A helpful, brief read: Two Essential Gospel Impulses: The Indigenizing Principle and the Pilgrim Principle
Which one do you tend to emphasize (even subconsciously)? Let’s keep the two together, in a happy tension.
Some Scriptures to consider (thanks JT):
| Pilgrim Principle | Indigenous Principle | |
| But Not of the World—and Be In It | “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16). | “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15) |
| Separate—and Participate | “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing” (2 Cor. 6:17). | “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world . . . since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 5:9), |
| Confront—and Adapt | “The wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them. . . . Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Eph. 5:6-11). “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). | “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands . . . so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one” (1 Thess. 4:11-12). “[I pray] that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:2). |
| Refuse Conformity—and Contextualize | “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2) | “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). “Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:32-33). |
