1. Continue promoting theological reflection; making learning opportunities accessible and attractive to wide cross section of the denomination across the area 2. Continue developing ways to prepare ministers for contemporary ministry. Develop, in particular, ways which encourage women to prepare for ministry bi-vocationally with motherhood. 3. Find ways to share the wisdom and resources of NBLC with more churches, particularly smaller churches with no minister. E.g. offer consultancy teams.
As part of this conversation we must include the comments already being made on the Beyond 400 blog - http://www.beyond400.net/entry/22-ordaining-elephants#comment-461348987
Now I know this isn't popular with either the recent ethos of the college or the newer trendy views of churches, but hey. 1/ Teach preachers. Although it is popular to think that newer forms of service and patterns of church are the solution to the future the truth is most of our churches are still in inherited models of church and are looking for a 20 minute preach. And people outside the church who come into our fellowships want to hear the gospel explained in ways they can understand which take contemporary life and Biblical tradition seriously. Our ministers need to be able to preach a vital message in a captivating way. Our occasional preachers could do with more than merely a ten week initial training module. It would be valuable if the college could facilitate a series of regional occasional preachers networks with monthly sessions to help them to develop their skills and understanding so they can serve our smaller churches. 2/ Help people develop a growth strategy for their local fellowship. Although the mustard seed Kingdom is more than increasing numbers in our churches this is fundamental to the expectation of every local church. They want to share the good news of the life of Jesus in us with their families and friends. Our ministers and church leaders need to learn how this can happen in their own community.
1. A resource to encourage and facilitate learning in the local church. 2. A centre for ministerial formation. 3. A community of scholarship: encouraging people to grapple with issues of Scripture, theology, history and culture.
1. Continue promoting theological reflection; making learning opportunities accessible and attractive to wide cross section of the denomination across the area
ReplyDelete2. Continue developing ways to prepare ministers for contemporary ministry. Develop, in particular, ways which encourage women to prepare for ministry bi-vocationally with motherhood.
3. Find ways to share the wisdom and resources of NBLC with more churches, particularly smaller churches with no minister. E.g. offer consultancy teams.
As part of this conversation we must include the comments already being made on the Beyond 400 blog - http://www.beyond400.net/entry/22-ordaining-elephants#comment-461348987
ReplyDeleteNow I know this isn't popular with either the recent ethos of the college or the newer trendy views of churches, but hey.
ReplyDelete1/ Teach preachers. Although it is popular to think that newer forms of service and patterns of church are the solution to the future the truth is most of our churches are still in inherited models of church and are looking for a 20 minute preach. And people outside the church who come into our fellowships want to hear the gospel explained in ways they can understand which take contemporary life and Biblical tradition seriously.
Our ministers need to be able to preach a vital message in a captivating way.
Our occasional preachers could do with more than merely a ten week initial training module. It would be valuable if the college could facilitate a series of regional occasional preachers networks with monthly sessions to help them to develop their skills and understanding so they can serve our smaller churches.
2/ Help people develop a growth strategy for their local fellowship. Although the mustard seed Kingdom is more than increasing numbers in our churches this is fundamental to the expectation of every local church. They want to share the good news of the life of Jesus in us with their families and friends. Our ministers and church leaders need to learn how this can happen in their own community.
1. A resource to encourage and facilitate learning in the local church.
ReplyDelete2. A centre for ministerial formation.
3. A community of scholarship: encouraging people to grapple with issues of Scripture, theology, history and culture.