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.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary