Understanding Rituals for Missional Purposes

ByAnthony Casey

Where are our rituals?Do Hard Things – Lack of rites of passage may

be leading to the perpetual teenager.Westerners are afraid of rituals. We either

relate them to dry and meaningless church rituals or to demonic pagan festivals.

Towards an Anthropological and Biblical Understanding

Hiebert: “Rituals are culturally structured dramas that are stylized, regularly repeated, and intrinsically valued. They communicate deep beliefs, feelings, and values through symbolic codes. They recreate the social, cultural, personal, and cosmic order by making cosmic norms explicit in visible forms.”

Rituals as CommunicationRituals connect with the spirit world and give

sincerity to the message.Eugene Nida – Most rituals are symbolic,

especially those in ScriptureHiebert – Rituals are intended to cause the

desired action, not merely symbolize it.

3 Types of RitualIntensification

Publically affirm existing social and cultural order and identity.

Predicable and formalCarried out by recognized leadershipExamples: Communion, the Lord’s Prayer, reciting

creeds

3 Types of RitualTransformation

Marks transitions in life where a real or symbolic period of chaos takes place.

Less structured and informal with a sense of the unknown ahead.

Performed in a group setting where all are equals.Examples: birth, death, pilgrimage, manhood.

3 Types of RitualRecreation or Rite of Crisis

A rebuilding after destructionThe ideal culture is brought to lifeExamples: Rain dances in times of severe drought,

rebuilding after an earthquake or tsunami

Rituals in ScriptureHundreds of examples throughout the Bible

Recreation rituals in Ezra and Nehemiah Intensification in pilgrimages, music, artTransformation in Jesus’ temple dedication

Rituals in ScriptureSymbolize the ideal Israelite, land, rest, king, or

savior.Point to Christ, used as typology.

Identifying and Analyzing Rituals

Look for the triangulation of visual symbols, verbal stories, and physical rituals. Themes will develop when the same work, symbol, or ritual is used in various settings.

Participate when appropriate, otherwise, record speech, music, actions, objects, and other symbols used.

Interview those participating and those observing.

Identifying and Analyzing Rituals

What function does the ritual play in society?In what circumstances is the ritual used?Who are the main characters? What societal

roles do they have?Rituals can be a visual expression of the hidden

worldviewBurial ceremony examples

Applying Rituals for Missional Purposes

Missionaries will encounter rituals in ministry. The question becomes, “How will I use them for God’s glory?”

Employ critical contextualization.Nida’s Tri-cultural ModelHiebert’s four step process

Applying Rituals for Missional Purposes

Rituals as worldview transformers – Introduce new rituals and adopt and adapt existing rituals Introducing new rituals

BaptismAdopting existing rituals

ContextualizeDeal with generational issues

ConclusionUnderstand Rituals for Missional Purposes