This has become a popular word in discussions of mission, culture, sociology, economics, and other similar studies.
One simple definition states: “to place in a context”
Within the conversation, challenge, and community that is campus missions (ministry) the word contextualization tends to represent an effort to communicate the Gospel in ways that are meaningful, relevant, and readily grasped by college students. This does NOT mean that we change the message of the Gospel, just the method of communicating and sharing that message (I know, the message-method statement is sounding very cliche these days).
I believe that there are basically two ways of approaching our mission of engaging with college students:
- In ways that reinforce negative stereotypes of Christianity (see Unchristian by Dave Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons) and push students further from God and Church
- In ways that challenge, suprise, and attract students to the Gospel and to Jesus
As I understand Paul’s approach to sharing the Gospel with gentiles, (Acts 17 etc) he did NOT simply regurgitate the Jerusalem Church’s teaching throughout the Roman Empire and Asia minor. He contextualized the method in order to place the message in a particular context.
What makes any of us (especially campus missionaries) think that we can get away with anything less than that? And do we understand the Gospel thoroughly enough (via our own experience and study) to respeak it into our own contexts?
Apparently, John Piper would disagree.
Over this past weekend, I got to spend some time with a great crew of young adults on a retreat. We’re calling this thread of retreats and experiences for 18 to 20+’ers Element. 
Our hope is to connect the various college students and young adults in our Nazarene network of churches here into a community. As we connect and build relationships we also want to challenge, equip, and send these students into the world to make a Kingdom-sized impact on their world.
Element…
It’s about the basic elements of faith. In ancient times there were thought to be four basic elements which constituted the physical universe. We sometimes refer to someone or thing as being in their element. Perhaps you think of a heating element which connects and conduces heat or electricity. All of these ideas could contribute to or illustrate the purposes we have in mind.
JR Forasteros shared some insights from Matthew 25 which I found to be quite helpful. Recall the parable of the talents in which three servants were given a sum of money by their master. After some time the master returned (key point) and found two of the servants as faithful and productive. The third servant (out of fear, or laziness, or some other inhibition) buried his potential in the ground.
JR made the connect between this idea and the fact that most young adults are desperate to know what God’s will is for their lives. In fact, regardless of age and phase of life, we often want to ask the wrong questions. Our questions usually focus on specific felt needs or future developments in our life. God wants us to ask the kinds of questions which would lead to our transformation in the present. What are we doing with what God has entrusted to us right now? 
As my mind was wandering a bit (not unusual) I began to think about how easily we bury ourSELVES in the ground. Often, we have a tendency in the church to bury ourselves in the world of church, programs, “ministry”, serving (the church/ourselves) and fail to see how God would have us invest our lives into others…especially those who are far from Christ. Instead of burying the master’s resources in a mayonaise jar in the ground…pour yourself out…and into the lives of those around you.
There were many times over the past few years that I was glad to say “I work at a coffee shop” or “I’m a personal trainer.” It’s not that I’m ashamed of God or anything…just Christianity.
Whenever the conversation on the plane, bus, etc veers towards the topic of vocation my creative juices would start flowing…”What can I say that I DO this time?”
The baggage that often comes with “I’m a pastor” or “I’m a campus minister” or some similar declaration would often prove to be more pressure that I wanted to put on the conversation or relationship.
In my reading of Unchristian (by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons) I found a very relevant discussion of the issues which make identifying oneself with evangelical American Christianity problematic.
So the gist of the book is (in my opinion) coming to grips with the fact that Christianity in America often looks Unchristian (not like Christ) to outsiders. Two specific groups of people are particularly scrutinized in their opinions, beliefs, perceptions, and values…Busters and Mosaics. Kinnaman describes Mosaics as being born between 1984 and 2002 and Busters between 1965 and 1983. Here’s a quick overview of some of the main themes representing the most common points of skepticism and objection: (p.29)
- Hypocritical
- Too focused on getting converts
- Antihomosexual
- Sheltered
- Too political
- Judgmental
Again, in the research presented, these themes represent the general perceptions of outsiders towards Christianity.
Now in terms of application (especially as I interact with college students) I believe that the future of Christianity in America is looking up. Being aware of these issues and knowing that a more biblically informed worldview is necessary, the stage is set for engaging in the right kind of ministry (so to speak). For me, this completely reinforces an approach to ministry which challenges college students to engage the scriptures, commit to lifelong discipleship, and join Christ his restoration of all things.
Over at Scott McKnight’s blog…Jesus Creed…I found a fabulous ‘liturgy of espresso’ by Billy Kangas. You can catch up with Billy via his blog here, or Twitter.
I have always considered coffee as a great metophor for many things spiritual, social, etc…but over at Billy’s blog…that consideration is cemented into a beautiful liturgy. Great stuff.
The cappuccino as a representation for the trinity makes a lot of sense to me. The cappuccino is technically 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 silky microfoam…blended artfully into one textured and delicious sip.
Properly brewed espresso has triune qualities as well. The heart, body, and crema (crema is the lighter reddish foam that floats on the surface) make up the “pulled” shot and when a glass is brewed, all three parts should be seen as three different layers. 
“While the making of a good espresso drink is a complicated process; enjoyment of a good espresso drink is one of life’s simple pleasures.”
And when the simple pleasure of artfully brewed coffee mixes with the sharing of conversation, story, and friendship…ahhh, an Edenic experience of hospitality ensues.
Being on staff with the CCO provides some great opportunities for fellowship with other campus ministers as well as professional development.
First of all, I will comment on how enjoyable and encouraging it is to hang out with other CCO staff and campus ministers in general. People who work with college students tend to be, well…cool. Obviously I’m biased. I remember thinking similar things during my years of youth ministry and, yes…youth workers are usually quite hip and cool as well. But out of the hundred or so campus ministers that are here…seriously…there’s not one person I’ve met who I would avoid in a social situation! 
The theme of our little gathering this week near Ligonier, PA has been transformative opportunities.
Evan Hunter, with the Ivy Jungle Network for campus ministry, presented some statistics and key elements which they’ve discovered in research over the past 10 years. Basically, they have found that the most significant kinds and amounts of lifechange tends to happen when students are given opportunities like a mission trip, a retreat, spring break trip, etc. These opportunities tend to provide the following experiential elements:
- Intensity of Time (it’s more than just a block of time here and there)
- Intensity of Experience (encountering disequilibrium…experiences which challenge worldview…e.g. poverty, disease, human trafficking, etc)
- Intensity of Community (significant relationships develop…also barriers between student and leader are often broken down)
Another component of the research which Evan presented indicates an increase in the interest that college students have in service-oriented experiences and justice efforts. We are serving the “justice generation.” Many college students want to have a significant impact on a community or culture and might even be reluctant to participate in something which isn’t outwardly focused. How does all this impact our ministry at the University of Cincinnati? What kinds of opportunities can we provide for students which will optimize their impact and transformation? I have some ideas, but these are definitely some questions I need to ask (and answer) as the plan for this and the next quarter emerge.
I’m always amazed to find how many lessons from the world of sports translate into other areas of life. Jamie is one of my campus ministry peers here at the Edge House. We just had a great conversation in the kitchen (where MANY great Edge House conversations take place) about things we are both learning as we minister to college students. As we were reflecting on the process through which a few students have connected with her bible study/felllowship deal on Monday nights, we both recognized the need to have a light grip when it comes to planning and programming for relational ministry (as if there’s non-relational ministry?)
So I was reminded of a golf lesson I had a few years back while visiting Hilton Head during the PGA event at Harbortown. Two buddies and I were treated to some time with one of the most sought-after golf instructors on the island. The first thing he corrected was my grip. He showed me a few places where my glove betrayed my bad golfing behavior…gripping the club too firmly. It didn’t take him long to find my next fundamental error…tension and tightness in my arms. Most golfers know this simple lesson: relax! As soon as you try to muscle
the club at the ball…you’re likely to turn the hands over too quickly or make any number of other potential errors. The greatest golf shots often feel effortless…like the club just ’smoothes’ its way through the ball.
That’s the lesson I’ve been learning so far in my short time of ministering to college students: lighten up, relax, and let the club do the work. Perhaps that translates into ministry and relationships like this: lighten up (the expectations), relax (in prayer and in faith), and let the club do the work (realize it’s God who transforms students lives…not our effort or intensity).
Although it wasn’t one of the books I was already reading in preparation for this first week of 2010, I quickly realized that it would be difficult to put down. While turning the page from 2009 to 2010, reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller has proven to be quite timely. You can hear a great introduction to the book by the author here.
The book is basically more of Don’s story (can I call him “Don?” it’s not like we get together occasionally at the Ugly Mug.) But in the process of telling his own story, he enlightens us with inspiring notions about what it means to LIVE a good story and be engaged in the process of transformation.
Another book I’m in the process of reading is The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau. It is all about the process and purpose of pilgrimage, a concept which I have been sensitive to for years but very much awakened to more recently. As Miller shares stories about hiking in Peru, cycling across America, and kayaking into beautiful inlets my passion for incorporating travel, adventure, and ‘sacred’ geographical destinations into my own story has enlarged.
I would imagine that anyone could enjoy what Donald Miller is sharing in this book. But especially for those who find themselves bogged down by the mundaneness of their own stories…or searching for the “inciting incident” which might propel one into a better story or scene…A Million Miles is contemplatively energizing.
One of my goals for the upcoming year which I attempted a couple of years ago (not even coming close) was to read about a book a week for the year.
Here’s my list…we’ll see how it goes.
Book List for 2010
Hope…
Hope has been a key word and reminder for me during this Advent season. Now the things that have been hoped for and realized in the coming of Christ also provide great hope for the coming year.
Gospel…
Paul points out in Romans 1 that the Gospel is the manifestation of God’s saving power in the world…for everyone who believes. That is certainly reason for hope. Regardless of economic, political, financial, and cultural upheaval…God’s mission is one of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption. And I’m on the lookout for ways to partner with God in Christ through the Spirit…engaging in any possible opportunity to live out the Gospel.
Twelve…
Specifically, in terms of ministry at the University of Cincinnati, I am hoping for spiritual influence and transformation in the lives of at least twelve students. If I could have the blessing of sharing life, friendship, and a discipling journey with a dozen college students this year I know I’d be well on my way to seeing a whole new trajectory of hope and Kingdom living.
My first quarter at UC is mostly a blur now, but this two to three week “break” has given me a great opportunity to bring some clarity to the previous few months of life and ministry.
Actually, I have felt inclined to include an significant opportunity for reflection, planning, and spiritual refreshment at the end of the calendar year. I had originally planned for that to take the shape of a 2 or 3-day retreat/sabbath get-a-way starting this past Sunday. But due to some poor planning and some back pain, I post-poned for a few days.
Along with this 2-3 day end-of-the-year reatreat, I am adding two more similar spiritual pilgrimages to my calendar in order to maintain a good rhythm of rest & reflection. My next one will probably be at the beginning of Spring quarter and then another in late August or early September.
As I look forward to planning and setting a good trajectory for the journey in 2010, that playful impulse to just poke my head out the window and enjoy the ride is definitely getting the best of me.
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