Contextualization of The Great Commission and Effective Discipleship Strategies: The Redeemed Christian Church of God

by Adebisi Oyesile
June 1st, 2013
The overall mission of the Church is to make disciples of all nations. Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is striving to disciple the world. As part of its global vision, RCCG is establishing new parishes all over the world – in cultures that are different from those of Nigeria where the church was founded. This project grew out of my concerns, as one of its pastors, that RCCG has not yet viewed gospel contextualization with much importance as it should be.

The paper explores the need for gospel contextualization in RCCG so that the Good News is proclaimed in a way that is appropriate and meaningful in a particular context. Though the research focused on RCCG, the study’s implications are applicable to other similar situations.

The study determined and established the working definition and methods of gospel contextualization as well as identifying barriers to gospel contextualization including strategy for effective discipleship. It also included the development and implementation of a Gospel and Culture Workshop for RCCG pastors and other interested ministry practitioners.
Finally, it is not too surprising that the study confirmed the assumption that the RCCG is not effectively contextualizing the gospel. From that standpoint, recommendations were proposed to help the church toward effective gospel contextualization and discipleship strategy.