A MISSÃO E OS DESAFIOS DA CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO CULTURAL

ESTUDO DE CASO DA PRIMEIRA IGREJA BAPTISTA DO HUAMBO

Abstract

This article examines the challenges faced by the Church’s mission within the Angolan cultural context, taking the First Baptist Church of Huambo as a case study. In light of the increasing influence of foreign elements in worship practices and emerging ecclesial expressions, the study asks how the Church can remain faithful to its mission without disregarding the cultural values and expressions of its people. Drawing on field research—including interviews and surveys conducted with members and leaders—the study identifies prevailing perceptions regarding the loss of cultural identity and the need for more
contextually grounded missionary practices. Accordingly, the article proposes pathways toward recovering a missional practice that affirms and integrates Angolan cultural elements while maintaining fidelity to the core teachings of Scripture, thus fostering a mission that is biblical, contextualized, relevant, and effective.