Episode 23: Gospel Contextualization in Youth Ministry (Clark Fobes)

Some people say contextualization is a compromise of the gospel. Others say it’s just unnecessary, and we just need to preach the gospel. Both of those opinions misunderstand what contextualization actually is. In this episode of the YPT Podcast, we’re focusing on the gospel and culture, and discussing contextualization as an expression of faithful gospel proclamation in your particular culture. 

• What is contextualization, and what are some common misunderstandings people can have about it? 
• What is the unchanging gospel? 
• I’ve heard you talk about the Eastern, Western, and Tribal cultures and how those cultures lead to different types of gospel presentations. Could you share a little about that as an example of what you mean by faithful contextualization? 
• Are there a few basic principles that can help youth workers avoid over-contextualizing and under-contextualizing? 
• What does gospel contextualization look like in youth ministry? 

Clark Fobes is the Associate Pastor at First Church of San Francisco. Clark is also one of the co-hosts of the Thanos to Theos podcast, along with Mike and Kevin Yi

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