J. Roswell and Alice Reynolds Flower, ca. 1950
There is no better place for doing theology than in the life of the local church. It is in the local church that the rubber hits the road and one’s attempts at careful theological reflection need to be applied to the life of God’s work in the world. Where there can be no mere hypothesizing, but praxis is called for if one desires to be a faithful minister and disciple.
Andy, over at Hopeful Realism, has just posted a couple of articles on the pastor-theologian in the mega-church and in the small church. His introduction to the topic offers several strengths to each context.
Certainly the complexities of pastoral ministry, whether in a mega-church or small church, can seem enough of a challenge without attempting to be a so-called “pastor-theologian”. However, the responsibilities of caring for Christ’s church should demand that we take up the charge to study to show ourselves approved unto God in every way. This is not a day for leaving the work of careful theological reflection to those who do not serve in the context of the pastorate.
We NEED more pastors committing to applying themselves to intensive study of the Scriptures (original languages, hermeneutics, homiletics, etc.) and theology (historical, contemporary, systematic, biblical, etc). Our churches NEED ministers who will vigorously study and apply what is studied to writing, preaching, counseling, and pastoral care. And will do this all in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is a HUGE task, but it is one that is essential to the overall health of the community of believers (locally and globally). We need more women and men committed to the task. We need more Augustines, Teresas, Calvins, Wesleys, and Alice Reynolds and J. Roswell Flowers. Will you give yourself wholly to the work set before you?
_______________________
Originally posted by myself at bluechippastor.org on April 25, 2013.
I’m all in, but it’s difficult to do in age of mass distraction; the pressure of social media and it’s scholastic competitions where most are programmed to outdo and outshout everyone else.
Of course, we also have more access to more resources than ever in history.
Absolutely. That’s a definite positive. I’m more talking about the low levels of concentration, deep condensation, alongside the mental and social fatigue that the “24hr cycle of what’s new; now what’s next” seems to inflict on even the most well intentioned Pastor/theologian.
*deep conversation