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Calvin Seminary - Foundations for Ministries - 600 Reflections on Required Reading Monday November 1, 2004 Paulo F. Ribeiro Clowney (chapters 11 and 12) In chapter 11 we see how understanding the mission of the church is so fundamental to its life. Disagreements seem to abound: from an strictly evangelistic approaches to liberation theology one constantly faces opposing perspectives which strengthens on the criticism of each other and ultimately weakens the real mission of the church. The WCC Assembly of 1991 brought a new agenda which included feminism, environmentalism, advocates of other religions, economic models. The evangelical and liberal perspectives have polarized the perspectives on this subject. It seems that we are losing the vision that salvation comes from the Lord and the answer to what is the mission comes from the Word of God. The mission of the church needs to be implemented in an integral way through the proclamation of Jesus and the deeds of mercy. The Christian cannot but share the love of God with his neighbor via words and deeds. The church not only goes, but it also draws people to worship God – to the headquarters where the preparation for the mission begins. The task is not easy since the church will face opposition even from within. Salvation does not come from economic reforms, political liberal or ecological stewardship, but by faith in Jesus. The mission needs to taken into account the contemporary culture, but its agenda is not of this world. In chapter 12 we study the complex subject of the relationship of the church to the world’s cultures. Once again opposing radical views cloud the proper understanding of the mission of the church. There are those who see the world as a threat want to avoid culture (Christ against culture position), while others seek to join and change culture. But how to transform culture without becoming a kingdom of this world is the crux of the matter. The church is to penetrate, redeem and preserve what is good in culture. Every culture is permeated by signs of the fall and expressions of God’s common grace and the natural law written in the hearts of man. The chart in page 184, with the different aspects of approach (broader and kerygmatic) and levels (theological, religious and cultural) of mission, show the different strategies that need to be taken into account when implementing the holist mission of the church. Creating a Healthier Church (Chapter 6-7), Chapter 6 deals with foolishness and wisdom in church leadership. Once again the author seem to base his observations on too much psychology and big words which, in my view, adds very little to how we should exercise leadership in the church. Words like fusion, differentiation, objectivity, effectiveness seem to create more confusion to me than help. They must relate to a standard outside themselves. Often that standard will be objective of the leader – increase membership, etc. But perhaps I am being too critical Chapter 7 deals with reactivity, emotion, etc. I think that author would have done a better job if he had given examples of how we should train our emotions and sentiments to align with biblical teachings, rather than categorizing church reaction styles Report Synodical Committee to Study Ordination and Official Acts of Ministry This document states very clearly the standards for ministry within the CRC and I would hope that those ministering to congregations may study. The document has taken special care to address some diversity which exists now within the CRC. Leadership: A Working Definition This document is indeed an excellent explanation of the proper and biblical perspective of Christian leadership. The description of character, conviction, and competencies required by the leader is a good tool to guide the formation of leaders for the church. My only reservation is about the word “effective” as if one can have effective or not so effective Christian leaders. The reality is that one does or does not function well. Effectiveness is not a spiritual measure. I also found a bit unfortunate that with so many biblical examples of good and bad leadership the authors had to bring a secular reference (Good to Great) to state the obvious.