Responding to Dr. Metzger’s feedback, Todd Billings states the both he and Metzger agree that the term “incarnational ministry” can be problematic if the definition is not fully understood. Billings states that where he and Metzger disagree is on using the term at all. He goes on to say that by changing a noun (“Incarnation”) into an adjective describing a ministry (“incarnational ministry”) an entirely unique act in history is made to seem like something we are to imitate today. Believing that it is rare for someone using the term to have Metzger’s depth of understanding and study, Billings considers it most prudent to describe one’s ministry as a “union with Christ” and avoid using the term “incarnational ministry” altogether.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary