Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Journey of Ministry


Book Review.

Gibbs,  Eddie.  The Journey of Ministry.  Insights from a life of practice.  IVP Books 2012.  

E.G.- Senior professor in the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Comment.  Henry.

From his vantage point in his mid-seventies Eddie is drawing some practical lessons about ministry.  His journey has taken him to many different places and his experiences are certainly varied.  His endorsements describe him as a well- respected elder statesman in the ministry.

Most cultures in our world are still characterized by the fact that people get around by walking.  Scripture portrays the Christian experience as a walk.  As we walk together we learn together. 

There are three categories of hurdles that face churches in western culture; “individualism, consumerism and nominalism.” (45)

Dying is part of how life develops as a follower of Christ.  “When God brings about a dying process, it leads to resurrection.” (78)  This is part of the learning curve in ministry.  Jesus called this dying ‘cross-bearing’. 

Team work is a basic ingredient in effective ministry.  Teams demonstrate commitment that reflects chemistry.  They develop and demonstrate “family-life skills.” (116)

Networking has been a part of church life from the beginning but it is going through continual change.  “Networks help facilitate exponential growth.”  “126” Communication in church culture is evaluated according to “the five spheres of ministry identified- (by Paul) apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.” (147) 

Eddie closes his presentation with a brief biography outlining some the practical experiences that were significant in shaping his life, e.g. two years in the RAF, etc.

Henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 16, 2013

From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart.


Book Review.

Haw, Chris.  From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart.  Rekindling my love for Catholicism.  Ave Maria Press.  2012.

C.H.-  born and baptized Catholic.  As a teen-ager he became very involved with Willow Creek.  A friend of Shane Claiborne with whom he co-led New Monasticism.  Converted (back) to Catholicism after moving to Camden, New Jersey where he became a part of Sacred Heart Church.

Comment.  Henry.

I use the word ‘converted’ to describe Chris’ spiritual journey although I am not comfortable with the term.  Conversion has always implied ‘to Christianity’.  Being an activist and protester were very much a part of that change.  He came to terms with those aspects of Catholic theology that are often seen as problematic for evangelicals.  He is celebrated by Catholics and accepted by (some) evangelicals.   An informative resource for learning about Catholicism.

Chris’ journey back to Catholicism is very much focused on the Mass and the Eucharist.  He makes an interesting presentation about “the ostensible paganism of Catholicism.” (80)   “The ‘sacrifice of Mass’ is not about repeating or re-enacting Christ’s death as much as making it present.” (122)  “Eucharistic sacrifice is the end of the violent sacrifice.” William Cavanaugh.

Chris explains about his “American cult of neutrality” (128) e.g. I’m not religious, I’m spiritual, etc.  When tolerance becomes paramount it can become a vicious form of intolerance.

As Chris was attempting to deal with his “annoyance of Church structures and traditions” (141) he received this theological advice: “You should take the time to understand something thoroughly before you go about trying to change it.” Christopher Hall. 

Assessing the ‘track record’ of the Church involved dealing with some problematic issues, e.g. child abuse by priests.   It is the whole tradition of the Church that becomes the platform from which he does his evaluation.  He concludes that leaving the Church is not the way to solve the problems. 

The tension between asceticism and aestheticism of the Catholic Church is viewed through “art and apocalypse”. (176)  “The challenge is to combine both an extraordinary appreciation of human creativity, beauty, art, and embellishment, while also orienting one’s mind, with apocalyptic eagerness, toward remedying our world’s decay and assisting the poor among us.” (193)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Monday, March 4, 2013

Dealing Withn Doubt


Book Review.

Habermas, Gary R.  Dealing With Doubt.  Moody Press.  1990.

G.H.- chairman and professor of philosophy and apologetics at Liberty University in Lynchburg , Virginia.

Comment.  Henry.

Even though this is a twenty three old publication it is nevertheless relevant because of the nature of the subject.  Doubt has always been ‘in’.  It comes in various forms and levels.  Unresolved it can become devastating in a hurry.  If properly countered, doubt can be a faith-strengthening blessing.

“Doubts overlap and more than one type is frequently present.  Yet, proper identification of the primary form is still a major step in the healing process.” (11)  Doubt is fundamentally “a human problem”. (Os Guinness)   Deepened convictions are the result of intellectual struggles which include doubt.  Doubt and faith are not opposites.

There are three types of doubt, “factual, emotional, and volitional” (21) doubt.  Healing comes from God.”  If sin is the source (of doubting) then, conversely, God and his teachings are the answer.” (25)  Some ‘factual doubts’ are examined and dealt with.  Unresolved factual doubts can progress to emotional and volitional doubts.  Faith is part of resolving doubt.

Emotional doubt develops when imagination overwhelms reason in matters of faith.  “Scripture is central to the healing process” (71) coupled with counselling. 

Our volition is involved in our salvation in as much that it is “our choice to act in accordance with God’s will and power.” (94)  It is right choices that result in the growth and the exercise of our faith.  Such choices include “doubt prevention” (109) and “biblical meditations”. (111)

Serious doubt often surrounds such issues as unanswered prayer, the fact that Jesus is alive, the testimony of the Holy Spirit and heaven.

The book closes with an extensive Appendix, “Developmental Theory and Doubt” (189) This section contains very practical material. 

“If the unexamined life is not worth living, neither is the examined faith…  It is only by means of critical reflection on and evaluation of one’s religious commitment that faith becomes truly personal and more than a mere submission to religious convention.” (235) Doubt should be viewed from the larger perspective of holistic development: cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual growth all play a part in the complete picture of maturation.” (242)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com