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A Few Loose A Few Loose Theological Threads Theological Threads in the in the Untied Untied Church of Church of Canada Canada

A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

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Page 1: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Few Loose A Few Loose Theological ThreadsTheological Threads

in the in the UntiedUntied Church of Church of

CanadaCanada

Page 2: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Berwick CampBerwick CampTheology for Today 2013Theology for Today 2013

Rev Dr Rob FennellRev Dr Rob FennellAtlantic School of TheologyAtlantic School of Theology

Page 3: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

MondayMonday

Page 4: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Prayer to Begin (VU 573)A Prayer to Begin (VU 573)

Eternal Spirit of the living Eternal Spirit of the living Christ, I know not how to Christ, I know not how to ask or what to say; I only ask or what to say; I only

know my need, as deep as know my need, as deep as life, and only you can teach life, and only you can teach

me how to pray.me how to pray.Amen.Amen.

- Frank von Christierson- Frank von Christierson

Page 5: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Theology for Today 2013Theology for Today 2013

5 loose threads in the 5 loose threads in the UntiedUntied ChurchChurch

ecclesiology ecclesiology (what’s up with the (what’s up with the church?)church?)

anthropologyanthropology (what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

atonement atonement (what’s to be done about (what’s to be done about sin?)sin?)

ministry ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)(gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

Page 6: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

ecclesiologyecclesiology (what’s up with the (what’s up with the church?)church?)

Page 7: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

ecclesiology ecclesiology

one big mess? one big mess?

four marks, four marks,

six functions, six functions,

two awesome promises two awesome promises

……and the Blues Brothersand the Blues Brothers

Page 8: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

““Blues Brothers” videoBlues Brothers” video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4YrCFz0Kfchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4YrCFz0Kfc

Page 9: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

ecclesiology ecclesiology

Page 10: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

ecclesiology ecclesiology

EK + KLESIA + LOGOSEK + KLESIA + LOGOS

Page 11: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

““the church doesn’t have the church doesn’t have

a mission … a mission …

the mission the mission

has a church”has a church”

Page 12: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

God raises up:God raises up:

communities of faith, communities of faith,

communities of disciples, communities of disciples,

communities of service, communities of service,

communities of resistancecommunities of resistance

Page 13: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

God raises up:God raises up:communities of faith, communities of faith,

communities of disciples, communities of disciples,

communities of service, communities of service,

communities of resistancecommunities of resistance

… … to accomplish to accomplish

peace, justice, peace, justice,

joy, bread for alljoy, bread for all

Page 14: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

four marks of the churchfour marks of the churchas named in the Nicene Creed: as named in the Nicene Creed:

oneone

holyholy

catholiccatholic

apostolicapostolic

Page 15: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

six functions of the churchsix functions of the churchas named in the New Testament: as named in the New Testament:

didache didache (teaching the faith)(teaching the faith)kerygma kerygma (proclaiming the faith)(proclaiming the faith)diakonia diakonia (serving others)(serving others)marturia marturia (bearing witness in (bearing witness in public)public)koinonia koinonia (being a community)(being a community) leiturgia leiturgia (worshipping)(worshipping)

Page 16: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Song of Faith (2006)A Song of Faith (2006)

Page 17: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Song of Faith (2006)A Song of Faith (2006)

With the Church through the ages,With the Church through the ages,

we speak of Godwe speak of God as one and triune as one and triune … the One on whom our hearts rely… the One on whom our hearts rely

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We sing of a churchWe sing of a churchseeking to seeking to continue the story of Jesuscontinue the story of Jesusby embodying Christ’s presence in the by embodying Christ’s presence in the world.world.We are called together by ChristWe are called together by Christas aas a communitycommunity of broken but hopeful of broken but hopeful believers,believers,loving what he loved,loving what he loved,living what he taught,living what he taught,striving to be faithful servants of Godstriving to be faithful servants of Godin our time and place.in our time and place.

Page 19: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Our ancestors in faithOur ancestors in faithbequeath to us experiences of their bequeath to us experiences of their faithful living;faithful living;upon their lives our lives are built.upon their lives our lives are built.Our living of the gospel makes us a Our living of the gospel makes us a part of this part of this communion of saints,communion of saints,experiencing the fulfillment of God’s experiencing the fulfillment of God’s reignreigneven as we actively even as we actively anticipate a anticipate a new heaven and a new earthnew heaven and a new earth..

Page 20: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

The church has not always lived up to The church has not always lived up to its vision.its vision.It requires the Spirit It requires the Spirit to reorient it,to reorient it,helping it to live an emerging faith helping it to live an emerging faith while honouring tradition,while honouring tradition,challenging it to live by grace rather challenging it to live by grace rather than entitlement,than entitlement,for we are called for we are called to be a blessing to be a blessing to the earth.to the earth.

Page 21: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

We sing of God’s good news lived out,We sing of God’s good news lived out,a church with purpose:a church with purpose:faith nurtured and hearts comforted,faith nurtured and hearts comforted,gifts shared for the good of all,gifts shared for the good of all,resistance to the forces that exploit and resistance to the forces that exploit and marginalize,marginalize,fierce love in the face of violence,fierce love in the face of violence,human dignity defended,human dignity defended,members of a communitymembers of a community held and inspired by held and inspired by God, God, corrected and comforted,corrected and comforted,instrument of the loving Spirit of Christ, instrument of the loving Spirit of Christ, creation’s mending.creation’s mending.We sing of God’s mission.We sing of God’s mission.

Page 22: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

BaptismBaptism by water in the name by water in the name of the Holy Trinityof the Holy Trinity

is is the means by which we are the means by which we are received,received, at any age, at any age,

into the covenanted community into the covenanted community of the church.of the church.

Page 23: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Can you offer a positive Can you offer a positive exampleexample

of one of the six functions of one of the six functions in your local context?in your local context?

didache didache (teaching the faith)(teaching the faith)kerygma kerygma (proclaiming the faith)(proclaiming the faith)diakonia diakonia (serving others)(serving others)marturia marturia (bearing witness in public)(bearing witness in public)koinonia koinonia (being a community)(being a community) leiturgia leiturgia (worshipping)(worshipping)

Page 24: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

two promises for the two promises for the churchchurch

Page 25: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

two promisestwo promises

Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18

Upon this rock (Peter), I will build my Upon this rock (Peter), I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.prevail against it.

Page 26: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

two promisestwo promises

Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18

Upon this rock (Peter), I will build my Upon this rock (Peter), I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.prevail against it.

Matthew 28:20Matthew 28:20

I am with you always, I am with you always,

even to the end of the age.even to the end of the age.

Page 27: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Prayer to Close (VU 576)A Prayer to Close (VU 576)Almighty God, whose son Jesus Almighty God, whose son Jesus

Christ has taught us that what we Christ has taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for him; and sisters we do also for him;

give us the will to be the servants give us the will to be the servants of others as he was the servant of of others as he was the servant of all, who gave up his life and died all, who gave up his life and died for us, but is alive and reigns with for us, but is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and forever. Amen.now and forever. Amen.- Augustine of Hippo (354-430)- Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Page 28: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

ecclesiology ecclesiology

one big mess? one big mess?

four marks, four marks,

six functions, six functions,

two awesome promises two awesome promises

……and the Blues Brothersand the Blues Brothers

Page 29: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada
Page 30: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

TuesdayTuesday

Page 31: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Few Loose A Few Loose Theological ThreadsTheological Threads

in the in the UntiedUntied Church of Church of

CanadaCanada

Page 32: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Theology for Today 2013Theology for Today 2013

5 loose threads in the 5 loose threads in the UntiedUntied ChurchChurch

ecclesiology ecclesiology (what’s up with the (what’s up with the church?)church?)

anthropologyanthropology (what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

atonement atonement (what’s to be done about (what’s to be done about sin?)sin?)

ministry ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)(gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

Page 33: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Prayer to Begin (VU 490)A Prayer to Begin (VU 490)

Loving God, within Christ’s Loving God, within Christ’s body may we find our best body may we find our best and truest selves revealed, and truest selves revealed,

called forth, supported by its called forth, supported by its love to live at peace, made love to live at peace, made

whole and healed.whole and healed.Amen.Amen.

- Joy F. Patterson- Joy F. Patterson

Page 34: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

anthropologyanthropology(what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

anthroposanthropos [human being] + [human being] + logoslogos

Page 35: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

clip from “Wall Street”clip from “Wall Street”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_iorX_MAwv=PF_iorX_MAw

Page 36: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada
Page 37: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

anthropologyanthropology(what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

Page 38: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

4 distortions4 distortions

worth-lessworth-less

divinedivine

consumersconsumers

atomizedatomized

Page 39: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

4 distortions4 distortions 4 alternatives4 alternatives

worth-lessworth-less beloved creature-beloved creature-spiritspirit

divinedivine servantservant

consumersconsumers stewardsteward

atomizedatomized member of the member of the BodyBody

Page 40: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

#1#1

distortion: worth-lessdistortion: worth-less

paradigm: merely carbon & paradigm: merely carbon & waterwater

temptation: rejectiontemptation: rejection

alternative: beloved creature alternative: beloved creature with a with a spiritspirit

virtue: charityvirtue: charity

Page 41: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

#2#2

distortion: self-divinitydistortion: self-divinity

paradigm: emperorshipparadigm: emperorship

temptation: dominationtemptation: domination

alternative: servantalternative: servant

virtue: humilityvirtue: humility

Page 42: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

#3#3

distortion: consumerdistortion: consumer

paradigm: I shop therefore I amparadigm: I shop therefore I am

temptation: insatiabilitytemptation: insatiability

alternative: stewardalternative: steward

virtue: generosityvirtue: generosity

Page 43: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

#4#4

distortion: atomized/private distortion: atomized/private individualindividual

paradigm: me against the worldparadigm: me against the world

temptation: despairtemptation: despair

alternative: member of the Bodyalternative: member of the Body

virtue: solidarityvirtue: solidarity

Page 44: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

4 distortions4 distortions 4 alternatives4 alternatives

worth-lessworth-less beloved creature-beloved creature-spiritspirit

divinedivine servantservant

consumersconsumers stewardsteward

atomizedatomized member of the member of the BodyBody

Page 45: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada
Page 46: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada
Page 47: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

WednesdayWednesday

Page 48: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Few Loose A Few Loose Theological ThreadsTheological Threads

in the in the UntiedUntied Church of Church of

CanadaCanada

Page 49: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Theology for Today 2013Theology for Today 2013

5 loose threads in the 5 loose threads in the UntiedUntied ChurchChurch

ecclesiology ecclesiology (what’s up with the (what’s up with the church?)church?)

anthropologyanthropology (what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

atonement atonement (what’s to be done about (what’s to be done about sin?)sin?)

ministry ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)(gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

Page 50: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Prayer to Begin (VU 569)A Prayer to Begin (VU 569)

You call us out to praise you, the You call us out to praise you, the God who gives us birth; to gather God who gives us birth; to gather in communion, and treasure your in communion, and treasure your whole earth. We are your living whole earth. We are your living story, to hear and to be heard. story, to hear and to be heard. We praise your name, who writes We praise your name, who writes us: the Author and the Word. us: the Author and the Word. Amen.Amen.

- Anna Briggs- Anna Briggs

Page 51: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

Page 52: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

activity:activity: following, learning, following, learning, apprenticingapprenticing

identity:identity: being a follower, learner,being a follower, learner, apprenticeapprentice

mandate:mandate: making disciples (Matt. 28)making disciples (Matt. 28)

Page 53: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

What is a disciple like?What is a disciple like?

What do disciples do in the What do disciples do in the Bible?Bible?

Page 54: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

In Mark, disciples:In Mark, disciples:

Hear a call and followHear a call and follow

Travel with JesusTravel with Jesus

Ask questions of Jesus and are Ask questions of Jesus and are taughttaught

MisunderstandMisunderstand

Witness Jesus’ deeds Witness Jesus’ deeds

Assist Jesus’ ministryAssist Jesus’ ministry

Are commissionedAre commissioned

Testify about the good newsTestify about the good news

Page 55: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

are astounded by J’s teachingare astounded by J’s teachingconnect the people with Jesus for connect the people with Jesus for

healinghealingeat with Jesus and sinnerseat with Jesus and sinners

cast out demonscast out demonsgo for boat ridesgo for boat rides

count bread, money, and peoplecount bread, money, and peoplegather leftoversgather leftovers

row hardrow hardare afraid, astounded, amazedare afraid, astounded, amazed

ask for special honoursask for special honoursget angry with each otherget angry with each other

ignore religious lawsignore religious lawsforget their lunchforget their lunch

betray, fall asleep, deny, weepbetray, fall asleep, deny, weep

Page 56: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Markan disciple:A Markan disciple:

relies on the one she/he followsrelies on the one she/he followsis often surprisedis often surprised has choiceshas choices is not perfectis not perfect is entrusted with gifts and tasksis entrusted with gifts and tasks

Page 57: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

For today’s disciples:For today’s disciples:

The call to follow is common to The call to follow is common to us allus allGrace comes before discipleshipGrace comes before discipleshipPerfection is never requiredPerfection is never requiredTwo distinctions:Two distinctions:

ChristoformityChristoformity we never stop being discipleswe never stop being disciples

Page 58: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

For conversation:For conversation:

Is discipleship just another Is discipleship just another lifestyle? One choice among lifestyle? One choice among many? An aesthetic taste for a many? An aesthetic taste for a way of life? way of life?

Like being a vegetarian, or a Like being a vegetarian, or a pacifist, or going to movies on pacifist, or going to movies on Saturday evenings, or enjoying Saturday evenings, or enjoying walking with alpine walking walking with alpine walking sticks?sticks?

Page 59: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Varieties of response to Varieties of response to the call/invitationthe call/invitationFocus on God, not Focus on God, not survivalsurvivalDisposition of the heartDisposition of the heart““Feeling God’s pleasure”Feeling God’s pleasure”

Page 60: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

clip from “Chariots of Fire”clip from “Chariots of Fire”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwyltmUR3MUv=uwyltmUR3MU

Page 61: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Members of the BodyMembers of the Body

> a law of love> a law of love

> at communion> at communion

> in baptism> in baptism

> free people on the > free people on the WayWay

Page 62: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Will you come and follow Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you Will you go where you don’t know and never be don’t know and never be the same?the same?

Will you let my love be Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my shown? Will you let my name be known?name be known?

Will you let my life be Will you let my life be grown in you, and you in grown in you, and you in me?me?

Page 63: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Christ, your summons echoes Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my true when you but call my name.name.

Let me turn and follow you Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.and never be the same.

In your company I’ll go where In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.your love and footsteps show.

Thus I’ll move and live and Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.grow in you and you in me.

Page 64: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada
Page 65: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

ThursdayThursday

Page 66: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Few Loose A Few Loose Theological ThreadsTheological Threads

in the in the UntiedUntied Church of Church of

CanadaCanada

Page 67: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Theology for Today 2013Theology for Today 2013

5 loose threads in the 5 loose threads in the UntiedUntied ChurchChurch

ecclesiology ecclesiology (what’s up with the (what’s up with the church?)church?)

anthropologyanthropology (what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

atonement atonement (what’s to be done about (what’s to be done about sin?)sin?)

ministry ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)(gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

Page 68: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

A Prayer to Begin (VU 685)A Prayer to Begin (VU 685)

We turn to you, O God of every We turn to you, O God of every nation, giver of good and origin of nation, giver of good and origin of life: your love is at the heart of all life: your love is at the heart of all creation; your hurt is people’s pain in creation; your hurt is people’s pain in war and death. Free every heart from war and death. Free every heart from pride and self-reliance; our ways of pride and self-reliance; our ways of thought inspire with simple grace. thought inspire with simple grace. Break down among us barriers of Break down among us barriers of defiance; speak to the soul of all the defiance; speak to the soul of all the human race. human race. Amen.Amen.

- Fred Kaan- Fred Kaan

Page 69: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

atonementatonement (what is it?)(what is it?)

… … God’s response to sinGod’s response to sin… … overcoming alienation or overcoming alienation or estrangementestrangement… … God’s desire to reconcile us God’s desire to reconcile us and and bring us peacebring us peace… “… “At-one-ment” At-one-ment”

(Wm Tyndale 1526)(Wm Tyndale 1526)

Page 70: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Why talk about this?Why talk about this?

1)1) we have become unable to talk we have become unable to talk or even think clearly about or even think clearly about

sin sin

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Why talk about this?Why talk about this?

1)1) we have become unable to talk we have become unable to talk or even think clearly about or even think clearly about

sin sin

2)2) doctrine of atonement is doctrine of atonement is controversial/neglectedcontroversial/neglected

2a 2a - aversion to blood-and-- aversion to blood-and-sacrificesacrifice

2b2b - aversion to “divine child - aversion to “divine child abuse” abuse”

2c2c - less clear about our - less clear about our Christology Christology

Page 72: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Liberal theological tradition …Liberal theological tradition …

pridepride paralysisparalysisawesomenessawesomeness acediaacedia

PelagianismPelagianism poverty of poverty of heartheart

overestimatesoverestimatesunderestimatesunderestimates

no no needneed to be to be unableunable to to be be forgivenforgiven forgiven forgiven

Page 73: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Johnny Cash, “Hurt”Johnny Cash, “Hurt”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF9AJm0RFcv=3aF9AJm0RFc

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Four factors at work to diminish our Four factors at work to diminish our theological literacy regarding theological literacy regarding atonement:atonement:

1) allergy to the link between 1) allergy to the link between blood/sacrifice language and blood/sacrifice language and superstition superstition oror evangelicalism evangelicalism

2) aversion to any notion of a loving God 2) aversion to any notion of a loving God requiring or desiring Jesus’ sufferingrequiring or desiring Jesus’ suffering

3) Christological fogginess3) Christological fogginess4) paradoxes of liberal theology with 4) paradoxes of liberal theology with

respect to sin (pride vs. paralysis) – respect to sin (pride vs. paralysis) – resulting in a kind of a-theology resulting in a kind of a-theology regarding sin (God does not seem to be regarding sin (God does not seem to be at work in the area of sin)at work in the area of sin)

… … as a result, we often just ‘skip’ this as a result, we often just ‘skip’ this conversationconversation

Page 75: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

FOR DISCUSSIONFOR DISCUSSION

Does this make sense to you?Does this make sense to you?

What would you add or What would you add or change about this account so change about this account so far?far?

Other questions or Other questions or comments?comments?

Page 76: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Models of the AtonementModels of the Atonement

1) Ransom1) Ransom2) Honour Satisfaction2) Honour Satisfaction3) Acceptance3) Acceptance4) Moral Influence4) Moral Influence5) Penal Substitution5) Penal Substitution6) Christus Victor6) Christus Victor7) Cross + resurrection 7) Cross + resurrection together together reveal God’s reveal God’s responseresponse8) Non-atonement8) Non-atonement

Page 77: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Why bother with at-one-Why bother with at-one-ment?ment?

1) Theological mandate: 1) Theological mandate: God is not God is not prepared to ignore the pain caused by sin, prepared to ignore the pain caused by sin, alienation, estrangement : God will not alienation, estrangement : God will not leave a fractured world unreconciledleave a fractured world unreconciled

2) Pastoral mandate: 2) Pastoral mandate: How can we speak of How can we speak of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a world and in individual lives that so dearly world and in individual lives that so dearly need these things? need these things?

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A Prayer to Close A Prayer to Close Gracious God, we confess that we do not Gracious God, we confess that we do not know how to sort out the mysteries of the know how to sort out the mysteries of the ways you love and forgive us. But for ways you love and forgive us. But for now, we can say that we are grateful that now, we can say that we are grateful that you you dodo love us, and that you will not let love us, and that you will not let us go or abandon us to our brokenness. us go or abandon us to our brokenness. Teach us, Holy Spirit; speak through us Teach us, Holy Spirit; speak through us with your amazing love, so that we can with your amazing love, so that we can find ways to offer the good news of your find ways to offer the good news of your reconciling work in Jesus to the others in reconciling work in Jesus to the others in our lives. our lives. Amen.Amen.

R. FennellR. Fennell

--

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Page 80: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

FridayFriday

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A Few Loose A Few Loose Theological ThreadsTheological Threads

in the in the UntiedUntied Church of Church of

CanadaCanada

Page 82: A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

Theology for Today 2013Theology for Today 2013

5 loose threads in the 5 loose threads in the UntiedUntied ChurchChurch

ecclesiology ecclesiology (what’s up with the (what’s up with the church?)church?)

anthropologyanthropology (what does it mean to be human?)(what does it mean to be human?)

discipleship discipleship (calling? what calling?)(calling? what calling?)

atonement atonement (what’s to be done about (what’s to be done about sin?)sin?)

ministry ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)(gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

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A Prayer to Begin A Prayer to Begin Gracious and loving God, our source Gracious and loving God, our source and our joy, be with us again this and our joy, be with us again this morning as we listen and speak, morning as we listen and speak, discern and discover. Grant us hearts discern and discover. Grant us hearts eager to serve you, and fill us with eager to serve you, and fill us with those gifts of your Holy Spirit that will those gifts of your Holy Spirit that will best serve your purposes in our time best serve your purposes in our time and place. We ask this in Jesus’ name. and place. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.Amen.

R. FennellR. Fennell

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ministry ministry (gifts of the Spirit? (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)seriously?)

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clip from clip from

““Four Weddings and a Funeral”Four Weddings and a Funeral”(up to the 4-minute mark)(up to the 4-minute mark)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm0XqDm8Uh0v=Wm0XqDm8Uh0

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ministryministry

Calling – vocation – belongs to all Calling – vocation – belongs to all disciples. All disciples are called.disciples. All disciples are called.

>Latin >Latin vocarevocare, “to call”, “to call”

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characteristics of callings to characteristics of callings to ministry ministry

God takes the initiativeGod takes the initiative

Calling is connected to our areas of Calling is connected to our areas of giftednessgiftedness

The Church has a special task of The Church has a special task of assisting individuals to discover assisting individuals to discover their calling, to test it communally, their calling, to test it communally, and to deploy it appropriatelyand to deploy it appropriately

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1 Corinthians 121 Corinthians 12“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and

sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. … sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. … There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

and there are varieties of services, but the same and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord … Lord … To each is given the manifestation of To each is given the manifestation of

the Spirit for the common good. the Spirit for the common good. To one is To one is given through the Spirit … wisdom, and to another given through the Spirit … wisdom, and to another … knowledge … to another faith … to another gifts … knowledge … to another faith … to another gifts

of healing …. All these are activated by one and of healing …. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one the same Spirit, who allots to each one

individually individually just as the Spirit choosesjust as the Spirit chooses.”.”

Ephesians 4Ephesians 4“Each of us was given grace“Each of us was given grace according to the according to the

measure of Christ’s gift” … also … apostles, measure of Christ’s gift” … also … apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers,

equippers, builders-up …equippers, builders-up …

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A Song of Faith (2006)A Song of Faith (2006)We are each given particular gifts of the Spirit.We are each given particular gifts of the Spirit.For the sake of the world,For the sake of the world,

God calls all followers of Jesus to Christian God calls all followers of Jesus to Christian ministry.ministry.

In the church,In the church,somesome are called to are called to specific ministriesspecific ministries of of

leadership, leadership, both lay and ordered;both lay and ordered;somesome witnesswitness to the good news; to the good news;some upholdsome uphold the art of worship; the art of worship;some comfortsome comfort the grieving and guide the the grieving and guide the

wandering;wandering;some build upsome build up the community of wisdom; the community of wisdom;some stand withsome stand with the oppressed and work for the oppressed and work for

justice.justice.To embody God’s love in the world,To embody God’s love in the world,

the work of the church requires the the work of the church requires the ministry ministry and and discipleship of all believers.discipleship of all believers.

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General Council report (2009)General Council report (2009)

The church is a community of believers (The church is a community of believers (ecclesiaecclesia) ) called into existence by the presence of Jesus called into existence by the presence of Jesus Christ and the call to Christ and the call to continue Christ’s ministrycontinue Christ’s ministry in the world. Through the Spirit, who enlivens and in the world. Through the Spirit, who enlivens and renews the church, renews the church, all members are called to all members are called to discipleship to contribute to Christ’s discipleship to contribute to Christ’s ministry,ministry, the work of the church. The church is the work of the church. The church is about God’s mission in the world; that there will about God’s mission in the world; that there will be shalom for God’s creatures and healing for be shalom for God’s creatures and healing for God’s creation. God’s creation. Mission and ministry cannot be Mission and ministry cannot be separated.separated.

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General Council report (2009)General Council report (2009)

While all members share in Christ’s ministry, the While all members share in Christ’s ministry, the church from its earliest days has recognized that church from its earliest days has recognized that God God calls some from within the community through calls some from within the community through specific gifts to ordered expressions of ministry.specific gifts to ordered expressions of ministry.

… … The capacity to respond to God’s call is tested The capacity to respond to God’s call is tested by the communityby the community and is therefore a reminder that and is therefore a reminder that these ministries belong to the body of Christ. these ministries belong to the body of Christ.

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General Council report (2009)General Council report (2009)

Ministry is relational in character in that it is Ministry is relational in character in that it is based in the gifts of the Spirit given to build based in the gifts of the Spirit given to build up the body of Christup the body of Christ. .

……Ministry is accountable in character, in that Ministry is accountable in character, in that it is exercised on behalf of and therefore it is exercised on behalf of and therefore with the authority of the faith communitywith the authority of the faith community. . Ordered and designated lay ministries in their Ordered and designated lay ministries in their various forms begin with a call that is tested by various forms begin with a call that is tested by the community and is exercised under the the community and is exercised under the discipline of a presbytery. discipline of a presbytery.

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But wait, there’s more!But wait, there’s more!

leadershipleadership administration administrationdecision-makingdecision-making working with our working with our handshandslovingloving teaching teachingparenting/grandparentingparenting/grandparenting befriending befriendingneighbouringneighbouring **encouraging **encouraging welcomingwelcoming feeding feedingserving as elders, etc.serving as elders, etc. music ministries music ministriesworking for justice and peace organizingworking for justice and peace organizingdiaconal, ordained, designated laydiaconal, ordained, designated lay**praying **praying

… and more…… and more…

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For discussion:For discussion:

Which ministries do you Which ministries do you enjoy sharing? Which enjoy sharing? Which

have noticed and have noticed and appreciated among your appreciated among your

fellow-Christians?fellow-Christians?

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ChristoformityChristoformity

The best ministry is modelled on the The best ministry is modelled on the ministry of Jesus: ministry of Jesus:

… self-giving love… self-giving love… generous… generous… reliant on God’s direction and support… reliant on God’s direction and support… part of a faith community/team/Body… part of a faith community/team/Body… desires others’ thriving: abundant life… desires others’ thriving: abundant life

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Thanks for being part of Thanks for being part of Theology for Today 2013.Theology for Today 2013.

Rev Dr Rob FennellRev Dr Rob FennellAtlantic School of TheologyAtlantic School of [email protected] [email protected]

Facebook:Facebook: Robert C Fennell Robert C Fennell

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