Ministry in a Multi-Cultural and Unchurched Society

Sess i on 7: Chur ch Mat ter s and Go i ng Back to the Future

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D. Summary: The Great Tradition grounds spiritual nurture and development in the context of the churches which are constituted both by historic connection to the one true faith and under the authority of duly appointed undershepherds.

V. We Need a Refocused Kingdom Ministry: The Great Tradition Affirmed the Church as Apostolic.

“From Jerusalem, twelve men went out into the world. There were uneducated and of no ability in speaking. But by the power of God, they proclaimed to every race of men that they were sent by Christ to teach the word of God to everyone” (Justin Martyr, c. 160 [cf. David W. Bercot, ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs . Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1998, p. 260]).

A. The Great Tradition expressed an ecumenical spirit that recognized the faith as a global communion of saints under a common head, Jesus Christ.

1. Although churches were regionally organized and governed, the larger vision of the Church transcended the categories of modern denominational divisions.

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The apostles, then, in like manner founded churches in every city, from which all the other churches – one after another – borrowed the tradition of the faith and the seeds of doctrine. And they are every day borrowing them, that they may become churches. Indeed, it is only on this account that they will be able to deem themselves apostolic – as being the offspring of apostolic churches. Every sort or things must necessarily revert to its original mold for its classification. Therefore, the churches, although they are so many and so great, comprise but the one primitive church of the apostles – from which they all [spring]. In this way, all are primitive. And all are apostolic. And they are all proved to be one in unity by their peaceful com munion, title of brotherhood, and bond of hospitality – privileges that no other rule directs than the one tradition of the selfsame mystery. ~ Tertullian, c. 197. Cf. David W. Bercot, ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs . Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1998, p. 148).