tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53546656948310712712024-03-13T17:18:55.151-05:00Brian PaulsonA blog for the sake of sharing Brian's life and ideas with friends, colleagues and others with interest in my reflections that reach beyond my local ministry. Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-84224253731250472302015-09-22T14:37:00.001-05:002015-09-22T14:44:55.986-05:00Report from the 2015 Waldensian Synod<div class="headline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 32px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></h2>
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 32px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/2015/08/23/galleries/Apertura%20del%20Sinodo/_mg_2712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/2015/08/23/galleries/Apertura%20del%20Sinodo/_mg_2712.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></h2>
</div>
<div id="content" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px;">
<div class="intro" id="intro" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<div class="content" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The 2015 Synod of the Waldensian Methodist Church of Italy was filled with challenge, possibility, and joy. It was a privilege to observe both the Synod and the preceding gathering of the Corpo Pastorale (Pastoral Body). Every Synod gathers to address important matters of the day, but it also serves as a powerful reunion of sisters and brothers in faith from across Italy with ecumenical visitors from around the globe.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/24/image/img_3587.jpg?itok=PWxKN_jH" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/24/image/img_3587.jpg?itok=PWxKN_jH" height="153" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revs. Tomassone, Tenclay, and Natoli lead the walk to worship.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><i><a href="https://youtu.be/hmWn9SbMMXg" target="_blank">Opening worship</a> </i></b><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">this year offered a challenging word on Luke 11:29-32 from Pastor Erika Tomassone about the signs of this generation. <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/24/una-spiritualita-rinnovata" target="_blank">Eleonora Natoli</a> was ordained into pastoral ministry after a long journey to faith and a new chapter for her life in a "second career." In many ways, Eleonora represents a vision of hope for the church as new members come to faith through the Waldensian/Methodist church. Rev. Tim TenClay was received as a pastor from the Reformed Church in America to serve in mission at Palermo, Trapani, and Marsala in Sicily. <a href="https://www2.rca.org/tenclay" target="_blank">Tim is married to J.J. TenClay</a> who also will be in mission working in social service with <a href="http://www.pellegrinodellaterra.it/" target="_blank">Pellegrino della Terra</a> serving immigrant women in Sicily that are making a new start in life. The worship concluded with a moving benediction in song whose lyrics were penned by the beloved </span><a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/04/07/la-scomparsa-della-pastora-caterina-dupre" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Pastor Caterina Dupre</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">, immediate past director of the Agape Ecumenical Center, who died much too young due to cancer this year.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/24/image/dscf3957.jpg?itok=vVcLnWPb" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/24/image/dscf3957.jpg?itok=vVcLnWPb" height="153" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Rev. Eric Noffke, Ph.D., Rev. Cristina Arcidiacono and Rev. Daniela diCarlo<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><i><a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/24/una-fraternita-reale-e-impegnativa" target="_blank">The Corpo Pastorale</a></i></b><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> preceded all of the Synod's opening activities. The pastoral leaders received some in-service boundary training, reflected on the impact of <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/24/la-resurrezione-una-marcia-piu-che-da-motivazioni" target="_blank">the resurrection on practical ministry</a> and heard a report on the </span><a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/03/27/uno-scambio-proficuo" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">pastoral formation opportunity in America ("EFFE")</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> supported by the American Waldensian Society. They also considered a new liturgy being developed for blessings of same sex unions. As the weekend activities transpired, there clearly was great emphasis on the refugee and immigration crisis - including an open air presentation on the street </span><a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/23/image/sinodo-546.jpg?itok=9uoVIvta" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">in front of the Foresteria in Torre Pellice</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">. This </span><a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/galleria/public/2015/08/23/galleries/Prima%20del%20Sinodo/sinodo-542bn.jpg?itok=pB1L0zdw" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">presentation</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> covered the subject of ministry to immigrants who found themselves incarcerated. It was an emotional beginning to the gathering of Synod.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://mediterraneanhope.wordpress.com/english-version/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dq65G8GBvzaV4w7_Zk3tls1z31NxhIPR5m65JfUNOUrFIkkQ5Rq_ntUNxCB_2uDZ1wQFRXKJ80slC-w88rWqQuoc3zpMVwugOs4rUnZQF7NrCMXl1sFWbeaWvhZfTSJiu0LhNqer_K4/s1600/mediteranean+hope.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><i><a href="https://mediterraneanhope.wordpress.com/english-version/" target="_blank">Mediterranean Hope</a></i></b><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> was the subject of a moving evening presentation early in the week of Synod before a packed house at the Waldensian Church of Torre Pellice. Paolo Naso moderated the presentation that featured several speakers on the situation of refugees and immigrants as Mediterranean Hope opens new avenues for compassion and service. The speakers were Marta Bernardini, who directs the </span><a href="http://riforma.it/en/node/4371" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">observation post </a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">of </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mediterranean-hope-252231521632595/timeline/" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Mediterranean Hope on the island of Lampedusa</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">; Yvan Sagnet, an organizer and recent immigrant from Cameroon; and Mario Marazziti, former director of the parliamentary commission on human rights, who also is a member of the Roman Catholic Mediterranean Hope partner, </span><a href="http://www.santegidio.org/" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Communità di Sant'Egidio</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">. Each told a moving story with a challenge for insight, companionship and solidarity. This emotional challenge resonated throughout the entire week in conversations and decisions. Also, the valley town of Villar Pellice became home to 60 new immigrants in a structure converted for hospitality by the diaconal work of the Waldensian Church. A local <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/09/03/ero-straniero-e-mi-accoglieste-villar-pellice-tempio-pieno-lincontro-sui" target="_blank">town hall kind of gathering in Villar Pellice</a> engaged the issue in practical terms as they received the challenge of the gospel from Moderator Eugenio Bernardini and other leaders.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvzDDGbXlj5QwDUQ8adyCSKPioeyYJX5_9mm_x88uoSOIda8MxZLiz2-GI6OwlTutBNho8mRVaERUR_qWYg5kHXqG13jit_flspKtfXSdcQZP-Dnww_cX-TKpxc2c7MxUlHDegj9f1MI/s1600/francis+bernardini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvzDDGbXlj5QwDUQ8adyCSKPioeyYJX5_9mm_x88uoSOIda8MxZLiz2-GI6OwlTutBNho8mRVaERUR_qWYg5kHXqG13jit_flspKtfXSdcQZP-Dnww_cX-TKpxc2c7MxUlHDegj9f1MI/s320/francis+bernardini.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moderator Bernardini and Elder Sergio Velluto present a historic Bible to Pope Francis </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><i>Ecumenism</i></b><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> took center stage throughout the gathering. The Synod responded to greetings from Pope Francis and considered a response to his request, </span><a href="http://www.globalministries.org/waldensian_synod_responds_to_pope_francis_request_for_forgiveness" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">, for forgiveness - relating to past church actions that most consider, in the words of the pope, un-Christian or even inhuman. The Synod after much debate responded graciously with a desire to begin a new chapter of reconciliation and dialogue in relations with the Roman Catholic Church. Also of great ecumenical significance was the <a href="http://www.chiesavaldese.org/aria_article_cat.php?ref=255" target="_blank">40th anniversary</a> of the federation of the Waldensian and Methodist churches in Italy. To mark the occasion, there was a wide range of Methodist ecumenical guests from around the world who joined in their greetings throughout the Synod and at the annual ecumenical dinner.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/27/image/aczpu-51g2vpmp91o3kpz77msjw50ktbawvxj2w0bja.jpeg?itok=HuZ7yBZW" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/27/image/aczpu-51g2vpmp91o3kpz77msjw50ktbawvxj2w0bja.jpeg?itok=HuZ7yBZW" height="153" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Paola Schellenbaum (left, re: "Family") and Rev. Mirella Manocchio (right, re: Liturgy)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><i><a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/27/conferenza-stampa-del-sinodo-di-giovedi-27-agosto" target="_blank">Liturgy and Family</a> </i></b><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">took <a href="https://youtu.be/gmWsC3GroLo" target="_blank">center stage</a> both at the Corpo Pastorale and during the Synod as the leadership worked to inaugurate material for use in worship in response to the prior Synod's affirmation of options for blessing same-sex unions. There will be one more year of study and reflection before the liturgy is formally adopted. These conversations at the Corpo Pastorale and during the Synod included a very thorough <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/28/famiglie-plurali" target="_blank">review of the changing family realities of Italy</a>. A commission had extensively studied the ways in which the church can walk beside the varied expressions of family in our modern world in a way that is faithful and helpful. The commission's findings were carefully reviewed by Synod.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://casacares.typepad.com/photos/through_the_years/img_0896.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<b style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><i><a href="http://casacares.typepad.com/casa_cares/home_english.html" target="_blank">Casa Cares</a></i></b><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> at Regello, Tuscany, was approved for a dramatic <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/26/opere-futuro-assicurato-casa-cares" target="_blank">renovation and expanded focus</a> for ministry. The diaconal leadership of the church was given oversight and responsibility for the center. The goal of this oversight will be to identify an expanded clientele in renovated facilities with new leadership to be found upon the retirement of Paul Krieg at the beginning of 2016. Both <a href="http://casacares.typepad.com/photos/through_the_years/img_0125.jpg" target="_blank">Paul</a> and his wife, <a href="http://casacares.typepad.com/photos/through_the_years/fal%C3%B2-antoinette.jpg" target="_blank">Antoinette</a>, were commended warmly for their devoted length of tenure and valuable service of Christian love. In addition, the other diaconal centers were reviewed carefully as is common practice. The opening of a new museum and reinvigorated ministry at <a href="http://www.serviziocristiano.org/" target="_blank">Riesi, Sicily</a>, were celebrated as well.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/28/image/schermata_2015-08-28_alle_13.50.47.png?itok=NMMmDhme" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://riforma.it/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2015/08/28/image/schermata_2015-08-28_alle_13.50.47.png?itok=NMMmDhme" height="153" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfrederick" target="_blank">Kevin Frederick</a> (left) and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/revbrianpaulson" target="_blank">Brian Paulson</a> (right) being <a href="https://youtu.be/5xTHwSolO8c" target="_blank">interviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/RadioBeckwith" target="_blank">Radio Beckwith</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">It was a joy to share observations with the Presbyterian Church (USA) ecumenical delegate - <a href="http://www.waldensianpresbyterian.org/" target="_blank">Valdese, North Carolina's</a> own Pastor Kevin Frederick of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-lGnPJLMpE" target="_blank">Waldensian Presbyterian Church</a>. I had to depart just prior to closing sessions because of the length of my stay for the Corpo Pastorale. However, Kevin was privileged to observe the Synod engagement with leadership of the Roman Catholic Church as a continuation of the ecumenical discussions earlier in the week. Kevin reported being particularly well impressed by the length and warmth of applause afforded to the <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/08/28/camminiamo-insieme-al-servizio-del-vangelo" target="_blank">Roman Catholic ecumenical delegate's remarks</a> to the assembly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5lRKl9ng5AwrTGwXh_XQyZ1_DKEWfWvt6q0J0bzOYFNCdRSZgooTXmTQVYsduiDb9jzuwahxOkbiICReUza4vJSlIwo16PK9afdOGbjTGsxX_PKDtIlrUbPErPv6f1PFn-VAabtd9us/s1600/Davide+Brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5lRKl9ng5AwrTGwXh_XQyZ1_DKEWfWvt6q0J0bzOYFNCdRSZgooTXmTQVYsduiDb9jzuwahxOkbiICReUza4vJSlIwo16PK9afdOGbjTGsxX_PKDtIlrUbPErPv6f1PFn-VAabtd9us/s320/Davide+Brian.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rev. Davide Ollearo (with his new Cubs hat after worship in Pramollo) with Brian Paulson. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">As anyone who has attended these gatherings will attest, there is so much more to express that simply will not fit into a brief report. The days began early and ended very late every day of my attendance. Friendships were renewed and projects prepared. My congregation was able to plan a youth service initiative with a </span><a href="http://www.milanovaldese.it/" style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">congregation in Milan</a><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> next summer. Leadership of the <a href="http://riforma.it/it/articolo/2015/01/15/la-condivisione-comunitaria-non-ha-confini" target="_blank">EFFE project</a> was able to discuss hopes for next year's project. I find myself joyfully exhausted after it all. I hope this report gives all of you a sense of the Synod. I am always happy to talk about further details with any of you individually in the days ahead.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-82110899879827068372015-07-28T16:43:00.001-05:002015-07-29T10:56:28.975-05:00Report on the General Synod meeting of the Reformed Church in America – June, 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">It was a privilege
to serve as the ecumenical representative of the Presbyterian Church, (USA) at
the gathering of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America as they
met from June 11-16 on the campus of Trinity Christian College outside of
Chicago, Illinois. What follows is a
summary of the actions I observed and some of the dynamics I perceived from the
meeting.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhRxe5ooE0ZC_c-axzQwJdMLI2n5M4MHBv1oyamPhOn5SBHYaYZAtFWCahSHoOpg1emqFFrgPNpJsspq8SmjhJE3KIckNk-mosFLHcbZilR59fmRN5VvH0h0A3Bu2TWA558vnrmSqsA0/s1600/Synod+Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhRxe5ooE0ZC_c-axzQwJdMLI2n5M4MHBv1oyamPhOn5SBHYaYZAtFWCahSHoOpg1emqFFrgPNpJsspq8SmjhJE3KIckNk-mosFLHcbZilR59fmRN5VvH0h0A3Bu2TWA558vnrmSqsA0/s400/Synod+Prayer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Human
sexuality and in particular issues related to homosexuality took center stage
in primary actions and hallway conversations of the delegates. There was a recommendation from the President
of the Synod to create a special council that would propose a constitutional
way forward on many of the issues of concern and disagreement amongst members
of their communion. The special council
was approved after debate that demonstrated two opposing perspectives: one
perspective was eager to define an unambiguous set of boundaries regarding
human sexuality; another perspective was concerned to allow sufficient time for
deep discernment and consensus without a rush to action. Hallway conversation perceived the special
council as a means by which more timely definition would be accomplished with
many pleased and many concerned about that prospect.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrU-ljb7cgeDlTckq_QMiNs7-9gr740eMW4_FMUJ1w0qwLfeZr7rXZDnIeuWYvSBc3Uuu3Zi8yyc_ckior15p-xIuP5H-S9iEkGkdrlAJRs7fzzkD4ojI0Ep_GzjAhnTu8sTqwzTPre4/s1600/Benton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrU-ljb7cgeDlTckq_QMiNs7-9gr740eMW4_FMUJ1w0qwLfeZr7rXZDnIeuWYvSBc3Uuu3Zi8yyc_ckior15p-xIuP5H-S9iEkGkdrlAJRs7fzzkD4ojI0Ep_GzjAhnTu8sTqwzTPre4/s400/Benton.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Transformed
and transforming leadership was the goal and theme of much of the Synod
gathering. There were many examples of
ways that the leadership of the RCA was building initiatives that would change
patterns and practices of Christian witness that would more effectively engage
the society in which we minister. One action of particular note was the
acknowledgement of “Missional Impact Partners.”
Many compelling stories were shared of ways that ministry was entering
communities that have been otherwise neglected to be reached through new
patterns of innovation. One fascinating
story described a ministry in Benton Harbor set in a neighborhood rife with
drug dealing. So much activity was going
in and out of the Pastor’s home that the police came knocking with false
assumptions, not knowing that there was a lively and active bible study taking
place each day with ex-convicts, dealers, and others from the neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Judicial
actions of the Reformed Church of America do find their way to the floor of the
General Synod. As such, there were some
decisions undertaken with regard to homosexuality that elicited much heartfelt
debate. The frustrations shared during
debate reflected some of the eagerness involved with the choices made for the
special council on constitutional action.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNidlxTrxkBtKU46xFs6kPirn8Le_6OHp0bMCYbMMTMZ6sc2BqYElfZkI2e-bOhWDeFrskXZ-vEHSiYooCaY02rl4EXI7HBZQConL_B7i0Gy7oe1jcDnt7F5zhBcAghPvwzc5rxKyltOs/s1600/Panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNidlxTrxkBtKU46xFs6kPirn8Le_6OHp0bMCYbMMTMZ6sc2BqYElfZkI2e-bOhWDeFrskXZ-vEHSiYooCaY02rl4EXI7HBZQConL_B7i0Gy7oe1jcDnt7F5zhBcAghPvwzc5rxKyltOs/s400/Panel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">An
ecumenical panel was center stage on an evening in which I joined other
ecumenical partners for a valuable dinner of sharing and prayer. The ecumenical panel included representatives
of Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Pentecostal traditions that were widely well
received by delegates to the Synod. This
panel was unique for the RCA in the sense that its focus was not upon the
formula of common agreement partners such as the PCUSA, UCC, and ELCA (all of
whom were represented along with a representative of the CRC). Also,
during the Synod plenary meeting, an </span><span style="line-height: 23px;">inter-religious</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> task force was established for
the first time to explore relations between Christians and people and groups of
other religions.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUSvg08Vt60MGfvc8ulM0MFmSiaM2mmw5gMGta7IrTI7cALWhhuqhdRZ8huXWr9f8LuVhFNc9SBlLr-IpGFYSojRMzWkSabFJUeu2YAzKZQvvCTetvEKiof0uyp5RRlNtDCEizvicme4/s1600/Synod+Ecu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUSvg08Vt60MGfvc8ulM0MFmSiaM2mmw5gMGta7IrTI7cALWhhuqhdRZ8huXWr9f8LuVhFNc9SBlLr-IpGFYSojRMzWkSabFJUeu2YAzKZQvvCTetvEKiof0uyp5RRlNtDCEizvicme4/s400/Synod+Ecu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Chiapas and
a few other regions of the world were given special focus and recognition. The ministry in Chiapas was a thorough and
historic effort by the RCA. That mission
was acknowledged as having established a robust indigenous ministry and thus
the RCA missionary effort was completed and celebrated. The commitment and imagination of these
retiring missionaries was remarkable and impacting. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHITr6MgV7l8WsDxPZqTQbO-53ABaVhkgrJEZ5CEilN1SyJHnRitIJWVaYwFpPrZRUzTNHhVhlb0HB2Uf943fl6RerdJBgAbkCdLE3iO64jMG7TUZcOz4q37bLxlOVImIDnGDi6kXJnhU/s1600/Chiapas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHITr6MgV7l8WsDxPZqTQbO-53ABaVhkgrJEZ5CEilN1SyJHnRitIJWVaYwFpPrZRUzTNHhVhlb0HB2Uf943fl6RerdJBgAbkCdLE3iO64jMG7TUZcOz4q37bLxlOVImIDnGDi6kXJnhU/s400/Chiapas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Armenian
genocide was acknowledged and lamented by special action affirming solidarity
with the Armenian people both victims and survivors. This action paralleled the efforts of the
PCUSA and other ecumenical partners.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Presbyterian links to the RCA were underscored in many sincere hallway conversations. Our ties were formally acknowledged on the rostrum during the ecumenical report. The formula of agreement remains a continuing and viable form of exchange for ministry and witness. While the stance of the RCA on matters of homosexuality now differs from the PCUSA and other formula of agreement partners, those differences were not cuase for any diminuition of formal ties and ministry. Of course, during floor debate on some contested issues, there were broadly generalized characterizations of choices and consequences in our denomination and other partners. However, none of those comments appeared to sway the very positive spirit of cooperation and mutual appreciation that was facilitated by RCA staff and delegates.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Faithfully,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Brian R. Paulson</b></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, Presbytery of Chicago</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(Brian was appointed by the Stated Clerk of the PCUSA, Gradye Parsons, as the Ecumenical representative to the General Synod 2015 our partner communion, the RCA.)</span></span>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-74479738496352172162015-04-03T11:31:00.000-05:002015-04-03T16:07:55.930-05:00Justice Done on Somebody Else<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-gunmen-attack-kenya-university-20150401-story.html" target="_blank">news from Kenya</a> spiked another deep sorrow in me this Good Friday. I say "another" because I find myself overwhelmed by the way religions have been co-opted by those who bring violent harm during the course of my adult years and ministry. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When my son was in his first year, my wife took a photo of the two of us as I lying on the floor holding him aloft in my arms. It was one of those parental pure joy moments. But what we didn't consider is that the television news was on behind the scene of the tow of us. Onscreen was a photo of Sadaam Hussein during the runup of a middle eastern war. It was a kind of foreshadowing of the transition from conflict of ideologies in the Cold War that framed my youth to the conflict of religions and worldviews that predominates today.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a middle verse in a hymn by Ebeneezer Elliot from a time just prior to the founding of my congregation in the mid-nineteenth century. That hymn was written into Godspell some years ago. Here is that verse:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Shall crime bring crime for ever,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Strength aiding still the strong?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is it thy will, O Father,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That man shall toil for wrong?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">'No,' say thy mountains; 'No,' thy skies;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And songs be heard instead of sighs;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God save the people!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If only we could be saved from ourselves and our killing impulses. Friends introduced me to the rolling lyrics of Canadian, Bruce Cockburn some years ago. His song, "Justice," seems to capture the instinct of our age - "Everybody wants to see justice done on somebody else." </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VV01_JWSins/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VV01_JWSins?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He wrote the song during the ideological battles surrounding the Central American conflicts. However, in this broadcast he sings from Canada along with the world grieving following the tragedy of 9/11. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On Good Friday, I find myself reflecting on so many dimensions of the cross. In many ways I find the cross to be a mirror of humanity and a mirror of my own soul. I have to confront the truth and reality that I too have placed <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=295078102" target="_blank">"one who knew no sin"</a> upon the cross. I always want to see justice done ... on somebody else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In humility, we see a path toward salvation. It begins when we stop the <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=295078280" target="_blank">"pointing of the finger"</a> as Isaiah framed it. Good Friday is a mirror. Perhaps that is why so many painters would paint their faces in the crowd of those looking upon the cross (or sometimes even into the face of Christ). The cross is a convicting mirror. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Will it change us?</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/gauguin/gauguin.christ-jaune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/gauguin/gauguin.christ-jaune.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Paul Gaugin - "The Yellow Christ"</span></i></div>
<br />Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-57631172702065940392015-04-01T11:45:00.000-05:002015-04-03T15:37:43.207-05:00A Convicting Mirror from Auden for Holy Week<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">“Just as we were all, potentially, in Adam when he fell, so we were all, potentially, in Jerusalem on that first Good Friday before there was an Easter, a Pentecost, a Christian, or a Church. It seems to me worth while asking ourselves who we should have been and what we should have been doing. None of us, I’m certain, will imagine himself as one of the Disciples, cowering in an agony of spiritual despair and physical terror. Very few of us are big wheels enough to see ourselves as Pilate, or good churchmen enough to see ourselves as a member of the Sanhedrin. In my most optimistic mood I see myself as a Hellenized Jew from Alexandria visiting an intellectual friend. We are walking along, engaged in philosophical argument. Our path takes us past the base of Golgotha. Looking up, we see an all-too-familiar sight — three crosses surrounded by a jeering crowd. Frowning with prim distaste, I say, “It’s disgusting the way the mob enjoy such things. Why can’t the authorities execute criminals humanely and in private by giving them hemlock to drink, as they did with Socrates?” Then, averting my eyes from the disagreeable spectacle, I resume our fascinating discussion about the nature of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful.” </span><em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; line-height: 24.375px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">W. H. Auden, in A Certain World: A Commonplace Book</em></span>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-38764845476515243892014-05-05T09:38:00.001-05:002015-04-01T11:46:02.128-05:00Some Auden for Eastertide<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He is the Way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Follow Him through the Land of Unlikeness,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You will see rare beasts, and have unique adventures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He is the Truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Seek Him in the Kingdom of Anxiety;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You will come to a great city that has expected your return for years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He is the Life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Love Him in the World of the Flesh;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And at your marriage all its occasions shall dance for joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">- W. H. Auden (from his Christmas Oratorio :) )</span>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-48418451990539493882013-12-11T14:17:00.000-06:002013-12-11T14:22:35.775-06:00PCUSA Moderator's Conference on Unity with Difference (Reflection 1)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the meetings of the governing board of our church, "the Session," a candle is lit and burns at the center of our circle (I suppose it is really a square of tables). We are intentional with one another regarding the candle. It reminds us that our speech must pass through the refining fire of God's Holy Spirit as we discern with each other. Likewise, we remember that the presence of Jesus Christ is at the center of our shared life. Even more, we remember that believers of every place and time are joining us around the tables as a "great cloud of witnesses." We discern God's leading within a covenant community of belonging. This practice encourages us to remember the wider circle of the Church as we undertake a wide range of decisions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Within my own family, there are days when we wonder, "do I belong to THIS family?" Some days, we say, "yes!" aren't we fortunate. Other days, we say, "really?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am reflecting with a conversation being streamed online from Princeton Theological Seminary that is sponsored by the Moderator of the <a href="http://oga.pcusa.org/" target="_blank">General Assembly</a> of the <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/" target="_blank">PCUSA</a>. The title of the <a href="http://www.ptsem.edu/index.aspx?id=25769806742" target="_blank">colloquium is "Unity with Difference."</a> Currently the conversation is centered upon the question posed by Martha Moore Keish about how we Belong, Behave, and Believe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been thinking about my family table and the table of our Session because I am reflecting upon the concept of belonging. How do we belong with difference? Well, I wonder if the notion of these tables identifies the reality of our behavior. - At times, we are perplexed in families - "why did they do that?" At times, we repeat the phrase that Will Willimon's mother used to put to him, "remember who you are." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, at the table, hopefully, we have a conversation. Then, the confessions (the witness of prior generations) and confessions of other Reformed families (the current witness of our cousins) enriches the conversation when we find ourselves at wits end with each other. The light of Christ at the center of our conversation serves as a kind of magnet that continues to draw us back and together. It reminds us that God is committed to us (while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us) so perhaps we could try a little harder at being committed to each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the greatest challenges we face is an age old challenge of religion. It is present also in the scriptures - How can we be more welcoming? How can we be more fully transformed into God's calling to us? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The confessions serve as a model for addressing that challenge. It is as if we can hear people of faith throughout the ages saying, "yes, but" after each assertion. - By the grace of God, we find ourselves moving closer and closer to a deeper sense of belonging because we have become more known to each other, disclosed in conversation - personal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Current questions of debate surround LGBTIQ issues related to our relationships and how we belong to each other. Issues of strong disagreement are coming to the next General Assembly of the PCUSA. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If our commitment to each other is "a priori," then we can move to a place where our choices (specifically in this case covenanted relationships - marriage is the debate before us) are part of a personal conversation. Moreover in the church, it is a pastoral conversation. The call to pastors is to know our people. (We work at that. Knowing our flock better some days than on other days.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is what I ponder - can we articulate a "center" in Christ that draws us together, even in the midst of difference. A strong enough center - that allows pastoral conversation to shape relationships that are based upon personal knowing (the outcome of sincere and committed conversation).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found conversation about both Baptism and Eucharist in a prior discussion to be helpful. Belonging in call and belonging in brokenness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are unformed thoughts at this point - written while observing this conference. (From a distance, this is my "hallway conversation.") I am glad that we are praying/talking/learning these questions together.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-91857765172646012972013-12-09T15:40:00.001-06:002013-12-09T15:40:07.996-06:00The Calling of the Church - (An Offering in Ecclesiology)<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml"
xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word"
xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml"
xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document>
<meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12">
<meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 12">
<link rel=File-List
href="BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/filelist.xml">
<title>The Calling of the Church</title>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="State"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PersonName"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PlaceName"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PlaceType"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="City"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="place"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="time"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="country-region"/>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Author>Brian R. Paulson</o:Author>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:LastAuthor>Brian R. Paulson</o:LastAuthor>
<o:Revision>2</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>61</o:TotalTime>
<o:LastPrinted>2009-05-06T23:10:00Z</o:LastPrinted>
<o:Created>2013-12-09T21:30:00Z</o:Created>
<o:LastSaved>2013-12-09T21:30:00Z</o:LastSaved>
<o:Pages>11</o:Pages>
<o:Words>2618</o:Words>
<o:Characters>14925</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>124</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>35</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>17508</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
</xml><![endif]-->
<link rel=themeData
href="BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/themedata.thmx">
<link rel=colorSchemeMapping
href="BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/colorschememapping.xml">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>5.5 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>2</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:UseWord2002TableStyleRules/>
<w:DontUseIndentAsNumberingTabStop/>
<w:FELineBreak11/>
<w:WW11IndentRules/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:AutofitLikeWW11/>
<w:HangulWidthLikeWW11/>
<w:UseNormalStyleForList/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object
classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object>
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1627400839 -2147483648 8 0 66047 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoFootnoteText, li.MsoFootnoteText, div.MsoFootnoteText
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Footnote Text Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Header Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
tab-stops:center 3.25in right 6.5in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Footer Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
tab-stops:center 3.25in right 6.5in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.MsoFootnoteReference
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
vertical-align:super;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0000BB;
mso-text-animation:none;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;
text-decoration:none;
text-line-through:none;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoAcetate, li.MsoAcetate, div.MsoAcetate
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Balloon Text Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;}
span.BalloonTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Balloon Text Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Balloon Text";
mso-ansi-font-size:8.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Tahoma;
mso-hansi-font-family:Tahoma;
mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;}
span.sc
{mso-style-name:sc;
mso-style-unhide:no;
font-variant:small-caps;}
span.FootnoteTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Footnote Text Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Footnote Text";}
span.vv1
{mso-style-name:vv1;
mso-style-unhide:no;
font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana;
mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana;
color:#777777;}
span.HeaderChar
{mso-style-name:"Header Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Header;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;}
span.FooterChar
{mso-style-name:"Footer Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Footer;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;}
/* Page Definitions */
@page
{mso-footnote-separator:url("BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/header.htm") fs;
mso-footnote-continuation-separator:url("BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/header.htm") fcs;
mso-endnote-separator:url("BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/header.htm") es;
mso-endnote-continuation-separator:url("BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/header.htm") ecs;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-title-page:yes;
mso-even-header:url("BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/header.htm") eh1;
mso-header:url("BrianPaulsonEcclesiologyPaperforTheRegister_files/header.htm") h1;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1645963315;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1770818048 -879075154 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-start-at:0;
mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:-;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:63.0pt;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:2000229827;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1444040410 2057209152 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-start-at:0;
mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2013;
mso-level-tab-stop:93.75pt;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:93.75pt;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="3074"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang=EN-US link="#0000BB" vlink=purple style='tab-interval:.5in'>
<div class=WordSection1>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>THE
CALLING OF THE CHURCH<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:center'><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Brian
R. Paulson</span></b></st1:PersonName><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,
Pastor – First Presbyterian <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Church
of Libertyville</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center;
line-height:150%'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>May,
2009<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>INTRODUCTION
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>By
the word of the Lord the heavens were made,<br>
and all their host by the breath of his mouth. …<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Let
all the earth fear the Lord;<br>
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. <br>
<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u>For he spoke, and it came to be</u></b>;<br>
he commanded, and it stood firm.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:.75in;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:6'> </span>-
Psalm 33:6-9 sel.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>There
are an abundance of spiritual voices in the world today.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Societies are increasingly plural in speech
about God.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>However the abundance of
possibility being voiced has yet to satisfy an evident spiritual hunger among
the peoples.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The church “is
in, with, against, and for”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn1' href="#_ftn1"
name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[1]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a>
this plural world in multiple ways all at once.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The church catalyzes the world in varied
forms according to the divergence of settings in which it is found.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet regardless of its circumstance, the
church always exists in response to the call of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>He
calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>When
he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>and the sheep follow him because<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><u>they know his voice</u></i></b><i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>They
will not follow a stranger. <span style='mso-tab-count:3'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:55.0pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:6'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>- John 10:3-5</span></i><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Here
is the starting point for my understanding the Church.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is God’s creation.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is not simply another spiritual
manifestation in the world.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The
Church belongs to Jesus Christ and is God’s creation by the power of the
Holy Spirit.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Jesus, the Good
Shepherd, calls to us, seeks us out, and satisfies our spiritual hunger in
pastures green with spiritual nourishment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>BORN
OF THE SPIRIT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>“Very
truly, I tell you, no one can enter the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">God</st1:PlaceName></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:55.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>without being born of water and
Spirit.” <span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:54.7pt;line-height:150%'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:6'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>- John 3:5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
origin for an understanding of the Church is found in the power of the Holy
Spirit.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The sanctifying work of the
Holy Spirit is both the origin and the sustaining force of the church.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Consequently a proper understanding of
the Church requires a grounded understanding of sanctification.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>(Further on, I will offer some original
biblical meditation upon the calling of the church.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>However, since this paper is written in
the Jubilee year of John Calvin for the benefit of the Presbyterian Church
(USA), my primary source for foundational Reformed perspectives will be
Calvin’s <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Institutes of the
Christian Religion.</i>) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Sanctification
was a central emphasis of Calvin’s ministry in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Geneva</st1:place></st1:City> and has properly belonged at the heart
of Reformed witness ever since.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn2' href="#_ftn2"
name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[2]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Sanctification is the “newness of
life” attained through faith that is conferred by Christ.<a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn3' href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[3]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Christ “unites himself to us by
the Spirit alone”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn4' href="#_ftn4"
name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[4]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a>
and “faith is the principal work of the Holy Spirit.”<a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn5' href="#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[5]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This work of the Holy Spirit is nourished
and guided through the Church in God’s children “until they mature
and at the last reach the goal of faith.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn6'
href="#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[6]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
power of God manifest in the Holy Spirit is what shapes the Church.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Vague and generalized talk about the
movement of the spirit does not identify the Church.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Christians are not called by inchoate
spiritual winds.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>“Take away <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>the Word</i> and no faith will then
remain.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn7' href="#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:
footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[7]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The Church is born of the “ruach”
- the “wind” of God’s breath.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>That breath, “the Word”, is
established.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It calls for response
and blows in the world with the force of God as Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
sanctifying work of God offers a framework for understanding the calling of the
Church.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>God calls the Church into
being and sustains the Church in mission.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>The call of God gathers us and the power of God sends us.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The mission of the Church and the nature
of the Church are united in its calling from God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
Reformed heritage of the Christian faith has emphasized the sanctifying work of
God always reforming our life together.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>As Harold Nebelsick wrote, "We are the recipients of the activity
of the Holy Spirit which reforms the church in accordance with the Word of
God."<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn8' href="#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[8]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This transforming work of reformation is
recognized: in clear proclamation of the Word; and as the sacraments are shared
in accord with the grace of God.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn9' href="#_ftn9"
name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[9]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We
understand that a calling from God does not exist in solitude.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The Holy Spirit came upon the <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>gathered</i> disciples on the day of
Pentecost.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Today the community
lends its confirmation to every genuine call because each true call sustains an
echo in faithful response that is audible for those whose ears are trained to
hear<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn10' href="#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[10]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a>
the work of the Holy Spirit.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn11' href="#_ftn11"
name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[11]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This training to hear may be called the
discipline of nurture in virtue – another true mark of the Church.<a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn12' href="#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[12]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
Holy Spirit calls us toward a common destiny.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn13'
href="#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[13]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The Church nourishes our lives by this training
that is powered by the Holy Spirit.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn14'
href="#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[14]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Sanctification is described by Calvin as
the life changing work of repentance.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>This work of the Holy Spirit is regeneration by faith.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Such transformation takes place in the Church
as a kind of lifelong school of discipleship.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn15'
href="#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[15]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The power of the Holy Spirit strengthens
and sends the Church to teach and preach the Gospel in every place.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This is not the work of a day, but of a
lifetime.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn16' href="#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:
footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[16]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is the work of the Holy Spirit that
calls, transforms, and sends the Church in proclamation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>THE
GREAT BANQUET<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:115.9pt;margin-bottom:
0in;margin-left:54.7pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The kingdom of heaven may be
compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:116.0pt;
margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:37.0pt;text-align:right;line-height:150%'><i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>- Matthew 22:2<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
Gospels of Matthew and Luke share a parable of Jesus about a great banquet that
was prepared.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn17' href="#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:
footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[17]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Invitations had been sent out to guests
so that they were able to prepare for the occasion.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>On the day of the banquet, servants were
sent out to inform the guests that all was ready.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet the invited guests did not arrive in
timely fashion.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>So the servants
were sent out again.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Only this time
the servants were sent to gather people from the roads and hedgerows so the
extravagance of the banquet could be shared.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Since
the gathered Church is a foretaste or exhibition of the kingdom of heaven,
allow me to use the contours of this parable to reflect upon the calling of the
Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Called
to Celebrate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In
our wired and highly interconnected world, there are barely a few places in the
globe that have yet to hear about the Christian faith in some way, shape, or
form.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Even if the faith is
understood as but a caricature laced with misunderstandings or apprehensions,
most of the world has heard of Jesus and people who call themselves
Christian.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Just as most of the
world has spent some time discussing heaven and what may await them after
death.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>So also, most of the world
knows that Christians live with an expectation of heavenly reward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Every
time we gather for the Lord’s Supper in our congregation, we anticipate
the great heavenly banquet.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Our
lives are oriented toward this heavenly reward of communion with God and with
the beloved whom God has called.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>The world knows that we anticipate this banquet - just as the villagers
in Jesus’ parable must all have been aware that a banquet had been
planned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
rub of the parable begins when servants are sent out to announce the banquet
was ready.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet despite the fact
that everyone knew the banquet had been planned no one deemed it worthy of
their time to come.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Could this tell
us something about the Church and the world?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>I
realize that the parable at this point is addressing a different context and
that tensions between Gentile and Jewish Christians can be seen in its
exposition.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>But I would like to
consider it in light of our own situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Could
it be that the world knows of an invitation but, after watching the Church
through the centuries, considers our banquet to be a tasteless meal?<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Or could it be that the Church has grown
so familiar with its routine that it has forgotten to celebrate the life we
have been given?<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I believe we are
called to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In
my household the call goes out most every evening for dinner.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Everyone hears the call and understands
that there is an expectation involved in the call.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>My wife and I respond to each
other’s call because we know that all is ready and we love the person who
calls us.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The call and the table
define our lives in relationship to each other.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The call sets our lives in motion to be
gathered and nourished.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Like
the call to dinner at home, God’s call brings us to the table and sets
our lives in motion.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Like at home,
some days are more ordinary than others.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Yet the call to every Christian is a call to celebrate.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We are called to celebrate a meal that
tastes like heaven.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I believe the
Holy Spirit gives us power to celebrate the life we share as Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'>
</span>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Called
to Change<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Those
who respond to the call of God come as they are, drawn by the power of
grace.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Just as billions of people
around the world come to the Lord’s Table for communion every week, so
the banquet hall in Jesus’ parable was filled with guests.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The celebration began even without those
who defined their lives by their excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Yet
even as the hall is filled in Jesus’ parable, a jarring note is sounded.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Luke suggests that none who were invited
would taste the meal, then Jesus, in Luke, goes on to tell us we cannot be his
disciple if we do not take up the cross.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Matthew tells the story with even more jarring impact.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The king noticed that one of the guests
was not wearing a wedding robe.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>When the man was speechless without excuse, he was bound and thrown into
the outer darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In
our family, when we gather at table, there is an expectation of manners.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This extends not only to the particulars
of Emily Post, but also to the quality of the conversation we share.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We are expected to be honest about our
daily lives.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We also are expected
to encourage one another in our challenges as well as our successes.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>These and other expectations are rarely
explicit except when they are noticeably neglected.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The manners of Holy Spirit that we
expect at table are as integral to our meals as our clothes are to our
being.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>They are noticed in their
absence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>How
could the King expect a guest pulled from the hedgerows to have found a wedding
robe in short order to wear?<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Likewise, how can the grace of God call us as we are and yet expect such
dramatic change in our lives?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We
are expected to change because the Holy Spirit has called us to “put on
Christ.”<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Our baptismal gown
is a wedding robe that engrafts us in Holy Communion with Christ.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We are changed when we come to the table
– not because of our accomplishments – but because the power of the
Holy Spirit has made us part of the Body of Christ.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The sanctifying power of God is a call
to change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'>
</span>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Called
to Announce<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>“Don’t
shoot the messenger,” goes the familiar expression.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet the poor messengers of
Matthew’s parable seem to gain nothing but trouble.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>They are ignored, scoffed at,
shamed, and even killed.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In Luke,
the messengers are met with nothing but excuses.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet still the master sends them out to
announce, invite, and even compel by word and deed.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Why does the master keep sending them
out from the banquet hall?<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>From
the window of my dining room, I look out upon the birds of the air – as I
try to gain the wisdom Jesus commends me to notice.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet for all the beauty and the joy I
gain by watching these birds, I have noticed a primary avian fixation –
they are all about the food.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The
birds out my window are on an insatiable quest to eat every last seed from our
bird feeders.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The feast is prepared
and they know it right well.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Even
ducks, with no pond in sight, come waddling up to the seeds that smaller birds
carelessly toss overboard to the ground.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>At least the birds can appreciate a banquet – for them, it’s
all about the food!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>But
in Jesus’ parable it is not all about the food.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In many ways the banquet seems to be all
about the invitation.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Were we to
arrive at this banquet, I believe the most important element would not be the
dishes or decorations.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It would be
the place card prepared with our name upon it.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The invitation – a place at the
king’s table – that is what the banquet is all about.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>There is a place prepared for us all
– family, friends, poor, blind, and crippled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Since
the banquet is all about the invitation, the servants are sent time and again
to announce that all is prepared.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Just as the disciples had gathered in one place for prayer, the wind of
Pentecost sent them with power into the streets for proclamation.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In the gospel of Mark, the Holy Spirit
descended upon Jesus and he was immediately sent into the wilderness and his
first spoken words were these, “the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">God</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>
has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn18' href="#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[18]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">God</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>
is near – the banquet is ready.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Repent and believe the good news – Calvin says this is what the
Christian endeavor is all about.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn19' href="#_ftn19"
name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[19]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The same Holy Spirit sends us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Presbyterians
acknowledge two sacraments because they are the actions Jesus commanded us to
do.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We come to the banquet table as
Jesus commanded us in remembrance of him.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>We then are sent to announce a newness of life and reconciling grace as
we baptize in the name of the Triune God.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>A calling from God sets our lives in rhythmic motion to and from the
table where we are nourished and changed by the grace of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>DESTINED
FOR GLORY<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:45.35pt;margin-bottom:
0in;margin-left:54.7pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>“We
begin in the present life, through various benefits, to taste the sweetness of
the divine generosity in order to whet our hope and desire to seek after the
full revelation of” the glory of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Heavenly</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn20' href="#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[20]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:45.35pt;
margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:54.7pt;text-align:right;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>–
John Calvin, Meditation on the Future Life<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Every
meal at our table begins with prayer.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>While we have taught our children how to “pray in all
circumstances,” the first posture of prayer has been to bow our heads.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Then, as each prayer finishes with an
“Amen” our heads are lifted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
head of a believer is lifted.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The
Holy Spirit elevates our vision from the ordinary to the extraordinary.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The “epiclesis” – the
bidding of the Holy Spirit – in our prayers of thanksgiving welcomes this
vision into our sacraments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>When
believers have “once lifted their heads above everything earthly,”
with mind intent upon heaven, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:55.5pt;margin-bottom:
12.0pt;margin-left:55.0pt;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>“before their
eyes will be that day when the Lord will receive his faithful people into the
peace of his Kingdom, ‘will wipe away every tear from their eyes’,
will clothe them with ‘a robe of glory … and rejoicing’, will
feed them with the unspeakable sweetness of his delights, will elevate them to
his sublime fellowship - in sum, will deign to make them sharers in his
happiness.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn21' href="#_ftn21"
name="_ftnref21" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[21]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>We
exhibit the kingdom of heaven in the Church because we expect the kingdom of
heaven at the last.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Jesus
Christ “unites himself to us by the Spirit alone.”<a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn22' href="#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[22]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>“Faith is the principal work of
the Holy Spirit.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn23' href="#_ftn23"
name="_ftnref23" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[23]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The Church “belongs to the realm
of faith”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn24' href="#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:
footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[24]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a>
and nourishes that faith with its being.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn25'
href="#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[25]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>“The proper object of faith is
God’s goodness”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn26' href="#_ftn26"
name="_ftnref26" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[26]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a>
and we begin to taste the sweetness of that goodness in the life of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>At
least, that is God’s intention.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Yet all too often, our life together in the Church breeds contention and
discord.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We do not eat
together.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We do not invite others
to our tables.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We do not change our
behavior toward one another.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Have
we neglected our calling?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>When
I learn I will have to sit beside someone at dinner, I become more thoughtful
about my behavior.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>How might our
behavior as Church change if we would not only acknowledge our common baptism
but also embrace our common destiny at the heavenly banquet?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Presbyterians
are regularly dragged into conversation about predestination.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Then, our speech often devolves into
discussions of who is in and who is out.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Yet would it not be more profitable to consider our common destiny?<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>If the “pre” of every
Christian is being born of water and the Spirit, is not the “destination”
of our lives the great banquet feast where we are to glorify and enjoy God
forever?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:55.5pt;margin-bottom:
12.0pt;margin-left:55.0pt;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>“Yet, to embrace
the unity of the church in this way, we need not see the church with the eyes
or touch it with the hands. … For here we are not bidden to distinguish
between reprobate and elect – that is for God alone, not for us, to do
– but to establish with certainty in our hearts that all those who, by
the kindness of God the Father, through the working of the Holy Spirit, have
entered into fellowship with Christ, are set apart as God’s property and
personal possession; and that when we are of their number <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'>we <u>share</u> that great grace</i>.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn27' href="#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[27]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Since,
“even the best and most excellent plan of the present life is only a
progression, we shall arrive at that goal” (of being spotless and
blameless before God) “only when, having put off this sinful flesh, we
cleave wholly to the Lord.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn28' href="#_ftn28"
name="_ftnref28" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[28]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This is our destination by the power of
the Holy Spirit – to be sharers in the happiness of God.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Shall we not embrace the union we share
in Christ and encourage our daily progressions with heads that are lifted and
vision that is fixed on our glorious shared destiny?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>CONCLUSION<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:55.5pt;margin-bottom:
12.0pt;margin-left:55.0pt;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>“Let us remember
how far the secret power of the Holy Spirit towers above all our senses …
What, then, our mind does not comprehend, let faith conceive: that the Spirit
truly unites things separated in space.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn29'
href="#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[29]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
calling of the Church is born of the Holy Spirit and establishes a glorious
destiny.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Our senses are often
dulled to the vitality of faithful life in the Holy Spirit.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Yet still the call of the God is
gathering us, renewing us, and sending us to flavor the world with hope.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We dare not become salt that has lost
its taste.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;
margin-left:55.0pt;line-height:150%;tab-stops:412.5pt'><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>“The
faithful are never reconciled to God without the gift of sanctification –
to this end we are justified – that afterwards we might worship God in
holiness of life.”<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn30' href="#_ftn30"
name="_ftnref30" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[30]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
banquet is ready.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Let us come, be
refreshed, and announce good news to the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote-list'><![if !supportFootnotes]><br clear=all>
<hr align=left size=1 width="33%">
<![endif]>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn1>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn1' href="#_ftnref1"
name="_ftn1" title=""></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[1]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Douglas F. Ottati, <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Reforming
Protestantism: Christian Commitment in Today’s World</i> <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>(Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press,
1995), 93-116.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn2>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn2' href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[2]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Steven Ozment, <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>The Age of Reform, 1250-1550: An
Intellectual and Religious History of Late Medieval and Reformation Europe</i>
(New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1980), pp. 372ff.; referenced in John
H. Leith, <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Basic Christian doctrine</i>
(Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993),<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>p. 187, n. 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn3>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn3'
href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[3]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>
John Calvin, <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Institutes of the Christian
Religion,</i> ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>(Philadelphia:<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Westminster Press, 1960),<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>3.1.1, 537-538.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn4>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn4' href="#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[4]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 3.3.1, 592.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn5>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn5' href="#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[5]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 3.1.4, 541.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn6>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><a
style='mso-footnote-id:ftn6' href="#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[6]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 4.1.1, 1012.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn7>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn7' href="#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[7]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 3.2.6, 549.</span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn8>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn8' href="#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-special-character:
footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[8]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>
Harold Nebelsick, "Ecclesia Reformata Semper Reformanda," <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Reformed Liturgy and Music</i> (Spring
1984); quoted in <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Anna Case-Winters</st1:PersonName>,
“Our Misused Motto,” Presbyterians Today, May 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn9>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn9' href="#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9"
title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[9]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 4.1.9, 1023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn10>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn10' href="#_ftnref10"
name="_ftn10" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[10]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 3.2.6, 548-49.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn11>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn11' href="#_ftnref11"
name="_ftn11" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[11]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 3.1.4, 541.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn12>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn12' href="#_ftnref12"
name="_ftn12" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[12]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The Scots Confession, in <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>The Book of Confessions</i>, Part I of <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church
(<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:place></st1:country-region>)</i>.
Copyright © 2004 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian
Church (<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:place></st1:country-region>),
3.18.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn13>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn13' href="#_ftnref13"
name="_ftn13" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[13]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Calvin., 3.9.3, 714-15.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn14>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:.1in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.6gd;
text-indent:.5in'><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn14' href="#_ftnref14"
name="_ftn14" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[14]</span></span><![endif]></span></span></span></a><span
style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Ibid., 4.1.6, 1020-21;<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Gal. 3:2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn15>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn15' href="#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[15]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 4.1.4, 1016.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn16>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn16' href="#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[16]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
<i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Calvin’s New Testament Commentary
Series. </i>ed. David W. Torrance and Thomas F. Torrance, trans. John W.
Frasier and J.G.W. McDonald, vol. 6, <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Acts
of the Apostles 1-13</i> (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.,
1965),<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>32.</span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn17>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn17' href="#_ftnref17"
name="_ftn17" title=""></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[17]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Matt. 22:1-10; Luke 14:15-24.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn18>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn18' href="#_ftnref18"
name="_ftn18" title=""></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[18]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Mark <st1:time Hour="13" Minute="15" w:st="on">1:15</st1:time><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn19>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn19' href="#_ftnref19"
name="_ftn19" title=""></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[19]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Calvin, 3.3.1, 592.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn20>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn20' href="#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[20]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid. 3.9.3, 715.</span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn21>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn21' href="#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[21]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 3.9.6, 718.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn22>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn22' href="#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[22]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 3.1.3, 541.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn23>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn23' href="#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[23]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 3.1.4, 541.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn24>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn24' href="#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[24]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 4.1.3, 1015.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn25>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn25' href="#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[25]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 4.1.1, 1012.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn26>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn26' href="#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[26]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid. 3.3.19, 614.</span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn27>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn27' href="#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[27]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 4.1.3, 1015-16.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn28>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn28' href="#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[28]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 3.17.15, 820.</span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn29>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn29' href="#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[29]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
Ibid., 4.17.10, 1370.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn30>
<p class=MsoFootnoteText style='margin-bottom:3.0pt'><a style='mso-footnote-id:
ftn30' href="#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" title=""></a><span style='font-family:
"Times New Roman","serif"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]><span
class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>[30]</span></span><![endif]></span></span>
<i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Corpus Reformatorum</i>, vol. 7, <i
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Antidote to the Acts of the Synod of Trent, </i>448.;
noted in John H. Leith, <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Basic Christian
doctrine</i> (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993),<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>p. 188, n. 9.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-77779955522827748882013-03-08T19:16:00.000-06:002013-03-09T12:38:10.932-06:00#grace precedes #missional<span style="font-family: inherit;">Darrell Guder, an early author on the topic of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Missional-Church-Sending-America-Culture/dp/0802843506/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1362785258&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=guder+the+missional+church">Missional Church</a> <span style="line-height: 16.625px;">said, </span><span style="line-height: 16.625px;">“I see the term ‘missional’ everywhere, but can’t always determine what those using it mean.” He observed, </span><span style="line-height: 16.625px;">“The term ‘missional’ has become a cliché in an astonishingly short period of time.” Yet far from being just a </span><span style="line-height: 16.625px;">cliché, Guder insists that,</span> <span style="line-height: 16.625px;">“mission defines the church." Indeed it is, "because of God’s mission," that "there is the people of God.”<a href="#1" name="top1"><sup>1</sup></a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kbqNdSMkMxoOJWpuBnFRKUZn81k2dlNS5jCTmVdvvzOZsarL4yoMIstP29FVanO7_eYSBR4BDvPmNepohLBGVthtXFvNOZZAWd8xGjXnC0yEoAZFc9vER4BYeWWYek8HGvnmg2rFUTE/s1600/Missional-Church-211-300x2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kbqNdSMkMxoOJWpuBnFRKUZn81k2dlNS5jCTmVdvvzOZsarL4yoMIstP29FVanO7_eYSBR4BDvPmNepohLBGVthtXFvNOZZAWd8xGjXnC0yEoAZFc9vER4BYeWWYek8HGvnmg2rFUTE/s1600/Missional-Church-211-300x2651.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ponder for a moment the mission of God. Here is one familiar expression of that mission:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so
that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but
in order that the world might be saved through him.’ - <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229785949" target="_blank">John 3:16-17</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is a pretty powerful and personal mission. I can say for myself that, on any given day, my failures usually outnumber my successes. Truly, a mission from God sending his Son - <i>for me </i>- well, that is a mission I would call an amazing GRACE.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet here I'd like to lift up a reminder that grace is a quality that precedes mission. As Guder suggested, it is because of God's grace-filled mission that the Church has been created. Since grace precedes us, it is worth considering the implications of God's imitative for our engagement with the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my Reformed tradition of the Christian faith, God's preceding grace is always at the forefront of our thought and senses. At baptism we remember the <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229787546" target="_blank">biblical admonition</a>, <i>"We love, because God first loved us."</i> This has implications for the kind of "missional" witness our Church is called to offer the world. Rather than being sent as grand conquistadors into a land which needs to be subdued, we understand our mission as a work of interpretation. The founder of our tradition, John Calvin, could see the handiwork of God throughout creation:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDm7p-VOHrYlmxVtWaR62OkOOkU7bdiCzY2xwhxeKx1Oo1HrmQ15fR9vC0vZy5JeVlIKj0wxL0g_mYxaMs2ZWvjAPdLM2ze8emtIMzYXnMR2O5vFBsDgCZvwTi8Qnlb1qwie1sdxiBvU/s1600/desert-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDm7p-VOHrYlmxVtWaR62OkOOkU7bdiCzY2xwhxeKx1Oo1HrmQ15fR9vC0vZy5JeVlIKj0wxL0g_mYxaMs2ZWvjAPdLM2ze8emtIMzYXnMR2O5vFBsDgCZvwTi8Qnlb1qwie1sdxiBvU/s1600/desert-flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Meanwhile let us not be ashamed to take pious delight in the works of God open and manifest in this most beautiful theater. For ... although it is not the chief evidence for faith, yet it is the first evidence in the order of nature, to be mindful that wherever we cast our eyes, all things they meet are works of God, and at the same time to ponder with pious meditation to what end God created them."<a href="#2" name="top2"><sup>2</sup></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In many ways, the mission of the church is to help the people of the world discover the grace of God that is all around them - even within them! Reformed Christians are loathe to dissect grace into a taxonomy of disparate parts. However we do often highlight a distinction between what is called "common grace" and "special grace."<a href="#3" name="top3"><sup>3</sup></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the third chapter of his work, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/He-Shines-All-Thats-Fair/dp/0802821111/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362782930&sr=8-1&keywords=He+Shines+in+All+That%27s+Fair">He
Shines in All That's Fair</a>, Richard Mouw writes that, "If God is <i>glorified</i> by
his non-human creation - which seems to be a fairly modest claim to endorse -
then it seems reasonable to assume that God <i>takes delight</i> in those
non-human created phenomena. And then it also seems to be quite plausible
to assume that God takes delight in various <i>human </i>states of affairs,
even when they are displayed in the lives of non-elect human beings."<a href="#4" name="top4"><sup>4</sup></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This assertion by Mouw encourages us to consider the fact that
"missional" Christians should not only point out the grace of God in
the beauty of creation, we also should point out the grace of God in the very
lives of the people we meet - who may not have any cognition of the saving
grace of God. From this place of spiritual discovery, we are given the
opportunity to open the door to a deeper personal understanding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the way that the character Attwater expresses God's
grace in Robert Louis Stevenson's work <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Ebb-Tide-Robert-Louis-Stevenson/dp/8132042360/ref=tmm_pap_title_0">The
Ebb-Tide</a> He says, "There is ... nothing but God's
Grace! We walk upon it, we breathe it; we live and die by it; it makes the
nails and axles of the universe." Once we start an astounding
journey of spiritual discovery - the discovery that the grace of God has
preceded us and it all around us - a "special grace" begins to dawn
in our hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beauty of "special grace" is that, as Jonathan
Edwards put it, "a spiritual [man] loves others as of God, or in God, or
some way related to him." Without the gift of God's saving grace,
people may go through life with some sense of how to "love others, but
‘tis someway or other as appendages and appurtenances to [them]sel[ves]."<a href="#5" name="top5"><sup>5</sup></a> The "special grace" of God calls us to our true
destiny in covenant relation to God and each other.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
All the universe is awash in the sovereign love of God. Even in hardship, we discover the sovereign love of God is suffering with us as we groan for the <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229790082" target="_blank">fulfillment of a new creation</a>. A "missional" Christian carries the Good News of God's saving grace in a deeply personal way into the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My one reminder to "missional" Christians is this: God precedes us, so be an indicator of God's grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#grace precedes #missional</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<hr width="80%"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<a name="1"><b>1 </b></a>The Presbyterian Outlook Sunday, 26 October 2008,<a href="http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/8047-guder-challenges-church-leaders-to-help-define-fulfill-missional.html"> Guder challenges church leaders to help define, fulfill “missional”</a><a href="#top1"><sup>↩</sup></a><br />
<a name="2"><b>2 </b></a>Calvin, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CALVIN-INSTITUTES-CHRISTIAN-RELIGION-Volumes/dp/B00ANA4ZE4/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362791570&sr=1-5&keywords=institutes+of+the+christian+religion+mcneil" target="_blank">Institutes</a><a href="#top2"><sup>↩</sup></a><br />
<a name="3"><b>3 </b></a>See John H. Leith, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Christian-Doctrine-John-Leith/dp/0664251927/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362788588&sr=1-1&keywords=basic+christian+doctrine" target="_blank">Basic Christian Doctrine</a>, p. 221.<a href="#top3"><sup>↩</sup></a><br />
<a name="4"><b>4 </b></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/He-Shines-All-Thats-Fair/dp/0802821111/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362791670&sr=1-1&keywords=he+shines+in+all+that%27s+fair" target="_blank">Mouw</a>, p. 35<a href="#top4"><sup>↩</sup></a><br />
<a name="5"><b>5 </b></a>Edwards, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miscellanies-501-832-Works-Jonathan-Edwards/dp/0300083300/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362789444&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Works+of+Jonathan+Edwards+Series%2C+Volume+18">Works 18</a>, 533.<a href="#top5"><sup>↩</sup></a><br />
</span>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-54231617172864027362013-03-05T08:58:00.001-06:002013-03-05T08:58:23.657-06:00... and Who is my Neighbor? - A Thought on ImmigrationIt seems to me that Jesus always encourages us to look beyond the routines and boundaries of our lives. I am often challenged by what I see.<br />
<br />
My wife and I went to the mall a few days ago. Perhaps I should start by saying, I really don't enjoy going to the mall. So, to say that my wife and I went to the mall is a significant event. Even more, we went to the mall on a Sunday. That is an especially odd event. Ordinarily Sunday afternoons are an attempt to follow up on some pastoral care and take some needed Sabbath respite from a long day of preaching and worship leadership.<br />
<br />
By going to the mall on Sunday, I saw a different clientele than I see on the other occasions I am at the mall - normally my one day off, Thursdays. What I saw were whole families enjoying the circus of activities, sights, sounds, and smells that fill the mall. <br />
<br />
It was also clear that I was seeing people who may work six days a week and only have Sunday for their whole family together. It was also possible that many of the people I saw were first generation residents of our nation - some may even have arrived in our land without proper documentation.<br />
<br />
When you see children holding the hands of their parents, you see people in a different light. <br />
<br />
Our nation is embarking afresh on a debate about immigration. The blogosphere and airwaves are being flooded by statistics and speeches on the dynamics of immigration. In all of this debate, I find myself considering the challenge Jesus presents.<br />
<br />
Jesus is confronted by a clever lawyer who is seeking to justify himself in a story told by one of the gospels, <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=229492909" target="_blank">Luke 10:25-27</a>. Jesus helps the man articulate the fact that our destiny is framed by love: the love of God and the love of neighbor. In response, the lawyer asks a lawyerly question - "and who is my neighbor?"<br />
<br />
In typical fashion, Jesus responds with a story. The key to the story is found in the eyes of compassion that motivate an outsider to risk caring for a man that others neglected.<br />
<br />
Jesus does not say at the end of the story, "the outsider is your neighbor." Instead, Jesus asks, "who was a neighbor?" Jesus takes the outsider - the neighbor - and makes us the outsider - a neighbor who acts with mercy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2oQWihwRJ5lcK3E9N3AaNxqsnKe3HijK_nZOzupKqhWkd6cG32E_vuV6ZMbhJJBMNcC6iKfJRDkZ1yDLidFRvbjx2mC2BBbWEPprhp9IPfTArHLR_9-rJyYJ0ocpgBy8Sr8AZJXWt3g/s1600/he_qi_good_samaritan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2oQWihwRJ5lcK3E9N3AaNxqsnKe3HijK_nZOzupKqhWkd6cG32E_vuV6ZMbhJJBMNcC6iKfJRDkZ1yDLidFRvbjx2mC2BBbWEPprhp9IPfTArHLR_9-rJyYJ0ocpgBy8Sr8AZJXWt3g/s320/he_qi_good_samaritan.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
This morning I heard a fragment of a news story while driving to work. The subject matter was immigration. Frankly, I was tired of hearing the politicians debate and I turned off the radio before the story got very far. But one phrase stuck with me, the policy wonk said, "we believe we should send a message," by preventing a path to citizenship.<br />
<br />
I think I understood what he meant: We don't want to make crime pay. It is a crime to enter our nation without documentation. We should not reward people who break the law. Such people should be prosecuted and sent back across our borders.<br />
<br />
But after my eyes saw parent and child at the mall on Sunday, I found myself pondering. Why do people want to come to America? How hard is it to come to our nation? As a descendant of Norwegian immigrants, I wondered why we would want to restrict immigration. <br />
<br />
Then I wondered, what would cause a person to risk prosecution, hardship, and the loneliness of leaving everything familiar in their family of origin for the opportunity to work 6 or 7 days a week in America? <br />
<br />
What kind of message would realistically prevent such a person from taking the risks they currently endure in order to come to our land?<br />
<br />
This question caused me to turn the question - not unlike the way that Jesus turned the question about neighbors.<br />
<br />
Here is what I wondered next. How am I called to be a neighbor for people in lands far away from mine? How can my nation send a message of support that strengthens the health and well being of people who live in far distant lands?<br />
<br />
The answer to both of those questions is not easy. If it was easy, it would have been accomplished long ago. <br />
<br />
However I believe the better answer to immigration lies not in messages of prosecution that make our nation seem smaller than we truly are. I believe that we are required to recognize our global village is closer than ever before. Every act we undertake to make the world more safe, healthy, transparent, and hospitable is a blessing that fulfills our destiny. <br />
<br />
This morning I said a prayer for the families I saw at the mall. I said a prayer for our leaders who are faced with challenging choices. Then I said a prayer for myself, asking that God might make me a better neighbor.<br />
<br />
... and who is my neighbor? ... Well, ... better for me to be a neighbor.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-20538175471043250402012-05-04T18:14:00.000-05:002012-05-04T18:14:09.000-05:00Leading as an Artisan of TimeOne of the most profound dynamics of ministry lies within our structures and shaping of<br />
time. Read an article I wrote in 2007 for a group of colleagues reflecting on a pastor's life as measured in unites of time: Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, Years, Decades, Centuries, and Millennia. The article is posted on my WorshipLife.Net site. You can link to that particular article here:<a href="http://www.worshiplife.net/Leading%20as%20an%20Artisan%20of%20Time.pdf" target="_blank"> Leading as an Artisan of Time</a>.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-71412063122087238862012-03-30T11:23:00.000-05:002012-03-31T17:16:29.224-05:00Not Only "Evangelical" or "Progressive Christian"<div><p>In the continuing taxonomy of the Church, it is a challenge to discover that the nouveau electronic council of believers - <a href="http://www.patheos.com/Religion-Portals/">patheos.com</a> - sticks non-Catholic Christians into one of two pots:  "Evangelical," or "Progressive Christian." How disappointing.</p>
<p>I suppose it makes sense according to the logic of the blogosphere, but it is a disappointing reduction for  those of us who prefer to avoid bi-polarity and seek to creatively integrate the faith from the center.  There are a growing number of us within the Church that resist the push to choose sides. </p>
<p>It is not easy to stand with an open hand, heart, and mind at the center when the margins increasingly push and shift the character of Christian discourse.  Not easy, because I would have to affirm the insight of Google chairman Eric Schmidt (when speaking of the Khan Academy) that the most creative ideas do not come from the center, but rather are found on the margins.  However, I think a creative challenge can be taken up by the center in the way it is attentive to the margins and sifts new insights in order to accumulate a stronger center of gravity for the faith.</p>
<p>This is a challenge that was named during the recent conference on history of Princeton Theological Seminary.  On the occasion of the seminary's bicentennial, leaders in the Practical Theology department wondered if the legacy of Christian leadership from a mediating center was a legacy that was faithfully worth continuing.  If it was a faithful position to continue, what would it look like?  (The legacy of Practical Theology at PTS was covered in a <a href="http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail?invid=10998277954&isbn=9783643901064&qsort=&page=1">newly edited work</a> by Osmer and Mikoski.)</p>
<p>Many in the room believed that it is a faithful effort to lead the Church from the center with an open spirit that welcomes the margins into open and discerning conversation.  This challenge at the center is complicated, however, by the fact that our world is increasingly pluralistic - and so is the nature of the Church.  (The center no longer rests - if it ever really did - between two distinct poles, but among multiple points of reference.) It is a greater challenge to define the center of a universe that is circumscribed by a web of multiple asymmetrical points.</p>
<p>Yet God is good.  As complex as the world, its peoples, and the Church has become.  There still is a center to the Christian faith.  That center is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. </p>
<p>By way of example, I am grateful for those who are seeking to break down the growing dissension in the church over matters of atonement.  It seems to me that the kenosis hymn of Philippians 2 remains a helpful model.  Helpful, because it lifts up the work of Jesus Christ as an entire throughput - life, death, resurrection.  Some Christians would have us toss away the violent figure of the cross in order to focus only upon Jesus as the good teacher.  Others would leave us in a constant conversation of blood sacrifice that diminishes the wisdom of the Master.  Philippians 2 integrates the center of our faith in Jesus Christ and invites us into a new perception.</p>
<p>Now back to the taxonomists of the blogosphere.  It is clear that God is working a new thing in our midst.  Yet I do not believe this new thing is entirely clear for our perception.  The conversation facilitated by social media is a part of this new thing.  However, I am not convinced it is sufficiently durable to bear the weight of responsibility placed upon we who accept the charge to be the Body of Christ. </p>
<p>The ecumenical effort has been at work in earnest for at least three quarters of a century.  The effort was formed in an age when there were definable communities of faith marked by boundaries of tradition, practice, and belief.  In the United States we formed the National Council of Churches as one manifestation of the drive for the visible unity of the Church.  Today that manifestation of visible unity is greatly challenged by the division and confusion among established churches. </p>
<p>Associations of Evangelical churches (often drawn from revival practices and free church histories) have attempted to demonstrate a unity in practice and even social witness.  Yet these associations are susceptible to rapid flux due to changes in leadership and the methods of innovation they embrace.  These communities have spawned many of the young leaders creating the Emergent church movement.  This group has been innovative, insurgent, and often random in its witness.</p>
<p>If the formal councils of ecumenical Christianity are losing their voice (and I'm not sure that is entirely the case), then where would a seeker turn who wishes to hear a unified Christian witness?  Increasingly people find their information (and sometimes meaning) through web portals.  Thus my disappointment with the nouveau council of electronic believers. </p>
<p>I'm not really expecting all that much from patheos.com or other internet providers.  However, I do believe that Christian leaders need to discern a more effective means of fostering integrative, creative, holy conversations.  It may be that the National Council of Churches can reinvent itself and provide an effective forum that holds a creative center.  Quite probably God is working a new thing that we all will have to pray our way towards. </p>
<p>I welcome companions on the way of life at a creative and open center for the Church that is grounded in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the hope of the world.<br><br><br></p>
</div>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-38579204756566650452012-03-02T10:31:00.000-06:002012-03-02T10:31:11.768-06:00New, Borrowed, or Ancient Language to share Gospel?The book, <a href="http://www.unchristian.com/" target="_blank">"Unchristian"</a> by David Kinnamon and Gabe Lyons generated a lot of conversation about why a new generation of people are not Christian. Now Gabe Lyons has a book entitled <a href="http://www.nextchristians.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">"The Next Christians."</a><br />
Take a look at the <a href="http://bit.ly/kehPNW" target="_blank">video</a> placed onto his book promotion page and see what you think. I wonder if he is proposing the proverbial <a href="http://www.coutts.name/Heifetz.htm" target="_blank">"adaptive change"</a> or if it is a retrenchment. I've not read his book yet, and I'm curious to see if any of my friends have. What do you think of the video presentation?Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-17685174136621743282012-02-10T15:46:00.000-06:002012-02-12T21:59:21.383-06:00The How Come of Life<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It would be wonderful to have some feedback about the notion I'm posting below. I'm not owning this, but rather "tossing it out there" to see how this fits with the spiritual sensibilities of my friends. Send me a response in an email, some social media or another, or a comment. Thanks!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The great “</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How Come</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">” of life is found in Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Throughout the centuries, believers have considered the cross of Christ and discovered <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=195975516" target="_blank">a peace that passes understanding</a>. Our search for meaning in life will pass through suffering and one day we all confront our mortality. So when a believer cries out, “<i>how come</i>?” it is in the <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=195975135" target="_blank">"folly of the cross"</a> that we find the wisdom of God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>How</i> has God <i>come</i> into the world? Humbly. Within both the <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=195975748" target="_blank">essence</a> and <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=195975700" target="_blank">action</a> of God in Jesus Christ there rests a meaning that speaks to our deepest questions about life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>How</i> shall we <i>come</i> before God and others in this life? Humbly. Jesus humbly <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=195975851" target="_blank">washed the feet of his disciples</a> and instructed them to do the same out of love for one another. Indeed, only through his way, his truth, and his life shall we come into the gift of eternal life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoIndex6CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">In Jesus Christ, God speaks to our deep “<i>how come</i>?”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">"In Jesus Christ" is the <i>how</i> God has <i>come</i> into the world.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">In humility Jesus us taught us <i>how</i> to <i>come</i> into the presence of God and the people we encounter every day.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> © Brian R. Paulson, 2012</span></span></i><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-16404255546714060942012-01-14T23:28:00.002-06:002012-01-14T23:38:09.355-06:00Love in the Beloved Community Articulated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Quotes from Dr. King -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">This love might well be the salvation of our civilization.... Not through violence; not through hate; no, not even through boycotts; but through love. It is true that as we struggle for freedom in America we will have to boycott at times. But we must remember as we boycott that a boycott is not an end within itself; it is merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor and challenge his false sense of superiority. But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding good will that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">As we move in this transition from the old age into the new we will have to rise up in protest. We will have to boycott at times, but let us always remember that boycotts are not ends within themselves. A boycott is just a means to an end. A boycott is merely a means to say, `I don't like it.' It is merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor but the end is reconciliation. The end is the creation of a beloved community. The end is the creation of a society where men will live together as brothers. An end is not retaliation but redemption. That is the end we are trying to reach. That we would bring these creative forces together we would be able to live in this new age which is destined to come. The old order is dying and the new order is being born .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I must still believe that there is something within them that can cause them one day to come to themselves (That's right, Yes) and rise up walk back up the dusty road to the father's house. (Yes) And we stand there with outstretched arms. That's the meaning of the Christian faith.... I believe that the Ku Klux Klan can be transformed into a clan for God's kingdom. (Yes) I believe that the White Citizens Council can be transformed into a Right Citizens Council. (Yes) I believe that. That's the essence of the Gospel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>"The word segregation represents a system that is prohibitive," he told a Nashville, Tennessee, church conference in 1962; it deprives the Negro of equal access to schools, parks, restaurants, libraries and the like. Desegregation is eliminative and negative, for it simply removes these legal and social prohibitions. Integration is creative, and is therefore more profound and far-reaching than desegregation. Integration is the positive acceptance of desegregation and the welcomed participation of Negroes into the total range of human activities. Integration is genuine intergroup, interpersonal doing. Desegregation then, rightly, is only a short-range goal. Integration is the ultimate goal of our national community. What was at stake, King said, was the hope for civil community itself. "At the heart of all that civilization has meant and developed," he argued, is 'community'-the mutually cooperative and voluntary venture of man to assume a semblance of responsibility for his brother. What began as the closest answer to a desperate need for survival from the beast of prey and the danger of the jungle was the basis of present day cities and nations. Man could not have survived without the impulse which makes him the societal creature he is."</div>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-30760884206911633892011-10-04T09:56:00.000-05:002011-10-04T09:56:42.236-05:00Thoughts on Equipping Leaders for the Church in a Changing World.This morning I was stimulated by a post by Cynthia Holder Rich on <a href="http://www.ecclesio.com/2011/10/equipping-leaders-change-and-theological-education-by-cynthia-holder-rich/#comment-421">equipping leaders</a>. What follows is largely my response to her thoughts. (Several years ago, I wrote a short thought about the life of our seminaries called <a href="http://www.worshiplife.net/Seminary%20Vision.pdf">A Developing Vision of the Seminary.</a> I am beginning to see how far my thinking has developed!)<br />
<br />
In an interesting way I found myself pondering two books. One that I read a long time ago - Ed Farley's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Theologia-Fragmentation-Unity-Theological-Education/dp/1579105718/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317739746&sr=1-1-catcorr">"Theologia: The Fragmentation and Unity of Theological Education"</a> and another book that I have been reading recently by Chris Scharen and Aana Marie Vigen entitled, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ethnography-Christian-Theology-Ethics-ebook/dp/B004ZIODK6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317739797&sr=1-1">"Ethnography as Christian Theology and Ethics"</a>. In both books, there is a sense of what my pastoral theology professor, <a href="http://www.upsem.edu/faculty_staff/fulltime/brown.html">Charlie Brown</a>, called "the Prego principle" - after the popular spaghetti sauce. The concept is that God blesses and enriches each person with insight and imagination sufficient to strengthen the witness of the church and the work of ministry. The challenge for leaders in the church is to have developed skill in "teasing out" that which already exists within each Christian and place those gifts within a framework for faithful witness that aligns with the calling of the Church. Farley approaches the question from a theologians point of view. Scharen and Vigen draw their insights from an effective method we rarely teach in a structured way to people entering the ministry - ethnography. <br />
<br />
I have been richly blessed by exposure to the global church and international theological education. Even more, in particular while serving in Arizona, I learned much from the immigrant communities with whom we worked as new communities emerged. Yet what I have learned is that every place has a local language that is influenced by a wide range of forces that bring change to the doorstep of every Christian at a dizzying pace.<br />
<br />
Thus, the gift of ministry and deep spiritual reflection is now, more than ever, a requirement for all dedicated disciples. Those who will be blessed by graduate training for ministry, and the academy that provides that training, must be equipped with sufficient skills to assess the wide and various contexts in which the Gospel is proclaimed - so that the message is intelligibly received in the local language. Even more, that depth level of theological training should equip future leaders with powerful skill at listening to the lives of those they serve so each localized manifestation of witness can be nurtured and offered to God's symphony of praise in every language.<br />
<br />
Indeed I realize that the world is now demonstrating a more diverse and rich cultural and spiritual fabric that most of us have recognized in the past. This diversity of expression in the language of faith does not necessarily mean a fracturing of the unity of the Gospel and its witness in the Church. What it does portend is the requirement that Christians will need to be as culturally multilingual in matters of faith as they are having to be in the global village that keeps getting smaller by the day.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-57748717150295330602011-09-03T11:43:00.024-05:002011-09-03T14:05:54.546-05:00Seeking a Spiritual Center for the ChurchMy friend, <a href="http://www.ncccusa.org/news/BIOmkinnamon.htm">Michael Kinnamon</a>, recently quoted <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Theological-Education-Religious-Scholarship/dp/0891308555/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315068730&sr=1-2">John Cobb and Joseph Hough</a> who wrote, "<strong><em>The expectations for leadership in society as a whole have increasingly been adopted as normative for church leadership as well. Following the general pattern of bureaucratization, the churches, too, have focused on routinized problem solving in the organization and maintenance of their institutions as the chief locus of leader effectiveness</em></strong>." There was a definite ring of truth in this assesment for me.
<br />
<br />The truth of this assesment was driven home as I recently observed a highly motivated group of people gathered as <a href="http://www.fellowship-pres.org/">"The Fellowship of Presbyterians"</a> in Minneapolis. To their credit each plenary included prayer, reading of scripture, and proclamation. Moreover, they sustained an effort to speak in a positive way about what God might be doing in the Church - in particular the Presbyterian tradition.
<br />
<br />However, as the introductory address was offered by <a href="http://www.first-pres.org/index.cfm/pageid/618/index.html">Jim Singleton </a>of Colorado, the language used to redefine the nature and shape of the church (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiology#Issues_addressed_by_ecclesiology">ecclesiology</a>) drew heavily from the insight of leadership guru <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Ronald%20Heifetz">Ronald Heifetz</a>. Now, I actually liked the use of Heifetz's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Adaptive-Leadership-Changing-Organization/dp/1422105768/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315068820&sr=1-2">"adaptive change"</a> paradigm as a leadership tool for a world filled with change. Yet what was missing to my mind was a healthy appeal to the nature of the Body of Christ and its consequences for our lives together.
<br />
<br />This is to say that the answer to our bureaucratic woes in denominations is not a newer and better approach to corporate leadership that has been adapted to the non-profit religious environment. This would be just a newer, shinier tool in the corporate leadership toolchest.
<br />
<br />It seems to me that the Christian Church would benefit from leadership that engages in deep and committed prayer and conversation about the best way to embody the living presence of Jesus Christ in the world. Now, I realize that my colleagues who draw upon the latest leadership resources would probably claim to have a similar aim. However, I'd prefer to start a conversation about change with the wisdom of scripture and a testimony of lives changed and the world transformed.
<br />
<br />For example, here are passages worth considering. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? ... Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=182072617">1 Cor. 6:9, 12:27</a>) The church has been given a holy calling that is always about fundamental adaptive change - we are not our own, we belong to God - this is a biblical word that calls us to constantly remember and adapt.
<br />
<br />In my experience, the church is genuinely a living organism that draws in new vitality and perspective with each new soul joining our witness. This sometimes causes controversy because the scriptures are not always read in a uniform manner on issues of deep significance. We are given a challenge of the kind presented in Jesus' parable in <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=182072750">Matthew 13:24-30 </a>where the Master instructs us, to let both good wheat and invasive weeds "grow together until the harvest" (v.30).
<br />
<br />I have found this biblically articulated reality of post-modern life in the Church to be a helpful challenge. When confronted by believers who read scripture and its application in a differnt way than I read, I am forced to reflect anew on the core of our faith and our calling in the world.
<br />
<br />It is interesting that "differentiation" was a term in frequent use during the <a href="http://www.fellowship-pres.org/august-gathering/">Minneapolis gathering</a>. I don't believe that differentiation requires separation. Indeed, I believe Jesus constantly gave his disciples the challenge of hospitality and holiness at the same time. We are to be good wheat growing alongside the weeds working out our own salvation dilligently (<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=182071954">Phil. 2:12-13</a>) and trusting in the good judgement of God.
<br />
<br />Here is my challenge for leaders of the Church in a world of constant change - <em><strong>seek the spiritual center of our life</strong></em>. Return to the witness of scripture. Hear the voice of other believers. Act with sincerity and humility. And never forget that we belong, body and soul, in life and in death – to our faithful savior Jesus Christ.
<br />Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-34239666279156510312011-04-04T17:39:00.004-05:002011-04-04T17:45:17.706-05:00Psalm 23 - A Perspective on Stewardship<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">The LORD is my shepherd;</span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of Christian life.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of “just enough” for contentment.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span">he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of our souls.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of a witness.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, </span></i><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">I will fear no evil:</span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of faith.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of spiritual companionship.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards in remembrance of the Lord’s Supper.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">thou anointest my head with oil; <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of purpose.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of gratitude.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever (all the days of my life). <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span></span><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We are stewards of commitment.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">© Brian R. Paulson, 2011</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-58217427272426767172011-04-03T20:58:00.006-05:002011-04-03T21:18:25.919-05:00The Circle is Wider and God is Greater: A word amidst the current PCUSA restructuring debateGod is greater than every vessel we construct to represent the Body of Christ. Also the circle of faith, hope, and love inaugurated by Jesus Christ is wider than every circumference we establish to clarify our belonging. It seems to me that our conversation about Presbyterian witness should bear in mind these comparative spiritual metrics as we fashion our future.<br /><br />It is my hope that competing voices leading the current conversation about our future witness would demonstrate greater forbearance and an appreciation both for one another and also for the place we hold within the broader course of Christian witness. While perceived pejorative hooks being used in conversation may become scattered salt for old wounds, I think the notion of a non-geographic governing body need not be rejected out of hand.<br /><br />Yet since the Body of Christ is a greater reality than our denominational boundaries, I believe some humility in our line drawing would demonstrate a measure of deepening faith. It serves no lasting benefit for Presbyterians to be drawing lines finer and finer to ensure a uniformity of cause and commitment. While the Reformed tradition was begun as an attempt to reform and revitalize the Body of Christ, its schismatic outcome for the life of the Christian Church was not an intended outcome. Unfortunately, we have spent more of our time throughout the centuries in squabbles with each other than in reforming dialogue with the larger communion of believers. This heritage has not added to our benefit. The circle is wider.<br /><br />It seems to me that some thoughtful leaders of our congregations are seeking to find a way to keep communion within our denomination while allowing room for a distinction of voice. As a local pastor I appreciate the need for each shepherd to teach and lead a congregation in a manner that generates greater faith and charity within the unique context of each setting. If circles need to have sub-circles with dotted lines and permeability, I believe that a generous spirit within our body can allow for that. Yet it would be both refreshing and faithful if greater energy were applied to the challenge of growing together than spending our energy in currents that deplete and separate our witness. Throughout history, I believe the separations of Christian communions have not served to strengthen the witness of Christ for the world. Indeed, such divisions have made our witness smaller in spirit and manner.<br /><br />Presbyterians would acknowledge that God is greater than all human conception. So also, we surely acknowledge our apprehension of the Body of Christ is only partial. Each generation seeks to fashion a faithful vessel by which the eternal God can be praised. The shape of our belonging in Christ can surely flex and adapt while remaining true to God.<br /><br />We need not disdain others who propose alternate patterns for our witness and communion. Indeed, the character and concerns of the Church are often framed by the attitudes of each age. As a confessional church, we believe that not only the community of believers in the ancient church but even also the faithful of the 19th<br />century church speak – indeed every era of faith informs our witness. Yet while the witness of prior generations guides our current confession, former structures need not be a prison of the past. Our calling is to demonstrate faith today.<br /><br />Our knowledge of God’s sovereignty ought to generate greater patience and humility in our conversations than I currently see amongst my colleagues. We can do better, and certainly, God is greater.<br /><br />Brian R. Paulson, D. Min.<br />Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, Illinois<br />March 28, 2011<br /><br />References:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bit.ly/dOL0Sd">White Paper proposal</a></li><li><a href="http://bit.ly/gUnPnz">A response to the White Paper</a></li><li><a href="http://bit.ly/gbLs4V">Video explanations of White Paper</a></li></ul>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-61617608821856475752011-04-03T20:52:00.002-05:002011-04-03T20:57:44.855-05:00A Shorter Version of Commentary on PCUSA Restructuring Conversations<div>God is greater than every vessel we construct to represent the Body of Christ. Also the God’s circle of faith, hope, and love is wider than every circumference we establish. I believe our conversation about Presbyterian witness should bear in mind these comparative spiritual metrics as we fashion our future.</div><div><br /></div><div>We need not disdain others who propose alternate patterns. Non-geographic boundaries are imaginable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet our conversation should demonstrate greater forbearance and an appreciation both for one another and for the place we hold within the broader course of Christian witness. Every age must grapple to witness faithfully. No single era of church can make exclusive claim to God’s design for Church. </div><div><br /></div><div>We do not strengthen our witness by making more and smaller circles of faith. Holiness is a gift more powerful expressed as invitation than exclusion. Surely we can elevate our witness. The circle is wider and God is greater.</div>Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-11178902012215637522010-07-19T08:33:00.003-05:002010-07-19T08:38:37.691-05:00Invitation to conversation about the meaning of baptismI'm not sure this softened tone suggested to the church by the General Assembly of the PCUSA will generate greater discipleship:<br /><br />The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the PCUSA approved the following:<br /><br />1. That the approach to the Lord’s Table always be gracious and invitational, not scrutinizing membership credentials, but extending Christ’s welcome to the people of God.<br /><br />2. That the invitation to the Lord’s Supper be gracious and hospitable, remembering that “access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love” (W-2.4011).<br /><br />3. That congregations renew the practice of the invitation to discipleship—a call to baptism and to the reaffirmation of baptismal commitment—particularly after the proclamation of the Word.<br /><br />4. That not yet baptized persons who present themselves at the Lord’s Table be warmly received and promptly invited into conversation on the significance of the sacraments, in order that their hunger for spiritual nourishment might be met by a gracious invitation to Christ and to Christian life through baptismal discipleship.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-50192714981793491172009-11-06T22:59:00.004-06:002009-11-06T23:04:12.743-06:00The American Context of American Christianity - CompleteI made some significant revisions to the document since the draft listed in the last post. You can review the document that became 4000 words long at my website: <a href="http://www.worshiplife.net/">www.worshiplife.net</a> . Just click on the word NEW on the homepage and it will take you to The Context of American Christianity.<br /><br />Alternatively, you can just choose this link to get you directly to the .pdf - <a href="http://bit.ly/420v9x">http://bit.ly/420v9x</a> .<br /><br />As always, I welcome your comments.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-62803129736758624972009-10-01T11:09:00.008-05:002009-11-06T22:59:16.036-06:00Trends in North American churchesToday I am polishing a draft for my working group in Faith and Order. We are wanting a common language for a conciliar response the WCC's Nature and Mission of the Church.<br /><br />Here are the areas in which I am writing about North American churches through the following lenses of legacy and trends -<br /><br />Our structured legacy: Ancient born churches; Reformation born churches; Anabaptist born churches; Native born churches.<br /><br />Our spiritual movements legacy: Puritan; Anabaptist; Revivalist; Fundamentalist; Social Gospel; Cultural and Immigrant; Charismatic; Evangelical; Church Growth; Emergent.<br /><br />Our cultural legacy: Agricultural; Industrial; Urban; Suburban; Corporate; Literate; Visual; Technological; Socially Networked.<br /><br />Our current trends: Consumerized; Entrepreneurial; Event Driven; Service Oriented; Collaborative; Decentralized; Viral; Violent; and Secularizing.<br /><br />I'd rather distill than enlarge at this point. But, what do you think? Post or send me a Tweet @PaulsonBrian.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-45593671188873120192009-09-10T22:06:00.003-05:002009-09-10T22:18:18.419-05:00Power comes from HopeListening to Jurgen Moltmann today has stirred reflection within me about the power of the gospel to announce and demonstrate the reign of God through our lives. Moltmann reminds us that the gospel hope engages matters of life and death. There is no greater power than this: the gift of life that conquers death.<br /><br />Unfortunately the church reflects the world in countless ways with regard to power. The notion of power in the world is so often associated with authority to control. Yet the power of hope lies in its ability to grow and transform - like yeast in Jesus' parables.<br /><br />The power of hope lies in its abundance to the creative possibility of God. Each victory of life over death brings newfound possibility. This is hope - a power that no prison of body or spirit can control.<br /><br />It is remarkable to consider the fascination with death that grips the human imagination. In medieval times, this fascination was on display through countless superstitions. Today, the fascination is clearly seen in countless horror and suspense films and books we engage with our "free time" and money.<br /><br />Terrorists thought they would gain control over our imagination with the shock, terror, and death of September 11th. As I recall those days. The greater power was found in the faith, hope, and love of all who survived. Jesus Christ brought hope to the fore - victory over death.<br /><br />Such power need not control. It is the freedom of life to live alert to the goodness of God, abounding in gratitude. It is hope - power in powerlessness that conquers the world.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-85880682126464411082009-09-09T22:26:00.005-05:002009-09-09T22:44:38.100-05:00Moltmann Event 1 - Emergent Theological ConversationIt is the end of a long day welcoming pilgrims from around the nation and a few from around the globe at our church. Danielle Shroyer was a delight for Moltmann 101 providing a heartfelt overview of his life and work. My body was sore from long weeks of service and prayer of late. Yet, my spirit grew as I overheard her conversation of faith while setting up rooms and fans for the guests as they arrived.<br /><br />There were a few moves that caught my attention. In the first instance, I was taken by her description of his engagement of suffering. As such, he apparently suggests that rather than ask, "why is God doing this?" we ought always to ask, "where is God in this?" His life experience suggested this was a much more useful and profound answer as he lived through challenge. (More on suffering in a moment.)<br /><br />This thought connected to the notion of discovering church. Danielle claimed his interest is less in boundary making for church. Rather more he is interested in the way that we discover church as it is lived in grace and faithfulness. She suggested he might offer, "I see church" here or there.<br /><br />This discussion of church - ecclesiology - as discovered in the movement of the Holy Spirit in a people, matched a conversation I've been having with colleagues in the Faith and Order Commission. We have been interested by the inheritors of the "Stone Campbell movement" who apparently will often offer the expression "I saw church" when discussing God's work amongst the people.<br /><br />As I listened to this I heard a bridge between Moltmann's treatment of suffering, "Where is God in this?" and his notion of discovering church, "I see church!" I have observed that the conversation based upon description and discovery of God's work amongst the people serves as a more useful bridge for ecumenical dialogue - pulling the church together.<br /><br />A final word about suffering. It seems that every sector of society is suffering these days. I notice people growing testy at work, at home, and at church. In the midst of suffering, I see people withdraw and break apart. Yet this is not a gospel move.<br /><br />Apparently Moltmann is embraced by many because his great work on HOPE does not diminish suffering. Yet suffering is placed in a much larger context of God's sovereignty and abundant gifts. Here is the spiritual move for us all, I believe - to cast our eyes toward the light about us. The gospel does not avoid the suffering, but it lives into something much more rich and grand in the goodness of life. ... I hope I can do that each day.<br /><br />More tomorrow - I hope!Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5354665694831071271.post-4184000145452350952009-04-16T15:51:00.005-05:002009-04-16T16:28:05.698-05:00How far away from Jesus?After visiting the Crystal Cathedral in California, he said, "it's a long way from a Jew in Palestine." Will Willimon was reflecting with me over a cup of coffee during a visit to Duke University some years ago. I told Will that the cathedral where he worked was also a long way from Palestine.<br /><br />Now, years later, I find myself on a national commission reflecting on the Nature and Mission of the Church. I've also been asked to write a document for a group of Presbyterian leaders on the way I think about the church in light of Christian faith and tradition.<br /><br />My association with the Waldensian Christians of Italy over the years has shaped some of my thinking about the church. In particular I find myself struggling to frame the call of God with the accretion of structures we've inherited over the centuries. I've recently been reading a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruin-Roman-Empire-New-History/dp/0060787376/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239916129&sr=8-1">"The Ruin of the Roman Empire"</a>. Here are some excerpts:<br /><br />".. before Constantine .. Christianities were everywhere, but a force to be reckoned with nowhere. I use the surprising plural "Christianities" to speak of this religious movement .. Yet, by 395 .. Theodosius 1 left behind .. an empire-wide leadership of Christian bishops and their wealthy supporters and associates. Christianity flourished, was privileged, and did its business. In cities all over the empire, bishops and wealthy Christians took decisive control."<br /><br />I can remember hearing a Waldensian friend named Franco Giampiccoli quoting French philosopher Paul Ricoeur as he spoke to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Turin about the dangers Christians in the use of power in the world. (Italian Bishops had just instructed the faithful not to vote in a recent election.)<br /><br />It seems to me that the church has been afflicted time and again by the temptations to power. As a Presbyterian in the United States I must confess this as vigorously as any other Christian in power. I've been fascinated to read about how long and deep this assertion of unwieldly power has hindered our witness and distanced ourselve from the wandering Galilean.Brian Paulsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16859089292711325954noreply@blogger.com0