Article Reflection: Globalization of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt
28:18 – 20) Assignment
Jim Orbe
GLST 650: Intercultural Communication
January 2023
Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………….1
Critical Review………………………………………………………………………………....1
Reflection……………………………………………………………………………………....2
Conclusion…………..………………………………………………………………..………..3
Bibliography………………………………………………….………………………………..5
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Introduction
The article in focus contributes to the ongoing discussion of bringing the gospel to the
forefront of a multicultural setting and aims to make it more relevant in an increasingly diverse
audience, particularly, but not limited to, the typical Bible study environment. The essay
recognizes the usual pitfalls that hinder the proper understanding and facilitation of the Good
News in Scripture among those coming from different backgrounds and cultures. Inevitable of
the vocation, a committed disciple of God will eventually encounter these situations and,
consequently, these identified difficulties in sharing the truths of the Bible, so a thorough
understanding of the principles suggested in this article may prove helpful in the ministry.
Critical Review
As I pondered upon the points of the article, critical themes emerged in my head
regarding the author’s points on what is required to effectively read Scripture multiculturally. I
believe the article captures the essence of the challenges one faces in light of the given
circumstances, but more importantly, the author seems to pose all the right suggestions to address
those challenges. Starting with the facilitator’s own assumptions, Ekblad writes from his own
experience, “How can people’s negative impressions against me, as well as Scripture and God,
be effectively shifted?”1
In order to answer his own concern, the author enumerates critical communication skills
that, properly applied, will lead to a more open discussion of biblical precepts and, therefore will
encourage engagement among the audience. I particularly like how Ekblad emphasizes the need
for the Holy Spirit at all stages of the process, beckoning the fruit of humility, kindness, and
genuine concern for people regardless of their background and culture. This, to me, is of utmost
1 Bob Ekblad, “Reading Scripture for Good News that Crosses Barriers of Race/Ethnicity, Class and
Culture in Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology; Vol 65, Issue 3 (ProQuest, 2011), 229.
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importance. We may employ the practical strategies recommended in the article, but without the
ministry of the Third Person of the Godhead, our efforts will be rendered futile.
Ekblad’s discourse is thorough, in my sophomoric opinion. He addresses every potential
apprehension in this topic of multicultural conversation and does not attempt to put a definitive
end to it but advances the discussion with the goal of finding more ways to progressively tackle
the challenges that face the disciple of Christ in spreading the Good News.
Reflection
As I reflected upon the next three points of the article, I found myself fully engaged in the
author’s methodical treatment of the subsequent topics: 3) an awareness of pitfalls to hearing the
Good News and effective pedagogies and communications strategies; 4) an expectation to hear in
a fresh way the Good News of God's embodied and transforming love; 5) a growing discernment
in being led by God's Spirit, humility, and boldness in exercising the gifts of the Spirit.2 Each
topic stirred my interest to look more closely at their practical application. For instance, on the
pitfalls of hearing the Good News, I am reminded of the common yet often overlooked downside
of moralism and heroism. In my small group ministries, this is evident. Depending on the
members’ upbringing, these challenges tend to surface right at the outset of bible study, and if
one is not careful, they set a subtle yet bad tone in the discussion.
On the topic of expecting to hear in a fresh way the gospel, I appreciate how Ekblad fuses
the Old and the New Testaments to underscore the harmony of the two sections of Scripture and
how it aids in the better understanding of Jesus’s nature and character. For me, this is crucial for
the facilitator to fully grasp as it can spell the difference between success and failure in
communicating the plan of salvation to a multicultural audience. The highlight for me in this
section is Ekblad’s convincing line, “Jesus reveals the Father. In contrast to the negative images
2 Ekblad, “Reading Scripture,” 230.
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of God presented above, NT writers depict Jesus as God's most complete self-revelation who
brings full clarity.”3 When we present the Bible as one story, we eliminate the delineation of
seemingly two different natures of God.
Lastly, on the point of a growing discernment in being led by God's Spirit, humility, and
boldness, my learning comes full circle. I stated at the beginning of my review that the most
salient theme of the essay for me is acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s indispensable role in
inspiring and guiding the reading and study of Scripture. In this section, Ekblad stresses not only
the Holy Spirit’s guidance but also the gifts that He brings. This adds another dimension to the
power of the Spirit in that, as Ekblad notes, “Through our immersion in the Holy Spirit, the gifts
of the Spirit are released in us. Words of knowledge and wisdom, faith, healing, working of
miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and interpretation of
tongues (1 Cor 12:810), and other gifts charismas) are important for interpreting Scripture and
announcing the Good News.”4
Conclusion
Dividing the Word of God in a multicultural setting is indeed both a challenge and a
reward. By experiencing the difficulties and outcomes of intercultural communication, we, as
workers of Christ, are placed at the forefront of the ministry, where we can feel the joy of serving
others in a unique way. I like how Ekblad brilliantly puts it, “Reading Scripture in ways that
bring people's lives and their problems into a direct encounter with God inspires hope and
awakens faith.”5 As I prepare for the ministry, I can see how this course, through exercises like
3 Ekblad, “Reading Scripture,” 236.
4 Ibid., 238,239.
5 Ekblad, “Reading Scripture,” 248.
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these, helps me appreciate the different ways of experiencing the joy of connecting with others
through God’s powerful Word.
