Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

P ART III: P LANTING U RBAN C HURCHES • 359

IV. Fidelity and reproduction to the Apostolic tradition (i.e., the testimony, teaching, and ethical vision of Christ and his kingdom) is the essence of Christian maturity. Tradition for the Church is not misguided nor arbitrary. Rather, we draw our sense of identity and history from the story of Jesus of Nazareth based on the eyewitness testimony of the apostles, and their commentary and explanation of the meaning of the Christ event for our lives. The Church is a messianic hermeneutical community , drawing its life from its conviction, proclamation, celebration, and demonstration of the meaning of the person and work of Jesus as embodied in the history of Israel, as demonstrated through his incarnation and passion, and verified in his resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God. Their bold, clear proclamation of his coming again to complete his work on the Cross and to establish the reign of God in this world is the Church’s hope and love. As so often said in the African American Christian worship communities, tradition makes this story and its hope “plain,” telling to all in worship, ritual, celebration, and lifestyle that Jesus of Nazareth is the Chosen One of God, borne witness to by the apostles. Embracing and defending their witness is the heart of Christian maturity and discipleship. 2 Tim. 2.2 – and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 1 Cor. 11.1-2 – Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you (cf.1 Cor. 4.16-17; 2 Tim. 1.13-14; 2 Thess. 3.7-9; Phil. 4.9). 1 Cor. 15.3-8 – For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.