‘Holisticostal Mission:’ Paradigm Shifts in Theology and Practice (Pt. 2)

Part 2: Pentecostal, Polyvocal, and Intercultural Mission

The global tapestry of Christianity, with its myriad hues and patterns, has been woven primarily by a single set of hands for centuries. The traditional monolith of mission and ministry, underpinned by a monocentric, monovocal, and monocultural ethos, has dominated religious landscapes. Yet, the winds of change sweep across, challenging long-held norms and prompting essential introspection. As we find churches grappling with scandals, dwindling congregations, and waning credibility, a pivotal question emerges: Is it time to redefine the essence of our mission?

Enter the “holisticostal” paradigm — a groundbreaking synthesis of holistic care and the vibrant inclusivity of Pentecost. This essay delves into the transformative power of the holisticostal approach, arguing for a shift towards a polycentric, integral, polyvocal, pentecostal, and intercultural mission. Through this lens, we’ll explore the urgent need for the global church to embrace diversity, prioritize holistic well-being, and reestablish its relevance in an ever-evolving world.

Part one of this series considered the polycentric and integral shifts in Christian mission. Part two of this series describes the pentecostal, polyvocal, and intercultural shifts in Christian mission.

Holisticostal Mission is Pentecostal

The meaning of “pentecostal”¹is captured in the phrase “a Spirit-enlivened community that’s global, diverse, and inclusive.”

By “pentecostal,” I’m not referring to “Pentecostalism.” Instead, I’m focusing on the extraordinary diversity and expressions of the church resulting from Pentecost.

The Pentecost event is a significant catalyst for the extraordinary diversity within the Christian church. This incident, often lauded as the “birth” of the church, illustrates a compelling tableau of the universality of the gospel’s message – unbounded by linguistic or cultural constraints.

Picture the scene in Acts 2: Disciples huddled together in Jerusalem to observe the Jewish festival of Shavuot are suddenly surrounded by a gust of wind, tongues of fire flickering above their heads. Miraculously, they began to communicate in a plethora of languages unfamiliar to them. A crowd congregating outside was plunged into bewilderment as everyone discerned the disciples articulating in their native dialect. Far from merely displaying divine power, this spectacle was a profound demonstration of God’s universal love for humanity.

The transformation bestowed upon the disciples, enabling them to converse in various languages, proclaimed that the message of Christ transcended geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers. This message communicated the church’s impending identity as a welcoming haven for diverse believers. The gospel, it asserted, wasn’t the exclusive preserve of a singular tribe, nation, or culture; instead, it was a universal invitation extended to all.

From this pivotal moment, the church, guided by the Spirit, has endeavored to emulate the unity amid diversity exemplified at Pentecost. So, while the path hasn’t always been seamless, the Holy Spirit’s unifying power persists, integrating individuals from diverse racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds under the shared banner of faith in Christ. This integration forms an intrinsic part of the church’s identity and drives its mission to cultivate disciples across nations.

At its core, Pentecost symbolizes the Spirit’s vision for the church – a vibrant body of diverse believers, bound by faith and love, extending a warm embrace to all of humanity to partake in the love and salvation proffered by Christ. This divine directive from the Spirit to cherish and reflect diversity inspires the church and shapes its mission. Thus, Pentecost can be considered the seminal spark that set alight the global, diverse, and inclusive community that constitutes the Christian church today.

On the community level, the Spirit is a unifying force among believers, instilling a profound connection between them and God. This connection is characterized by mutual love, a shared willingness to bear one another’s burdens, and an earnest desire to encourage and edify each other, thus creating a compassionate and supportive community.

As a catalyst for the church’s mission, the Spirit equips its members to disseminate the message of Christ. By bestowing spiritual gifts, the Spirit empowers the faithful to serve the body of Christ and reach out to the broader world. Furthermore, the Spirit guides the church’s mission to make disciples of all nations, providing a divine compass that leads the faithful toward fulfilling this sacred mandate.

In the realm of ministry, the Spirit is a source of enablement and wisdom. The Spirit provides the faithful with the requisite gifts and skills to serve effectively in various ministries, offering decision-making guidance and wisdom to those in leadership roles. Through the Spirit’s guidance, the church and its members discern the will of God and strive to lead in a manner that is consonant with the teachings of Christ.

Perhaps most profoundly, the Spirit facilitates a transformative process known as sanctification, molding believers into the image of Christ. This metamorphosis is marked by shifts in behavior, attitudes, and desires, engendering virtues that mirror the very nature of Christ. The Spirit, therefore, serves as the divine sculptor, chiseling the hearts and minds of believers until they reflect virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Spirit is the lifeline of the church, vitalizing, guiding, unifying, sanctifying, and strengthening the church and its members in their quest to live out their faith and serve the world in the name of Christ. Through the Spirit’s work, the church emerges as a dynamic, diverse, and Christ-like community committed to a mission of love and service.

Pentecost’s significance lies in the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and its enduring message of universal inclusion, acceptance, and unity. It is the genesis of the church’s extraordinary diversity, an attribute that continues to define and guide its journey toward fulfilling its divine mandate. Pentecost symbolizes the Spirit’s vision for the church – a vibrant body of diverse believers, bound by faith and love, extending a warm embrace to all of humanity to partake in the love and salvation proffered by Christ. (1/2) Click To Tweet This divine directive from the Spirit to cherish and reflect diversity inspires the church and shapes its mission. Pentecost set alight the global, diverse, and inclusive community that constitutes the Christian church today. (2/2) Click To Tweet

Holisticostal Mission is Polyvocal

The meaning of “polyvocal”² is captured in the phrase “many voices and perspectives contributing, valued, and heard.” Another way to say that is “many voices, valued perspectives.”

Polyvocal, derived from the Latin words “poly,” meaning “many,” and “vocal,” meaning “voice,” refers to the presence or incorporation of multiple voices, perspectives, or interpretations. In a broader context, this can pertain to Christian missions, ministries, literature, academia, music, organizations, leadership teams, or social groups. A polyvocal group or organization showcases diversity and inclusivity, allowing various viewpoints to be expressed and acknowledged, thereby encouraging a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

One of the most profound shifts in Christian mission and ministry today is the growing polyvocal nature of the church. It’s no longer acceptable for one voice, gender, language, tradition, theology, ethnicity, or culture to dominate. Instead, the beauty and complexity of God’s world and people are unveiled in many voices and perspectives. We are learning to listen and learn from one another in a spirit of humility and mutual respect. This polyvocality enriches our shared mission and helps us more fully incarnate the body of Christ in our world.

The dynamic nature of today’s global society necessitates a shift from monocentric, monovocal Christian ministry, leadership, mission, theology, and missiology to polyvocal and polycentric approaches. As the body of Christ, the church is intrinsically polyvocal, comprising believers from myriad cultures, languages, and experiences. Embracing polyvocality in Christian ministry and leadership signifies a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every voice within the community is heard and valued. This is crucial for fostering an environment of belonging and nourishing spiritual growth.

Polyvocal approaches to Christian mission and intercultural work further expand this sense of belonging to the broader communities we serve. By listening to, understanding, and incorporating diverse perspectives, we can develop mission strategies that respect and respond to different communities’ specific needs and contexts. This ensures our missions are relevant, meaningful, and most importantly, serve in ways that affirm human dignity and promote flourishing.

Theology and missiology are particularly enriched by polyvocality, as it challenges us to consider diverse interpretations and understandings of scripture and theological concepts. This broadens our collective knowledge and promotes a culture of learning, engagement, and dialogue. Polyvocality opens avenues for deeper theological exploration, where the collective voices of global Christian communities can intersect and converse, fostering mutual understanding and enrichment.

Adopting polyvocal approaches, however, goes beyond merely accommodating multiple voices. It involves actively seeking, encouraging, and valuing these voices. It requires a commitment to continuous learning, active listening, humility, and openness to being challenged and transformed. It necessitates a decentralization of power, an equitable distribution of leadership roles, and inclusive decision-making processes.

In essence, a polyvocal approach embodies the core values of the Christian faith – unity in diversity, mutual respect, love, and service. It reflects the early Christian communities’ practices (See Acts 2:42-27), where believers gathered, sharing their lives and learning from one another. It affirms the belief in a God who, through Jesus Christ, identified with humanity in all its diversity. In an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world, a polyvocal approach is not merely a beneficial option; it’s a necessary shift. It equips us to navigate the complex realities of our global society and carry out our calling as the body of Christ, reflecting God’s love for all of humanity in its magnificent diversity. As the church continues its journey into the future, embracing polyvocality in all aspects of Christian life is essential to becoming a more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate community of believers. The dynamic nature of today’s global society necessitates a shift from monovocal Christian leadership and mission. As the body of Christ, the church is intrinsically polyvocal, comprising believers from a myriad of cultures. (1/2) Click To Tweet Embracing polyvocality in Christian leadership signifies a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every voice within the community is heard and valued. This is crucial for fostering an environment of belonging and growth. (2/2) Click To Tweet

Holisticostal Mission is Intercultural

The meaning of “intercultural”³ is captured in the phrase “unity in diversity, embracing all cultures.”

Intercultural theology is the study and application of religious beliefs, customs, and practices in diverse cultural settings. It delves into how various cultures interpret and interact with theological concepts, often challenging traditional Western theological paradigms. In essence, it is theology engaged in cross-cultural dialogue. It’s not about one culture imparting its religious beliefs on another but fostering dialogue, understanding, and mutual growth among varying cultural groups.

The need for intercultural theology, mission, and ministry is more palpable as our world becomes increasingly globalized. Cultures are no longer isolated entities; they interact, influence, and coexist within shared physical and digital spaces. Traditional religious doctrines are challenged in this intricate weave of global cultures, and misconceptions arise. Yet, unique opportunities for mutual understanding and spiritual growth also emerge. The practice of intercultural theology thus becomes a conduit for these conversations, helping to cultivate a rich tapestry of multicultural spiritual wisdom. It allows us to view God not as a deity confined within cultural borders but as an expansive entity whose love and grace transcend these earthly demarcations.

Intercultural theology, mission, and ministry elevates God’s symphony of voices and cultures in harmony, each culture adding a unique and invaluable note, creating a melodic tune that renews hearts and lives and resounds worldwide. Intercultural theology is about choosing harmony instead of assimilation, equality instead of superiority, and diversity instead of uniformity. When we dare to understand God through the eyes of others, we’re not diluting our faith but deepening it — finding divine beauty in the varied tapestry of human experience, voices, and cultures.

In a world teeming with diverse cultures, faiths, and perspectives, intercultural theology and practice isn’t a ‘nice to have;’ rather, it’s a downright necessity. No longer can we view theology or missions from a singular, often Western-centric, lens. Instead, the richness of God’s world calls us to delve into a vibrant mosaic of insights, narratives, and interpretations.

It is understanding that God’s love isn’t confined to a specific race, nationality, or culture. It’s about recognizing that everyone has a part to play in the divine narrative and that every culture holds a piece of the puzzle in comprehending the ineffable mystery of the Divine.

Think of the incredible stories of faith that emerge from corners of the world we may have never even considered. These voices are often drowned in a sea of dominant narratives. Still, through intercultural theology, we elevate them, giving them a rightful place at the table. We don’t just learn about God from their tales. Still, we also learn about humanity’s resilience, creativity, and capacity for love.

Through intercultural practice, we forge bridges, not walls. We look at our differences not as barriers but as opportunities for growth and learning. And when it comes to missions, these practices ensure we’re not just exporting a specific brand of faith but engaging, dialoguing, and learning in an authentic, meaningful, and respectful way.

When we bring an intercultural perspective to Christian ministry and community, it renews us. We’re no longer stale, confined, and blind to the broader world, but rather, we become dynamic, expansive, and enlightened.

So, we circle back to our main point – intercultural theology and practice are indispensable. We need to be open to global perspectives for a truly global faith. Only then will we witness a reformation that takes us back to the heart of the gospel – a welcoming, inclusive, and universal faith. And only then will we truly comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of God’s love for all humanity. In a world teeming with diverse cultural perspectives, intercultural theology isn’t ‘nice to have;’ rather, it’s a downright necessity. No longer can we view missional paradigms from a singular, often Western-centric, lens. (1/2) Click To Tweet The richness of God’s world calls us to delve into a vibrant mosaic of narratives and interpretations. God’s love isn’t confined to a specific nationality or culture. Everyone has a part to play in the divine narrative. (2/2) Click To Tweet

Monocentric Paradigms are Increasingly Incongruous

History shows us that stagnant waters eventually become breeding grounds for decay. Similarly, an unwavering cling to old theological methods threatens to render the global church anachronistic in a rapidly evolving world. Monocentric paradigms, with their narrow perspectives and singular voices, are increasingly incongruous in our diverse, interconnected global community. Yet, within this very challenge, the promise of rejuvenation lies, beckoning us toward the holisticostal horizon. By embracing the holisticostal approach, we aren’t merely updating a methodology but celebrating a mission and ministry deeply attuned to both the vibrancy of Pentecost and the holistic needs of humanity. This isn’t just about relevance — it’s about revival. It’s a clarion call for the church to transition from dated paradigms and wholeheartedly celebrate a mission as diverse, interconnected, and Spirit-filled as the world it seeks to serve. Embracing the holisticostal approach is not just an intention — it’s imperative for a church eager to resonate, revitalize, and genuinely reflect the multifaceted beauty of the gospel in the 21st century.

A Summary Definition of ‘Holisticostal’ Mission: 

The future of Christian mission, theology, and ministry is ‘holisticostal.’ By ‘holisticostal,’ I mean: 

1. 1. polycentric (no longer from one center),
   2. polyvocal (no longer in one voice), 
   3. intercultural (no longer dominated by one culture), 
   4. integral (no longer single-focused, such as proclamation vs. demonstration), and
   5. pentecostal (embracing the diverse cultures, voices, and gifts of the whole church).

*Editorial Note: Part 1 of Dr. Graham Joseph Hill’s magnum opus on missiology, entitled ‘Holisticostal Mission:’ Paradigm Shifts in Theology and Practice (Pt. 1) is well worth a deeply careful, reflective read. ~CK

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