- Contextualization is the process of making the gospel accessible within a particular cultural context in an understandable and culturally meaningful way without losing the truth and integrity of the message.
- In order to achieve meaning and relevance in the communication of the message, contextualization takes into account linguistic and cultural forms of the target group. It refers to "any action that puts the gospel into a more understandable, culturally relevant form by including elements from a target culture's customs, language, and traditions." (David Racey, "How to Communicate in a Relational Culture," Evangelical Missions Quarterly 32, No. 3, July 1996, p.304-309.)
- "[Contextualization]... is the process by which we remove the cultural (and sometimes literal) garb in which the gospel initially arrives and allow it to be clothed in the most appropriate way for a given locality" ( Dr. Sean M. McDonough, "Opening The Word: Acts 17:16-34.")
- Contextualization is an approach to the missionary task that places significance on the cultural context as a key to understanding how to effectively communicate the gospel and apply biblical truth within that cultural setting. Examples of Contextualization
Examples of contextualization in the body of Christ include "seeker churches" (such as Willow Creek) and churches reaching young people through "Youth Church." There are also numerous churches targeting specific language populations.
Ministries like Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth for Christ, Young Life, Intervarsity, Navigators and others often target specific segments of the population, including prisoners, diplomats, executives, the poor, military personnel, athletes (AIA), etc. These ministries are contextualized, at least in some respects, for those audiences.
Other examples include special ministries that exist to reach Latino students; Asian-American students; and African-American students.