How Does Social Identity Research Inform Evangelical Missiology?

Authors

  • David Dunaetz Azusa Pacific

Keywords:

Reconciliation, Church Planting, Ethnicity, Race, Groups, Social Identity

Abstract

Social Identity Theory posits that group membership (both of self and other) influences interpersonal and intergroup processes, primarily through its influence on our self-esteem. If possible, people wish to be members of groups that raise their self-esteem and avoid membership in groups that lower their self-esteem. This leads to several processes that are relevant to evangelical ministries involving church planting and disciple making. These processes include basking in reflected glory, self-stereotyping, social creativity, leader prototypicality, and group permeability. Some social identity processes may hinder the effectiveness of ministries that should result in reconciliation. These include ingroup favoritism, outgroup derogation, and outgroup homogenization. By emphasizing our identity in Christ, which expresses itself through love and humility, and by using multiple social categorization, we can counter these tendencies in mission organizations and churches started by missionaries.

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Published

2023-02-28