As a regular user of boda bodas (or motorbike taxis), I often discuss Christianity with the riders. Most of them are religious, typically identifying as either Christians or Muslims. More often than not, those conversations end with a question. Where can I find more of this information? No sooner do I think about my Bible study and discipleship class then I realise the challenge.
Are we, as Reformed saints, doing enough to reach others?
Reformed churches tend to cater to the studious and self-professed literati. This I call ‘gatekeeping Reformed theology’. As such, I am hesitant to invite these riders to attend a Bible study or discipleship class. I worry that this is also true of our weekly preaching. This raises the question: are we, as Reformed saints, doing enough to reach others? In this article, I offer a response and a challenge.
The Reality of Gatekeeping Reformed Theology
Boda boda riders are a subset of the wider group in Uganda that’s unlikely to fit within the Reformed spaces. This is not because they are unintelligent. No. But because the Reformed church gatekeeps Reformed theology by dressing the gospel in inaccessible theological jargon. Reformed saints use terms like predestination, antinomianism, and others as if everyone knows what they mean. But using technical language when sharing the gospel only pushes people further away from it.
The Reformed church has made Reformed theology exclusive and inaccessible.
Reformed churches are stereotypically known as spaces reserved for the learned. In fact, I would not be surprised if some think the jargon is a requisite to salvation. Or that to speak a certain way is to be acquainted with the gospel. Jargon has its place, but it’s not the gospel. And it is the gospel we must share with all peoples. Simply. The snag with the Reformed church is that it has made Reformed theology exclusive and inaccessible. This challenge isn’t new.
How Gatekeeping Theology Affects People
The Reformers faced similar challenges. In their time, the Bible was written in Latin, and the Roman Catholic church authority prohibited its translation into the vernacular. Latin was the holy language of instruction. The downside was that those who were unable to speak, read and learn Latin could not read the Bible themselves. Only the ruling class, church leaders and the wealthy were well-versed in Latin.
Reformers ensured that the Bible and its teachings were accessible to ordinary people.
But Reformers like William Tyndale and Martin Luther defiantly translated the Bible into the language of the people. Luther even collaborated with the artist Lucas Cranach the Elder to produce woodcuts, pamphlets, and broadsheets that served as picture sermons. Some of these include Passional Christi und Antichristi, Law and Grace, and Vision of the Seven Candlesticks. The saying goes, a picture can say more than words ever could.
Additionally, Reformers preached in the vernacular; held debates in the marketplaces; wrote hymns immersed in biblical truth; and encouraged basic learning so people could read the Bible. They ensured, and this we must learn from them, that the Bible and its teachings were accessible to ordinary people.
Our Challenge and the Way Forward
Both Tyndale and Luther were following a pattern laid out in scripture. Jesus taught people using parables and stories (see Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 10:25-37; Mark 4:30-32). Also, as God, he became man so man can know God (John 1:18; 1 John 5). God, in other words, condescended to the level of his creatures to reveal himself. He dons a body we have and speaks a language we understand (Philippians 2:6-7). God does not shy away from using simple means known to us to reach us.
We must labour that all peoples learn and love Christ.
Likewise, we must labour that all peoples learn and love Christ. Our approach to evangelism and ministry must be incarnational in shape. Like Christ, we communicate the gospel in a manner that is accessible to all. Technical terms for theological concepts, great as they are, must be simplified or explained for the sake of others. Otherwise, drop them. After all, Christ is all that matters. He must be the one people must see and hear from beginning to end in our teachings.
Preach and teach simply.
Paul became all things to all people to win them to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22). We, as Reformed saints, should imitate Paul as he did Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Let us be students of the word and the world around us. We must try to explain the gospel in a manner that is accessible to all. Including boda boda riders, many of whom are not fluent in English or don’t speak it at all. That might mean preaching in the vernacular, encouraging street preaching, using visual storytelling, music, and art. In any case, preach and teach simply.
The Reformed Riches Are for All
Reformed saints are unconsciously gatekeeping Reformed theology if they insist on using inaccessible theological jargon. Reformed theology is rich in the glorious teachings of God’s word, ready for all people to mine. We must always keep removing every barrier that stands in the way of others receiving the gospel. I shouldn’t think twice before inviting a boda boda rider to church. For there is no exclusivity when it comes to understanding and enjoying the riches of the gospel.
