Global Trends Analysis
Renewed Vision for Societal Relevance by Evangelicals and Pentecostals
A rediscovery is in process of both a more integrated theology and a trend toward social ministry in two of the largest and fastest growing blocks of global Christianity – Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. They will progressively see themselves as a part of civil society and be willing to work in partnerships with government and secular development initiatives. Church networks will provide infrastructure for disseminating knowledge, resources, and services. Pragmatists within international development circles may increasingly see the religious community as allies or sources of help on many issues. Christian higher education will be reshaped by practical demands for societal relevance. The “Christian agenda” will broaden to include social justice, environmental concerns, and help for those less fortunate.
Implications for the Global Church: A renewed energy can emerge from the Church as it immerses itself in the realities of its surrounding communities and environment. This should lead to effective models for engagement, as well as to widespread sharing of best practices. In the process new ways will develop for reflecting a more holistic theology and discipling believers into community and public service. Commonalities, unity and partnership can be discovered between different faith traditions as well as with secular organizations and governments, and this could lead to the Church becoming more attractive to its surrounding communitites and better perceived by secular society. The Church, however, will need to guard against syncretism by humbly and carefully maintaining the primacy of evangelism and sound doctrine.
* Definitions vary on the terms “Evangelical” and “Pentecostal.” Many actually consider Pentecostalism to be a subset of Evangelicalism. For the purposes of this document, we have chosen to acknowledge both terms in order to be comprehensive
on Tue March 09, 2010, 2:59 PM