Contextual Research · Theology (4·2)

Intercultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research Theology Overview The goal of the doctoral research, abridged in this volume of papers, is to identify identification of contextuallyappropriate characteristics of resources potentially capable of facilitating a renewal of discipleship praxis amongst Burkinabé leaders and learners.. The goal emerged from an intercultural leadership training project that grew from the author’s engagement with learners and leaders in African contexts, in particular, Burkina Faso. The research sought to identify what Burkinabé leaders and learners considered to be contextually appropriate, in regards to discipleship praxis; theological education, theology, pedagogy; literacy and literature resources; intercultural dynamics. To facilitate the research, a prototypical training resource was utilised and contextual engagement analysed by gathering qualitative data from contextual leaders and learners as they responded to various aspects and elements of a prototypical training resources (for further details of which, see ‘Research Background’, “Intercultural Facilitation of Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts"). Methodology · Analysis · Discoveries Conducted in Léo and Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, in 2010, a phenomenological study obtained qualitative data via: group-interviews of three cross-sectional groups of Burkinabé leaders and learners AND thirteen in-depth individual interviews of significantly contextually-engaged Burkinabé Christian leaders, drawn from five Burkinabased agencies. Quotations are from interview transcripts and written submissions, translated as appropriate. Precise methods of data-collection and research analysis are prescribed in author’s doctoral dissertation: ‘Clements, John Benham 2012 “Facilitating a Renewal of Discipleship Praxis Amongst Burkinabé Leaders and Learners.” Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies. Doctor of Missiology. 187 pp.’ Available via Academia platform: https://fuller.academia.edu/JBClements/Doctoral-dissertation-(DMiss). The data analysis describes insights, suggestions, descriptions and characteristics (“discoveries”) emerging from a computer-aided analysis of multiple qualitative participant interview transcripts. Discoveries were grouped by five taxonomic categories, refined from initial categories prompted by a literature review: (i) discipleship; (ii) theology; (iii) pedagogy; (iv) literature; (v) intercultural dynamics. Appropriate Theological Content cultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research · Theology page 2 of 7 Appropriate Theological Content ontextual Research Contextual Appropriateness · Topical Themes Participants identified various elements of a prototypical syllabus as contextually appropriate, based on perceptions of contextuality, practicality and ‘biblicality’. Specific topics evoked responses including renewed understanding and strengthening of purpose and motivation. Strong positive responses related to topical elements relating to: discipleship; God’s eternal purpose; missionary history; intercession; revival; poverty and prosperity; suffering and overcoming. Participant responses. Vague or generic approval of topical constructs were not recognised as qualitative indicators. To be considered qualitative, responses needed to authentically express a discernible transformation of conviction or understanding, identifying a change of perspective, insight, belief or motivation, as a result of interaction with topical constructs. Contextual Appropriateness Contextuality · Practicality · Scripturally-based Participants expressed strong approval of prototypical teaching material relating to three particular markers: contextuality; practicality; “biblicality.” Contextuality Several participants with denominational leadership oversight keenly articulated the importance of contextuality, contextually-appropriate theology and the process of contextualisation. Several communicated a sense of “wrestling” with both the call of the gospel and relating it to contextual needs, in timely manner. It’s good to raise up … good leaders to discern the needs of our time and bring the leaven to it, the word of God, to fit those needs and point people to the gospel. It takes a leader to understand those issues and know how to manage, to bring the word of God in and to put it as the solution. So these things are very important for us. … the things you taught are … contextual … the biblical, the theological aspect, it … fits with this context. There is nothing strange for this culture, for this context … I can say that “the worldview” of this teaching meets, is the same with our way of seeing things: the world and Christian life. It really, really fit(s). This contrasted with identification that Some of the curriculum in our Bible schools today, that element may be twenty, thirty, forty years (old): we need to adjust that … so that what we are teaching meets the need of the people and equips them for the challenges they have outside the door. Volume 4 · Paper 2 jbclements.academia.edu · January 2024 cultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research · Theology page 3 of 7 ontextual Research Practicality Participants rated ‘practicality’ as a significant factor, closely related to contextuality. Burkina, indeed Africa, is cited as a place where people expect teaching to have real-world application; to make a transformative difference to the way they approach daily life, with its demands, hardships, struggles and challenges. It’s very practical, so in that way, it works. You know us, in Africa, one of the things we are not good at, it’s the theory. People always like things that … you can demonstrate and make it workable, then they can accept it. If it’s only head knowledge, they say: ‘I don’t believe you!’ That’s the case here in Africa: when you preach the word, they will be more convinced when they see it working in their lives, or what you are saying, you are giving the proof: it’s true actually. So, when something is workable, is practical, then people are more keen to embrace it and to follow and let themselves be challenged by it. This teaching is very appropriate at our living and understanding of things we are struggling with… it will be very useful in that way that it will help us sort out our problems and help us to stand in our struggles . The teaching is not out of its context … it fits into the context. Whether you are in Africa or in Europe, wherever you will be, it’s something that is practical. It’s not theoretical; it’s practical. Scripturally-based Participants regularly categorised the prototypical teaching as biblical — a primary contextual standard of evaluation that may be equated with scripturally based. I think it is a teaching that should be based on the Bible, on biblical truth, it is the only teaching that is eternal … so any teaching which is based on the Bible, should be relevant. What is taught can change our life, the way we consider biblical and divine things. We realise God’s call for our lives, the eternal purpose of God. We also better understand the different events of biblical life, Bible stories. The term ‘biblical’ seems to imply a form of knowledge that differs from academic, or theoretical knowledge of the Bible. ‘Biblicality’ ostensibly acts as a gateway to a number of other significant categories including: familiarity with and connection to divinity; personal, experiential knowledge of God; reliance upon the Holy Spirit; evidence of authentic Christian discipleship; a capacity to overcome challenges through faith; missional commitment; determination in adversity. Topical Themes Discipleship · God’s Eternal Purpose · Mission History · Intercession · Revival · Economics · Overcoming Participants identified and evaluated seven topical themes, in particular, from a range of topical elements encountered via a prototypical syllabus incorporated into the research programme. Volume 4 · Paper 2 jbclements.academia.edu · January 2024 cultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research · Theology page 4 of 7 ontextual Research Discipleship Participants affirmed ‘discipleship’ as a contextually-appropriate topic. Responses linked discipleship with renewed motivation, conviction or movement toward a renewal of praxis. The necessity to make disciples is there, but through the teaching I have understood that I myself should make progress so as to be able to teach. I see that we still have many challenges to face and we still have to work harder. The practical life of Jesus when he was on the earth is an excellent model for us pastors who want to make disciples … I feel inside of me after this teaching the desire to go deeper with the (weekly) teaching that I give to my disciples. I will have to pray with them in order to convince them that the kingdom of God is not just some simple words but the manifestation of the power of God. Some elements of faithfulness, perseverance, submission, deliverance, transformation, forgiveness, are some things, which lack sometimes to some of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Now I am … encouraged to insist on teaching these things. God’s Eternal Purpose The prototypical syllabus incorporates discussion of the eternal purpose of God, which refers to the role of biblical covenants in establishing the vocation of a covenant community that is “blessed to be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth” (Clements 2008). This teaching evoked especially rich commentary, amongst a broad range of participants, amongst whom it apparently renewed a sense of vocation and of connection between God’s work and their own. It is the first time I see such a clear presentation to edify the body of Christ … I ignored that revelation on the covenant God has with his people. This teaching opened my mind on the fact that Christ is part of God’s promise to the patriarch. I am also more convinced that that through me all the earth’s families will be blessed. I am part of God’s promise to Abraham and families should also be blessed because I am blessed to be a source of blessing. There’s much in my heart but I will stop here. It is opening up minds concerning the purpose that God has for our lives, to be blessed and become a source of blessing for others and when you understand, you are able to understand that teaching, you are freed from every spirit of egotism … selfishness. You are free from every kind of spirit of selfishness. And every type of effort that you are … every kind of struggling that you are doing in your life, you are doing it, having in mind that purpose you are doing it to be a blessing to others. Other participants observed this teaching providing them with a new perspective upon how Scripture is read, combined with fresh appreciation for the scope of world mission; how Scripture could be ‘read missionally’: His teaching allowed me to understand that all nations are included in God’s plan for Humanity. That enables me to read the Bible differently because I better understand it now. God wants me to stay in his plan to be blessed and become a source of blessing for all the nations. Volume 4 · Paper 2 jbclements.academia.edu · January 2024 cultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research · Theology page 5 of 7 ontextual Research I am very pleased to consolidate my knowledge on God’s eternal purpose through the covenants He made with men, beginning with those made in the Old Testament, up to those of the New covenant through Jesus-Christ. The one with Jesus is the best for it was made with his blood and that covenant takes all the earth’s nations in consideration. Mission History An overview of ‘mission history’, represented metaphorically as five ‘waves,’ the last of which incorporates the ‘indigenous mission movements of the Global South’, struck a chord repeatedly. Participants identified a deeper appreciation of historical missionary sacrifices and a renewal of their devotion to sacrificial missionary service, discerning responsibility for world mission shifting towards them, as believers of the Global South: Started by our brothers from Monrovia, William Carey, Hudson Taylor, we understand that the mission has always been a sacrifice, a work of faith. The mission story helps us to see what God can do in a dark(ened) world with his servants. The teaching … (enables) us understand the problem that formers missionaries have faced on the field. In spite of all the problems they persisted; this motivates us to be more devoted and also (pay) the price for the mission to move forward. Jesus being the seed produced a harvest through the five waves of mission… The waves: the fourth and fifth call us, all those who have the resources and the opportunity to participate to the harvest! Intercession The theme of ‘Intercession’ received a relatively ‘low’ level of response, particularly from younger, urbanised participants, in contrast to a small number of rural, pastoral leaders whom evidently appreciated it deeply. (Note: a metaphor of ‘God’s heartbeat’ was used in relation to the ministry of intercessory prayer.) Before this seminary I knew that intercession brings us closer to God, but what is pertinent for me and what brought me to a better knowledge is that you have to be near by someone to hear his heart beating. Really it is true that when you are far away from someone you can’t hear his heart beating. The survey opened my eyes and gave me new things in the domain of intercession, what I knew was not enough for someone who’s aim is to be an evangelist. I now see that intercession is a must, whereas I used to think it was some others duty! Revival The theme of spiritual ‘Revival’ evoked considerable response, particularly from younger participants. Prototypical teaching relating to a ‘cycle of revival’ apparently allowed several participants to identify a significant correction to former approaches relating to spiritual renewal: Volume 4 · Paper 2 jbclements.academia.edu · January 2024 cultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research · Theology page 6 of 7 ontextual Research As far as the ‘cycle of revival’ is concerned, we understand now how revival takes time before it comes out … Usually people just start praying and fasting and think that one-day revival will just come out. And when it doesn’t come quickly they get discouraged and they give up. But if they knew those steps of the cycle of revival, they should have persevered … We now know that revival is not just to be excited and be able to do extraordinary things. Personally I appreciated the teaching because I have understood that for the awakening there are steps that should not be skipped nor neglected … I also understood that humility is the major point of awakening and leads us towards harvest. Economics A prototypical presentation of ‘biblical economic disciplines’ drew critical attention to the importance of godly wisdom and balance in relation to: work, faith, blessing, poverty, prosperity and wealth creation. Participant responses suggested the content represented a helpful corrective. This teaching is really pertinent, in the sense that it has given me a light on difference types of poverty … It is not good to say that you have faith and you don’t want to work and the blessing will come by itself; that is not true … you have to work. And after, the prayer is essential for the success of this work. When we are blessed we have to be generous by giving to those in need. Above all of that, we must recognise that facing everything is a fight: the faith, finances … Overcoming A seminar entitled “Overcoming in Arenas of Spiritual Conflict” related the biblical call to patient perseverance in the face of trouble, suffering and responsibility. Participants responded with renewed intent or determination to overcome their own personal ‘arenas’ of testing: The teaching injected enthusiasm into my faith. It teaches me patience … and the attitude that I have to take in hardship, knowing that God who (leads) me in the arena of fight will (lead) me out of this arena. Through his example I can see some mistakes I made in my own life when I was facing some similar hardships. And this happens due to the lack of this kind of teaching. But through this teaching I have learnt the attitude that I have to keep. I will teach it in my church and I will show to the Christians how to become ‘great’. One particular response identified a vital transformation of personal understanding: moving a participant beyond dependence on faith expressed through prayer alone, to an intentional embrace of spiritually-challenging circumstances: My belief was that to have victory it is only through prayer, but I understood that facing and accepting a challenge is the only way to (spiritual) greatness. This survey helps me a lot from now on I will rise and face, instead of sitting and pray. Volume 4 · Paper 2 jbclements.academia.edu · January 2024 cultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts · Vol. 4 · Paper 2 Contextual Research · Theology page 7 of 7 ontextual Research Contextual Research is volume 4 of 5 of analysis Intercultural Facilitation of Formational Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts 1. Theological Education in Historical Perspective · 2 papers 2. Theological Education and Contextualisation · 2 papers 3. Intercultural Dynamics · 5 papers 4. Contextual Research · Burkina Faso · 5 papers 5. Conclusions · Recommendations · Reflections · 4 papers With unified bibliography of Cited References Vol 4 · Contextual Research · Burkina Faso Analyses: Qualitative data from a phenomenological study of leaders and learners in Burkina Faso, exploring themes of scripturally-based discipleship, theological education, spiritual formation, pedagogy, literature, intercultural dynamics (5 papers): 1. Discipleship 2. Theology 3. Pedagogy 4. Literature 5. Intercultural Dynamics Attribution Constituent papers of this analysis are licensed for duplication and distribution under ‘Creative Commons’ licence CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0, subject to appropriate attribution: Dr J. Benham Clements https://jbclements.academia.edu Citation Clements, J. Benham. 2023. “Intercultural Facilitation of Discipleship Praxis in African Contexts.” Academia. https://www.academia.edu/96887870/Intercultural_Facilitation_of_Discipleship_Praxis_in_African_Contexts Abridged and adapted from author’s doctoral research · available via Academia.edu. Volume 4 · Paper 2 jbclements.academia.edu · January 2024