Perhaps the word “Holistic” is a questionable term to describe the gospel. It has been stigmatized as something foreign to biblical expression. But if the word “holistic” means wholeness or complete then the Christian ministry should be an holistic ministry. That means bringing others to completeness, maturity and wholeness in Jesus.
Most of us will accept this motto: THE WHOLE GOSPEL FOR THE WHOLE PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD.
THE WHOLE GOSPEL – means more than preaching or teaching salvation, sanctification and The Church. If we so limit our teaching then our ministry is not holistic. Because we are also to love our enemies and to be positive role models (Matthew 5:16). The whole gospel calls us into a spiritual relationship with others.
THE WHOLE PERSON – is more than the soul or spirit. If we have souls we have bodies. If we need spiritual food we also need physical food. If we have church responsibilities we also have job and family responisbilities. Relating the whole gospel to the whole person means Jesus influences the whole of life (Colossians 3:17).
THE WHOLE WORLD – certainly includes people who live in nations beyond our borders. But the world also includes our homes, neighborhoods and communities. The gospel, therefore, should have no environmental limitations.
Perhaps Paul speaks to the thought of this article “I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ.” (I Corinthians 9:22). Paul points to a ministry which is multidimensional —A holistic ministry.
Dr. Taylor A. McKenzie
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