Has Orality Been Taken Too Far?

Last updated on: April 3, 2016 at 4:06 pm By Brad Vaughn

There is an interesting dialogue in the newest issue of EMQ. The article is titled, “Has the Use of Orality Been Taken Too Far?” written by Wes Seng, from Mission Resources International. Wes warns against a subtle tendency of some who prioritize storytelling and oral strategies. The danger is that we might begin to denigrate or minimize literate forms of communication. The orality movement has helpful spotlighted the importance of storying among oral peoples. However, an unfortunate side effect can... Read more

Missiology and EMQ Review “One Gospel for All Nations”

Last updated on: April 3, 2016 at 4:06 pm By Brad Vaughn

It’s a exciting month for One Gospel for All Nations. EMQ and Missiology: An International Journal both have published reviews of my book in this month’s issue. Besides their kind words, each reviewer does a great job summarizing the book. For those interested, check out the reviews by clicking on the links below: EMQ (or to download a PDF version, click here) Missiology: An International Journal Read more

The Gospel with an Accent (by Sam Chan)

Last updated on: April 6, 2016 at 7:04 am By Brad Vaughn

Today’s guest post is by Sam Chan (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), a theologian, preacher, author, evangelist, an medical doctor. He is a public speaker for City Bible Forum. He writes and gives talks from the Bible about life, faith and work. He blogs at drsamchan.com. Follow him on Twitter @drsamchan. This is my first blog on Jackson’s site. I thought I might raise a question – to which I certainly don’t have the complete answer – but will hopefully... Read more

Four Reasons We Need Contextualization

Last updated on: January 12, 2022 at 4:14 am By Brad Vaughn

Hundreds of books and articles talk about contextualization. Nearly every one of them focuses on two questions: What is contextualization? How do we contextualize? Of course, those are important questions. There is a more fundamental question that too often gets overlooked––Why should we contextualize the gospel? Why we contextualize determines how we contextualize. Perhaps, one reason people struggle with how to contextualize is that they don’t sufficiently grasp why to contextualize. Contextualization Saves the Gospel “Contextualization” shapes every aspect of the Christian... Read more

Nick Peters’ Review of “One Gospel for All Nations”

Last updated on: March 29, 2016 at 7:53 pm By Brad Vaughn

Thank you to Nick Peters who has written a kind review of One Gospel for All Nations. Nick runs Deeper Waters, an excellent podcast that interviews a number of influence scholars and practitioners on a range of topics. Concerning One Gospel for All Nations, he writes: Wu’s book is an excellent resource for missionaries or for anyone serious about evangelism. After all, to do missionary work today, you don’t have to go to another country. You can find people of another... Read more

3 Types of Missionary Perspectives

Last updated on: January 3, 2016 at 4:52 pm By Brad Vaughn

Among missionaries, there are at least three common ministry perspectives. Each perspective has a different focus. Every one of these viewpoints has a worthwhile goal; however, many disagreements and controversies among missionaries boil down to people having different perspectives concerning mission strategy. By identifying one’s primary perspective of ministry, we perhaps can better appreciate the contributions of others as well as find more balance in our own work. I do not suggest that everyone has only one of the three... Read more

“The Shame Culture” by David Brooks

Last updated on: March 16, 2016 at 8:59 am By Brad Vaughn

David Brooks from the NY Times has written a clear and concise piece about how America is morphing more into of a “shame culture.” He draws a lot from Andy Crouch’s exceptional feature article “The Return of Shame” in Christianity Today (March 2015). Here are a few snippets–– The ultimate sin today, Crouch argues, is to criticize a group, especially on moral grounds. Talk of good and bad has to defer to talk about respect and recognition. Crouch writes, “Talk... Read more

Confusing Law, Commands and Absolutes

Last updated on: January 3, 2016 at 4:52 pm By Brad Vaughn

Whenever people express concern to me about honor and shame, they inevitably reemphasize the importance of law. They are nervous that honor-shame threatens to displace “law” as a key biblical theme. After countless conversations, I’ve realized what the real issue is. (After all, I repeatedly tell them that law is an important idea.) People are afraid that by not stressing law-language, we would relativize right and wrong. This is a bad assumption that is based on their confusing law, commands,... Read more

10 Characteristics of an “Individualistic Gospel”

Last updated on: January 3, 2016 at 4:52 pm By Brad Vaughn

What is an “individualistic gospel”? It’s common to hear people criticize evangelistic presentations as “individualistic.” However, that is a rather vague description. How do people know if their gospel is “individualistic”? In this post, I’ll suggest 10 features that tend to characterize an “individualistic gospel.” I don’t claim that such a message always has every attribute. I simply want to identify tendencies. Also, don’t confuse “individual” with “individualistic.” Although the gospel does speak to individuals, it does not need to... Read more

Doing Missions by Darwinian Evolution

Last updated on: January 3, 2016 at 4:52 pm By Brad Vaughn

If certain missionary methods have no biblical precedent, then why do they multiply so rapidly? Pragmatism is proficient in spreading its DNA. We need to consider how culture (including church/missionary subculture) influences our methods of ministry. Therefore, I wrote the article, “The Influence of Culture on the Evolution of Mission Methods: Using CPMs as a Case Study.” This essay addresses an urgent need. It aims to offer suggestions from a practical perspective. I’m often surprised that people who are familiar... Read more