a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

Jonathan Ingleby discusses the significance of using the concept of glocalization
in mission. He talks about ‘hybrid identity,’ a new form of identity as a cultural
consequence of the ‘clash between global and local.’ This is a ‘phenomenon
which has produced glocalization, a culture which is both global and local at the
same time. People continue to draw identity from their locality and its traditions
but are also keen to take advantage of new global opportunities, and are often
quite creative in combining the two.’ As the contemporary mixed situations are
‘characterized by hybridity and confusion of identities,’ ‘we are becoming an
increasingly hybrid world.’ Therefore, he argues that ‘mission cannot afford to
ignore the fact’ of glocalization. 154 More than others, Pentecostals seem to fit this
category as their theology is flexible enough to be adaptable to the local context
and at the same time draws upon influences from the global face of the movement.
As seen in the current study, there is a strong interconnection and interaction
between global Pentecostalism and local Pentecostalism. As it is a common
characteristic of Pentecostalism, the impact and influence of global
Pentecostalism on the local is likely to increase. Therefore, a contemporary
Pentecostal missiology should have a glocal nature. As discussed in chapter five,
in order to deal with the global impact on local Pentecostalism in Rajasthan, many
global features of the movement have been used with a local flavour and colour.
Glocalization serves as a bridge allowing local followers of Pentecostalism to be a
part of the global movement. Thus, it appears that the Pentecostal nature reveals
that a contemporary Pentecostal missiology demands a glocal missiology which
154
Jonathan Ingleby, ‘Globalisation, Glocalisation and Mission,’ Transformation 23, no.1 (January
2006): 50.
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