance. Since then, both adults and children (many of them non-believers) have continued to attend and a children's ministry has been added. After the service, the congregation gathers for a meal and a time of fellowship. In addition, Infinity partners with World Vision and other groups to provide toiletries, backpacks, schools supplies for the kids... > MORE

HAVE YOU READ THESE YET?
Five books that explore the values, vision and practices essential to effective churches in post-modern North America.
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