#13 Identificationalism Vs. Extractionalism

Rheenen, Gailyn Van. Missions: Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Strategies. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. pp. 211-232.

Identificationalism and Extractionalism are two different methodologies for missions with those from a different culture. Extractionalism involves moving the person or people being witnessed into the culture of the missionary. Identificationalism, on the other hand, occurs when the missionaries immerse themselves into an unfamiliar culture to witness the people of that culture. The method of extractionalism can be extremely difficult for the one being torn away from their culture or facets of it. In contrast, the method of Identificationalism makes the missionaries’ jobs more difficult. However, God’s people are called to fulfill the Great Commission no matter how hard or complicated it may be, and, therefore, Identificational missions are better and more effective than extractional missions. 

When Christians immerse themselves and identify with a different culture, the opportunity to share the Gospel message becomes more genuine because the missionary begins to empathize with the new, unfamiliar culture. Gailyn Van Rheenen states, “Missionaries therefore feel the struggles of people as they grapple with Christian teachings and rejoice with them as they make Jesus a part of their culture” (p. 213). Extrationalism is more difficult regarding the two parties empathizing with one another because one is already struggling to adapt to a new culture. On top of the required adaptation, the extractional missionary hopes for the person to wrestle with God and doctrine, which is already difficult for them. 

This inward familiarity and identification, called empathy, is accompanied by an outward identification. For example, Rheenen shares that when his family brought a rug for their living room, and the people of that culture did not walk on it, they removed it to identify and care for those they shared the Gospel with (p. 214). 

Identificational missions are better as they put the missionary in the shoes of those being witnessed. The missionary begins to identify both inwardly and outwardly with the new culture and is able to empathize with it so that the Gospel can be preached.