27 Mar 2025, 11:37Pastor Goodluck AjuzieGhana
Contextualising African Evangelistic Methods in the United Kingdom’s Multicultural Environment
Contextualising African Evangelistic Methods in the United Kingdom’s Multicultural Environment
Evangelism is the lifeblood of the Seventh-day Adventist Church mission. It is a true reflection of a living church, and as Jesus commissioned in Matthew 28:19–20, we as a church are called to “go and make disciples of all nations.” We are called to go ye, not to stay ye. However, fulfilling this mandate requires thoughtful contextualisation—that is, adapting evangelistic approaches to the cultural, social, and spiritual contexts of the target audience.
The African evangelistic model, particularly in countries like Ghana, is dynamic, community-based, and highly effective in indigenous settings. Yet, when transplanted into a multicultural, often secular society like the United Kingdom, it must be reimagined for greater relevance and impact.
An Evangelistic Campaign in Ghana: A Case Study
From 1 to 15 March 2025, a vibrant evangelistic campaign was held in an indigenous community in Ghana, West Africa, in which I was one of the preachers—serving at Taifa Church, South Ghana Conference. Over seventeen pastors participated in the campaign. We were blessed to be led by Pastor Kwadwo Kwarteng-Ampofo, Personal Ministries Director, South England Conference.
I pause to give glory to the Almighty God for His grace and divine presence throughout the programme. Personally, I wish to appreciate the South England Conference officers—the President (Pastor Kirk Thomas), Secretary (Nathan Stickland), Treasurer (Mrs Ann Swaby), Ministerial Association Director (Pastor Kwesi Moore), and the Executive Committee Members of the SEC—for their approval and unwavering, nonpareil financial support for the mission to Ghana. I am also deeply indebted to my host, Pastor Martin Owusu Bonso, for his warm hospitality and prayerful support, as well as to the Ghana Union officers, conference, and WAD officers for their exceptional support. This has been a rare privilege for me.
The campaign, spearheaded by the local Seventh-day Adventist Church in Taifa—my centre—mobilised over twenty dedicated church members who committed themselves to two weeks of intensive soul-winning activities. These included door-to-door outreach before and during the public evangelistic meetings, health screenings and health talks throughout the thirteen-night campaign, and community support services.
The church members laboured with unity and spiritual fervour, embracing Ellen G. White’s counsel:
“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.”
(Gospel Workers, p. 352)
By the end of the campaign, many souls were won to Christ, with several individuals receiving baptism and joining the church. The impact was far-reaching—not only in numerical growth but in the spiritual revival experienced by both members and the community. This success was due in part to the church’s commitment to meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of the people—a holistic approach that mirrors Christ’s ministry.
Contextualising for the United Kingdom’s Multicultural Setting
The United Kingdom is a culturally diverse nation, with cities like London, Birmingham, and Cornwall (though not a city like London) hosting people from various ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Unlike Ghana’s largely homogeneous indigenous communities, UK society requires more nuanced evangelistic strategies. Traditional African methods such as public preaching and direct invitations to religious meetings may not resonate as effectively due to cultural sensitivities, legal frameworks, and differing worldviews, to mention just a few.
Suggested Strategies for Effective Evangelism in the United Kingdom
1. Health Expos as Entry Points
Health outreach is a powerful, non-threatening way to engage diverse communities. Health expos can offer free medical check-ups, wellness education, mental health support, and lifestyle workshops. This aligns with Ellen G. White’s statement:
“Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel.”
(Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 59)
By addressing physical needs first, trust is built, creating an opening for spiritual engagement. In a place like Cornwall, where I am currently pastoring, this strategy is especially necessary due to its multicultural nature.
2. Charity and Food Bank Services
Many UK communities, especially in economically deprived areas, are in need of basic necessities. Establishing or supporting local food banks and charity drives demonstrates the love of Christ in practical ways. Providing food, clothing, and essential supplies lays a foundation for deeper relational connections and spiritual discussions.
In St Austell, Cornwall, our plan is to have a well-organised “Centre of Influence” to intentionally apply these strategies and more.
3. Relationship-Based Evangelism Before Doctrine
In multicultural settings, people often respond more positively to relationships than to doctrinal presentations. It is essential to engage individuals through acts of service, kindness, and ongoing community involvement before introducing them to Bible-based teachings. This is in harmony with the method of Christ, who:
“mingled with men as one who desired their good… then bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
(The Ministry of Healing, p. 143)
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
Evangelistic methods must be tailored to the UK’s cultural contexts—my experience in Cornwall attests to this. This involves using inclusive language, understanding cultural customs, and ensuring that church events are welcoming to people of all backgrounds. Diversity in church leadership and outreach teams also helps bridge cultural gaps.
5. Partnerships and Community Engagement
Collaborating with local councils, charities, and community groups—as we were encouraged to do during the BUS induction in January 2025—can enhance credibility and increase reach. Hosting community forums, volunteering in civic initiatives, and being present at local events can help raise awareness and interest in the Church’s mission.
Conclusion
African evangelistic zeal, as witnessed in the Ghana campaign, provides a powerful model of community engagement and spiritual commitment. However, the United Kingdom’s multicultural environment calls for a contextualised approach—one that emphasises service, builds relationships, and gradually introduces Bible-based teachings, as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
By incorporating health expos, charity work, and food bank services, the Church can faithfully witness to the gospel while respecting and embracing the diverse tapestry of UK society. The goal is to reveal Christ through compassionate service, paving the way for hearts to be opened to His saving truth.
References
1. Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 352
2. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 59
3. Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143
4. The Holy Bible, Matthew 28:19–20
Contextualising African Evangelistic Methods in the United Kingdom’s Multicultural Environment
Evangelism is the lifeblood of the Seventh-day Adventist Church mission. It is a true reflection of a living church, and as Jesus commissioned in Matthew 28:19–20, we as a church are called to “go and make disciples of all nations.” We are called to go ye, not to stay ye. However, fulfilling this mandate requires thoughtful contextualisation—that is, adapting evangelistic approaches to the cultural, social, and spiritual contexts of the target audience.
The African evangelistic model, particularly in countries like Ghana, is dynamic, community-based, and highly effective in indigenous settings. Yet, when transplanted into a multicultural, often secular society like the United Kingdom, it must be reimagined for greater relevance and impact.
An Evangelistic Campaign in Ghana: A Case Study
From 1 to 15 March 2025, a vibrant evangelistic campaign was held in an indigenous community in Ghana, West Africa, in which I was one of the preachers—serving at Taifa Church, South Ghana Conference. Over seventeen pastors participated in the campaign. We were blessed to be led by Pastor Kwadwo Kwarteng-Ampofo, Personal Ministries Director, South England Conference.
I pause to give glory to the Almighty God for His grace and divine presence throughout the programme. Personally, I wish to appreciate the South England Conference officers—the President (Pastor Kirk Thomas), Secretary (Nathan Stickland), Treasurer (Mrs Ann Swaby), Ministerial Association Director (Pastor Kwesi Moore), and the Executive Committee Members of the SEC—for their approval and unwavering, nonpareil financial support for the mission to Ghana. I am also deeply indebted to my host, Pastor Martin Owusu Bonso, for his warm hospitality and prayerful support, as well as to the Ghana Union officers, conference, and WAD officers for their exceptional support. This has been a rare privilege for me.
The campaign, spearheaded by the local Seventh-day Adventist Church in Taifa—my centre—mobilised over twenty dedicated church members who committed themselves to two weeks of intensive soul-winning activities. These included door-to-door outreach before and during the public evangelistic meetings, health screenings and health talks throughout the thirteen-night campaign, and community support services.
The church members laboured with unity and spiritual fervour, embracing Ellen G. White’s counsel:
“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.”
(Gospel Workers, p. 352)
By the end of the campaign, many souls were won to Christ, with several individuals receiving baptism and joining the church. The impact was far-reaching—not only in numerical growth but in the spiritual revival experienced by both members and the community. This success was due in part to the church’s commitment to meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of the people—a holistic approach that mirrors Christ’s ministry.
Contextualising for the United Kingdom’s Multicultural Setting
The United Kingdom is a culturally diverse nation, with cities like London, Birmingham, and Cornwall (though not a city like London) hosting people from various ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Unlike Ghana’s largely homogeneous indigenous communities, UK society requires more nuanced evangelistic strategies. Traditional African methods such as public preaching and direct invitations to religious meetings may not resonate as effectively due to cultural sensitivities, legal frameworks, and differing worldviews, to mention just a few.
Suggested Strategies for Effective Evangelism in the United Kingdom
1. Health Expos as Entry Points
Health outreach is a powerful, non-threatening way to engage diverse communities. Health expos can offer free medical check-ups, wellness education, mental health support, and lifestyle workshops. This aligns with Ellen G. White’s statement:
“Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel.”
(Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 59)
By addressing physical needs first, trust is built, creating an opening for spiritual engagement. In a place like Cornwall, where I am currently pastoring, this strategy is especially necessary due to its multicultural nature.
2. Charity and Food Bank Services
Many UK communities, especially in economically deprived areas, are in need of basic necessities. Establishing or supporting local food banks and charity drives demonstrates the love of Christ in practical ways. Providing food, clothing, and essential supplies lays a foundation for deeper relational connections and spiritual discussions.
In St Austell, Cornwall, our plan is to have a well-organised “Centre of Influence” to intentionally apply these strategies and more.
3. Relationship-Based Evangelism Before Doctrine
In multicultural settings, people often respond more positively to relationships than to doctrinal presentations. It is essential to engage individuals through acts of service, kindness, and ongoing community involvement before introducing them to Bible-based teachings. This is in harmony with the method of Christ, who:
“mingled with men as one who desired their good… then bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
(The Ministry of Healing, p. 143)
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
Evangelistic methods must be tailored to the UK’s cultural contexts—my experience in Cornwall attests to this. This involves using inclusive language, understanding cultural customs, and ensuring that church events are welcoming to people of all backgrounds. Diversity in church leadership and outreach teams also helps bridge cultural gaps.
5. Partnerships and Community Engagement
Collaborating with local councils, charities, and community groups—as we were encouraged to do during the BUS induction in January 2025—can enhance credibility and increase reach. Hosting community forums, volunteering in civic initiatives, and being present at local events can help raise awareness and interest in the Church’s mission.
Conclusion
African evangelistic zeal, as witnessed in the Ghana campaign, provides a powerful model of community engagement and spiritual commitment. However, the United Kingdom’s multicultural environment calls for a contextualised approach—one that emphasises service, builds relationships, and gradually introduces Bible-based teachings, as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
By incorporating health expos, charity work, and food bank services, the Church can faithfully witness to the gospel while respecting and embracing the diverse tapestry of UK society. The goal is to reveal Christ through compassionate service, paving the way for hearts to be opened to His saving truth.
References
1. Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 352
2. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 59
3. Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143
4. The Holy Bible, Matthew 28:19–20
