Contextualizing NextStep Journeys (Prayer)

NextSteps, a powerful digital tool developed by the Jesus Film Project, offers the ability to create engaging and culturally relevant prayer journeys. This guide will walk you through the process of contextualizing your NextSteps journey to resonate with your target audience, ensuring a meaningful and impactful experience.

Understanding Contextualization

Contextualization is the process of tailoring your message to align with the cultural, social, and digital environments of your target audience. It's crucial for creating an engaging and meaningful experience that truly resonates with your users.

Key Questions to Consider:

1. What are the specific needs, values, and experiences of your target community?
2. Are there current events or societal issues weighing on their hearts?
3. What prayer practices or traditions within their culture can be incorporated?

Step-by-Step Guide to Contextualizing Your Prayer Journey

1. Analyze the Journey Structure

The basic structure of the prayer journey includes:

• A title card inviting users to request prayer
• A side branch with a video about prayer
• A card asking "How can I pray for you today?"
• Options for users to send a message or share a prayer request
• An acknowledgment card and a transition to a testimony video

2. Customize the Social App View

a) Change the picture, title, and description:

• Click on the social app view card
• Select "Edit" to modify the title and description
• Choose "Change Image" to update the background picture

b) Adjust the layout:

• Remove the top line for a cleaner look
• Center the text for better visual appeal
• Adjust button sizes for easier navigation

3. Update the Background Image

a) Select "Background" on the card b) Search Unsplash for appropriate images:

• Look for vibrant cityscapes, local cafes, or community events
• Choose images that reflect the lifestyle and aspirations of your target demographic

4. Modify Card Content

a) Review the second card video:

• If it aligns with your audience, keep it as is
• If not, search for a more appropriate video in the Jesus Film Project library

b) Update the third card:

• Change the text and buttons to match the style and tone of the previous card
• Ensure consistency in language and design throughout the journey
• Update the background to a recognizable, local landmark

Best Practices for Contextualization

1. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure all content, including images and language, respects local customs and values. For guidance, refer to the Jesus Film Project's cultural resources.
2. Language Adaptation: Go beyond mere translation. Adapt idioms, expressions, and communication styles to resonate with your audience. The NextSteps Support Page offers guidance on language settings and localization.
3. Visual Elements: Choose colors, images, and symbols that carry positive connotations in your target culture. Be mindful of cultural differences in visual perception.
4. Storytelling: Adapt narratives to align with local values and preferences. This might involve adjusting examples or the structure of your prayer prompts.
5. Local References: Incorporate references to local traditions, events, or cultural phenomena to create a stronger connection with your audience.
6. User Testing: Before finalizing your journey, test it with members of your target audience to ensure it resonates and achieves its intended impact.

Leveraging NextSteps Features for Contextualization

• Use the customization options in the journey builder to adjust text, images, and layout.
• Incorporate Jesus Film Project videos that are relevant to your audience's cultural context.
• Utilize the language settings to ensure your journey is available in the primary language of your target audience.

By following these steps and best practices, you can create a NextSteps prayer journey that is deeply contextualized and impactful for your specific audience. Remember, the goal is to create a digital experience that feels personal, relevant, and engaging, ultimately facilitating meaningful spiritual connections.For more detailed information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page. Additionally, explore the Jesus Film Project Tools for more resources to enhance your digital ministry efforts.