In 1 Timothy 5 alone, you have older men, younger men, older women, younger women and widows. It is assumed that churches will reflect the normal rhythms of life experienced by the young and the old. There should be births, marriages, aging and death in your church. Think about that. One’s philosophy of ministry might unwittingly undermine a great design of God for discipleship and care within our churches.
I remember hearing Dr. Sinclair Ferguson say one time that one of his big concerns with overcontextualization is that people rarely die in those churches. This, according to Ferguson, is unhealthy. That comment stuck with me for a few years and then quickly sprouted before my eyes.
At Emmaus, we recently had a dear brother called home to be with the Lord. In the events following his death, I watched young and old grieve and serve alongside each other. From meals to prayer to cards to music for the memorial service, our church family was greatly impacted by our brother’s death. I can now hear Ferguson’s words again and say, “Amen.” He was and is exactly right.
I am all for contextualization for the sake of the gospel. I am not, however, for contextualization at the expense of the church.
