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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.