24 October 2008
Embracing a Holistic Gospel: Being the people of God in light of a world in need
A worldwide commission of evangelical theologians has declared that Christians must not separate social action and evangelism, despite the tragic murder of Gayle Williams.
Dr Justin Thacker, Head of Theology at the Alliance, presented the biblical, historical and ethical implications of a holistic gospel to the World Evangelical Alliance Theological Commission in Bangkok, Thailand on October 24.
Dr Thacker said the key to integrating evangelism and social action is not about ensuring we have a healthy mix of both in our churches or our lives, but it’s about responding holistically to the whole of the person before us.
In light of the murder of Gayle Williams in Afghanistan earlier this week, the commission acknowledged that some parts of the British media have been calling for the disconnection of evangelism from social action. However, they believe as strongly as ever that if evangelical Christians are to be true to their identity as evangelicals, and true to the good news of Jesus Christ as they understand it, then these two aspects of their ministry and service cannot and must not be separated.
David Roldan, Dean of FIET Theological Institute and member of the World Evangelical Alliance Theological Commission said, “Speaking as an Argentinean, I understand the importance of standing up for the right to speak freely about one what believes. Therefore, I think it is important that evangelical Christians continue to proclaim what they believe whatever country they find themselves in while treating people with respect.”
Dr Thacker said: “Many young Christians feel motivated by their Christian faith to serve overseas. While it is important that they express their faith in culturally appropriate ways, it would simply be wrong if they felt they couldn’t express it at all.”
In 1974, the Lausanne covenant first emphasized that evangelism and social action must be interrelated. And in 1982, the Grand Rapids summit report, Evangelism and Social Responsibility took this a step further by concluding that the two should be seen as partners, like the “two wings of a bird.”
However, Vinoth Ramachandra, Secretary for Dialogue and Social Engagement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, developed this notion of integral mission even further in his essay, What is Integral Mission? He said: “When Jesus was asked to sum up what God required of us, he did not answer in terms of either a set of ‘projects’ to be performed or a set of doctrines to believe. Instead we are called to love God with our whole being, and to love our neighbour the same way we love ourselves.”
Dr Thacker emphasized that this view of integral mission is the same as Paul’s instructions to the early churches. In his letters, Paul’s emphasis was not so much evangelism or social welfare programs: “And yet, both of these things are precisely what the early church was particularly effective in,” Dr Thacker said.
“They did go out and spread the word, and they were known for their care and compassion for the communities around them. But Paul’s emphasis in letter after letter is simply this: ‘Be who you are in Christ.’”
Dr Thacker left the WEA commissioners with this challenge: “Reflect on what it means to be children of God and then consider how that might work out in relation to those around you.”
The WEA General Assembly- from Oct 25-30- will centre on the theme One Lord, One Body, One Voice with over 400 delegates from 85 countries gathered to discuss issues facing the global Church in the 21st century.
With a focus on holistic transformation and the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel, the Assembly will explore topics ranging from poverty, religious liberty and advocacy, the church as God's transforming instrument and faith in the public square.
Committed to partnering in the gospel with other cultures, The Evangelical Alliance UK has sponsored Alliances from Serbia, Estonia, Turkey, Myanmar, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Zimbabwe, Trinidad and Uruguay to attend the WEA General Assembly.
Read Dr Thacker's full paper on holistic mission here. For more about the WEA General Assembly as it continues please read Krish Kandiah's blog.
