Author and Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology J. Todd Billings presents a challenge to Christians using the term “incarnational ministry”. If the term is not fully understood from a Biblical view, the assumption can be made that our presence – rather than that of Christ – is redemptive. Billings warns that too often “incarnational ministry” is reduced to merely identifying with another culture, and not to testifying to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Additionally, burnout can occur when the focus is on what we as believers can do in the name of Christ, rather than what only Christ can do. The divine act of the Word becoming incarnate in Christ is not a “method for ministry” because this act cannot be repeated in our lives; therefore, ministry in union with Christ by the Spirit is a more accurate depiction of the New Testament ministry we are to model.
On Moving Beyond “Incarnational Ministry”: A Response to Paul Louis Metzger
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.