In this sermon, Scott Brown discusses the topic of contextualization for missionaries in a new country. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and understanding of the culture and people. Brown also suggests that the same problems people face in Malawi are present in other countries and that the Word of God should not be changed to fit cultural differences. He encourages missionaries to establish good contacts with locals who have a solid understanding of the culture and theology.

Mala, let's talk about contextualization. A lot of missionaries come into this country with their particular angle with the bag of tricks and different things like that. How should a missionary think about contextualization? Yeah, talking about that, you know, most people come and think that's the biggest thing they need to do. And that's the one thing they need to focus on.

But That's what I want to say. You know, when people come, especially to a country like Malawi, I think first of all they need to have a clear vision of what they're going to do when they come, in spite of all the hardships that we're going to face. Secondly, they need to think about, to try to understand, understand the people and understand the culture and try to preach the word almost in the same way they would preach anywhere else because the problems that we see here and the problems we have in Malawi, they are the same problems that people are facing in Zambia, in South Africa, in America. There might be differences, that's why those differences don't change what the Word of God says, And so even those differences shouldn't change the way they do ministry here. Having said that, I would want to say that when missionaries come, At least it's good for them to try to meet people who can help them understand what is really happening on the ground here.

I think most wise missionaries would actually try to establish good contacts with Malawians who are sound, who have the theology, who have an understanding of the culture and the people and and just you know a good understanding of what God is already doing on the ground so that at least when someone comes you know they know where to start they have a place where to start.