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Measuring the “Success” of Contextualization

Measuring the “Success” of Contextualization

Last updated on: August 11, 2022 at 1:24 am by Brad Vaughn

Measuring the “Success” of Contextualization 2022-08-11T01:24:00-07:00 Brad Vaughn

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Let’s face it–– missionaries tend to care a lot about numbers. Whether we’re talking about high numbers of new believers, churches, partnerships, or small groups, many mission strategies measure success via statistics.

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I’ve heard some people rebuff my critiques of certain ministry methods by saying, “A lot of people have come to Christ using XYZ method?” By implication, they are simply asking: Why would I want to take what you are saying seriously when our method is already “successful”?

This raises a very important question, “How do we measure the success of contextualization?”

Given that my recent book advocates a practical approach to contextualization, it’s about time I answered this concern head on. (My previous blog post explained what it means for our ministries to be “effective.” Only a part of that answer involves counting.)

“Will more people believe?”

When it comes to contextualization, I think many people ask themselves a same question (even if it’s not explicitly stated): Will more people accept Christ if we “contextualize”?

Whatever one’s method or ministry philosophy, we all must acknowledge the same simple fact––there is no way to know for sure. After all, we are not the ones who change people’s hearts.

Only the Spirit brings about true conviction; our goal is simply to speak with clarity.

In fact, it is possible that we will contextualize in a biblically faithful and culturally meaningful way yet still find that our overall statistics go down. How is that possible?

Our numbers might go down

Here are a few possible reasons that our overall ministry numbers could decrease as we contextualize.

1. We decrease false professions and/or easy-believism

Some people will be unwilling to accept the gospel message once they actually understand it. Consider what will happen when people actually find out that Christ commands their allegiance and calls for a whole-life transformation? They will be less likely to profess Christ when they are forced to count the cost.

2. We decrease confusion

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Good contextualization gives clarity where people otherwise get confused. Perhaps, they misunderstand Christian faith, regarding it as another religious tool to acquire blessing. What if they don’t understand certain concepts because they are couched in foreign terms and ideas? Contextualization helps to clear up muddled impressions, which may actually cause people not to “pray a prayer” to receive Christ.

3. We decrease syncretism

It is possible that people will misunderstand foreign sounding presentations and so attempt to explain our message using unbiblical teachings (perhaps from a local religion or cult). Yet, if people realize we are not preaching a message essentially similar to these false teachings, then they may be less willing to make a “profession of faith.”

In short, we need only look at the ministry to Jesus. In John 6, he had drawn a large crowd. Precisely when he looked “successful,” Jesus filters (i.e. shrinks) the crowd with giving them “hard” words (6:60).

Why did Jesus not fear having lower numbers?

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Verse 64 explains, “For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe . . . ” (6:64).

Our numbers might go up

On the other hand, one’s overall numbers could increase. Here are a few reasons.

1. We increase clarity & meaning

Naturally, when we are clear, people grasp our meaning and therefore will be willing to listen. They will see that the gospel is indeed good news. As a result, they are willing to believe the gospel.

2. The gospel increases motivation to obey

Genuine, holistic obedience comes is a matter of the heart. When the gospel is understood and it changes a person’s heart, he or she desires to obey. Not surprisingly, believers are more eager to share the gospel and live in a way that glorifies Christ. In the long run, we would expect to find more believers whenever people more frequently share the gospel and show Christ’s worth with their entire life.

3. The gospel increases longevity or endurance of faith

Genuine faith is a persevering faith. It enables people to endure hard things. As a result, they over time will not only have more opportunities to share the gospel; further, their lives will give the world an attractive witness to the glory of Christ. Collectively, this translates into churches that last and do not die quickly for lack of faith.

4. The gospel increases character fruit

The gospel is the seed from which comes the fruit of the Spirit. “Fruit” is far more than numbers of converts, churches, etc. Scripture emphasizes character fruit, as in Gal 5:22–23, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

When these fruits characterize the Church, unbelievers will take notice. Our witness will be far less muddied by moral failure. People are then able to see the power and practical significance of the gospel in daily life.

In this context, we would expect more people to listen to and even accept our gospel witness.

So, which is it?

Obviously, there are some conflicting factors here. How do we answer the question, “Will more people accept Christ if we contextualize?”

Simply put, our raw statistics may or may not change. However, . . . and this is key . . . the proportion of genuine believers cannot help but increase.

In the end, isn’t that what we are after? Don’t we want our “statistics” to better reflect the actual number of people who genuinely believe and whom we expect to follow Christ for years on end?

As it is now, too many missionaries have big events where a lot of people “pray to receive Christ” yet missionaries can do little more than hope that some of those people will actually profess Jesus a year later. Even putting it this way is too minimalistic for my taste. We shouldn’t settle for converts; we want disciples.

Truly successful contextualization makes disciples.

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