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Empirical and Theological Approaches in Evangelical Missions: A Comparative Analysis of Donald McGavran and Leslie Newbigin's Strategies in the Ghanaian Context
Article Number: SIS895273AI170924
17th September, 2024
Author(s):
Isaac Bright Fosu Kusi, Robert Agyarko
Abstract:
This
comparative analysis examines the missiological approaches of Donald McGavran
and Leslie Newbigin within the Ghanaian evangelical context, emphasizing their
divergent strategies for church growth and societal engagement. McGavran, the architect of the Church Growth Movement, advocates for a
results-oriented approach, emphasizing the importance of strategic evangelism
targeted at homogeneous groups to facilitate numerical church expansion. His
methodology, grounded in empirical data and sociological insights, focuses on
measurable outcomes, offering a structured framework for mission work.
Conversely, Newbigin's missiology presents a theologically rich approach that
emphasizes cultural engagement and societal transformation. Influenced by his
missionary work in India and Europe, Newbigin argues for the church’s role in
challenging societal norms and presenting the gospel as a public truth that
addresses broader societal issues. This analysis explores the strengths and
limitations of both approaches, highlighting the relevance of McGavran’s
strategic focus and Newbigin’s call for cultural engagement in the dynamic and
culturally complex Ghanaian context. By synthesizing these perspectives, the
study proposes a comprehensive mission strategy that balances the need for
numerical church growth with the imperative of societal transformation. This
integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of evangelical missions in Ghana
and ensures that the church contributes meaningfully to social development. The
analysis underscores the importance of a missiological framework that is both
contextually aware and theologically grounded, providing valuable insights for
contemporary mission strategies in multicultural and pluralistic societies.