The theme for the 2025 James McKeown Memorial Lectures (JMML25), “Reshaping Cultures, Generations, and Systems,” strategically aligned with The Church of Pentecost’s annual theme, “Unleashed to Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling,” and the overarching agenda of “Possessing the Nations.” This theme underscores the need for Christians to exert influence and reshape every sphere of society by conceptualising these spheres as mission fields. The theme, “Reshaping Cultures, Generations, and Systems”, is structured around three pillars – cultures, generations, and systems.

The theme draws lessons from Eric Nyamekye’s perspective of the church as the engine of transformation in society. It extends Kwame Bediako’s conceptualisation of Scripture as the hermeneutic lens of culture by making those professing Christ as Lord the propeller of change. The framework comprising cultural principles, people and their enabling systems, would constantly have to be engaged to align with the values and the position of Scripture.

On the matter of reshaping human values, Christian Tsekpoe contends that, in addition to influencing cultures, the unique cultures of every generation and its sub-constituents need a conversion through the Gospel. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua agrees with these scholars regarding the conversion of national and generational cultures, but adds a third dimension; systems that require permeation by the Gospel of Christ.

Nonetheless, the interplay between the Gospel and these three elements—culture, systems, and generations—can be complex. Although at the bottom, humans are the main change factors, because transient human behaviours are also influenced by formed cultures and existing systems, there is the need to constantly re-engage them for proper alignment with biblical values and to render them useful within time. Cultural elements and systems may at times try to overshadow the Gospel message, leading to challenges for Christians navigating their faith within specific cultural contexts. The Church of Pentecost’s Vision 2023/2028, encapsulated in the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, seeks to empower Christians to (re)shape cultures, generations, and systems, acknowledging the inherent dynamic values of these components to God. By embracing a holistic approach to mission, Pentecostal-Charismatic churches can transform these spheres by living their faith in a manner which resonates with their Christian calling.

The JMML25’s theme aims to stimulate scholarly research and dialogue concerning the impact of the Gospel on cultural, generational, and systemic transformation. It highlights the necessity for Christians to function as agents of change within every sphere of influence.