Contextualization

Meanings, Methods, and Models

Contextualization: Meanings, Methods, and Models is a classic textbook that brings together the meanings, proposals, and tasks involved in contextualization. The authors trace its historical development, beginning with its roots in the Bible and early Church. They examine how cultural, linguistic, and theological elements influence the way the Gospel is communicated across different contexts. The book highlights how the Church has wrestled with expressing timeless truths in culturally relevant ways, while maintaining biblical integrity.

Hesselgrave and Rommen engage with the ideas of key theologians and missiologists, evaluating a range of contextualization models--from traditional mission methods to more adaptive, culture-centered approaches. They provide a balanced critique of these proposals, identifying both strengths and limitations. The authors conclude by offering their own definition and approach to contextualization--one that is both faithful to Scripture and practically effective for global mission work today.

Edward Rommen (DMiss, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; PhD, Ludwig Maximillian University) planted churches and taught in Europe for fifteen years. He then returned to the United States to teach missions and theology and worked in pastoral ministry as an Orthodox priest. He is currently an adjunct professor at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.