How Should Christians Engage Culture

Kristen Johnson

Many are seeking to understand what it means to fulfill the Great Commission in today’s world, questioning how we can be shaped as disciples who live faithfully in our complex cultural moment. By exploring the origins of the term “the Great Commission” and examining the impact of Jesus’ final command on contemporary discipleship, we gain insight into how to live out these parting words today. When we connect the historical account of the Great Commission with the broader narrative of Scripture, a vision of discipleship emerges—one that calls us to be attentive to our everyday vocations, our locations and communities, and to engage with culture intentionally.

You may have observed that it seems like we are going through something of a crisis in disclipleship and formation.

Kristen Johnson

About Kristen Deede Johnson

Kristen is Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs and G. W. and Edna Haworth Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. In partnership with International Justice Mission, she and co-author Bethany Hanke Hoang wrote the award-winning The Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance (Brazos Press, 2016). Kristen's scholarship focuses on theology, culture, formation, and political theory.