Contextualization of the gospel in a traditional Maasai setting in Trans-Mara, Kenya

Abstract

The preaching of the gospel was ordered by Jesus Christ after his resurrection from the dead. He told them to reach every person on earth and those who will believe and are baptized shall be saved (Mark 1616), but he that will not believe shall be damned. The words of Jesus Christ were emphasized by the apostle John when he saw an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on earth, and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. This formed the basis for contextualizing the gospel in order to reach nations, people and tongues in their local setting. Understanding the need of reaching the Maasai with the gospel, the researcher identified that contextualization is the best approach to reach them just as Christ was contextualized into humanity.The researcher identified three clans of the Maasai community where the gospel was contextualized and much success was realized. In every site, people were baptized and they were meeting every Sabbath to worship God together. The researcher also worked through literature review, fieldwork, and interviews on Maasai traditional religion in order to contextualize the gospel to the community. Even though, many of the believers were coming from the Maasai traditional religion and strong cultural background, they are now able to meet every Sabbath in studying the word of God together. The researcher strongly recommends to every Christian group to contextualize the gospel as we witness the gospel to all nations.