Put Your Best Theological Thinking Cap On [Book Review - Part IV]

Things have been hopping in Texas for the Episcopalians. Bishop Claude Payne describes why and how in his helpful book called "Reclaiming The Great Commission." Today I want to share with you, however, the #3 thing I believe you need to do differently than he did them, if you're really serious about the transformation of your church in the 21st century. The #1 thing is to use more participative processes; #2 is to make sure your efforts are really outwardly focused. And here is...

The #3 Thing You Should Do Differently Than Bishop Payne Did Them In Texas:

Think long and hard before you accept his use of standard Evangelical language (ex. "seekers," "the lost," etc.) as a precondition for becoming a more missional church. Payne says it's "biblical" language and it is, of course. But so is language that encourages slaves to obey their masters. The point is that we need to filter our language choices through a theological lens, even when that language has come from "the Bible."

My observation is that over the past decades wherever mainline missionaries and evangelists have adopted Evangelical language (and/or methodology), they have ended up adopting a rightward-leaning theology, as well. What we SAY is directly connected to what we DO. And if we allow our language to divide the planet neatly into "the saved" and "the lost," the next thing you know we're blaming feminists, gays, and the ACLU for all the evils of society (ala Jerry Falwell and co.). It's just too dangerous.

Besides, as a Lutheran, my theological lens tells me that such a neat division of the population isn't even possible. As a Christian, I am "simul justus et peccator" - simultaneously justified through Christ AND a hopeless sinner - at the same time both "saved" and "lost." There is no WAY we can start drawing "lines" between us and them; any lines we draw would have to go right down the middle of each one of us. And, make no mistake, using language like "the lost" is as good as drawing a big, fat line.

The transformation of our churches in the 21st century will require, for those of us in the mainline, some serious theological reflection. What exactly ARE we doing when we "evangelize," anyway? What precisely DOES it mean to be called into participation in God's mission?

I don't think we have, collectively, answered these questions very well...which is how those of us with an evangelical, missional heart (like Bishop Payne) end up using whatever theological and Biblical categories we have at our disposal.

Again, I say, resist that temptation.

Let's wrestle together:

Why DO you feel compelled to share the good news about what God is up to? What DO you think will happen in the world and in the lives of people if you share it? What is God's DREAM for us and for creation? What DOES it mean for us to participate in God's mission to make that dream come true? And how are your answers to these questions consistent with what you believe to be true about God, Jesus, the world, heaven, hell, your neighbor, yourself?

If we're not willing to do this basic, hard, theological work...then we might as well roll down our sleeves and go home.

Kelly Fryer

P.S. We're on the road until Tuesday...see you here next week. Have a great weekend!