The Timothy Conference

T H E T I M O T H Y C O N F E R E N C E

B. Paradigmatic Ramification: Dramatic alteration of curricula and procedure regarding what constitutes legitimate theological maturity and leadership development; focus on the narrative of the story, with a concentration on the Christ-event in light of the already/not yet Kingdom.

C. Our Ministry Implication: TUMI builds its entire theological vision around the biblical theology of the Kingdom of God, and its meaning vis-a-vis the Church and the world .

IV. Shift from External-to-the-Local-Church, Normally Academic and Professional Credential as the Confirming Sign of Church Office to Church Leaders Appointed and Offices Conferred by the Local Church on the Basis of the Calling, Anointing, and Gifting of the Holy Spirit in the Midst of the Christian Community .

A. Theological Tenet: Gifted members of the people of God, anointed and gifted by the Spirit, confirmed and commissioned by the Church, 2 Timothy 1.6-14.

B. Paradigmatic Ramification: Shifting from using academic, professional, and external criteria as the primary means of selecting church leaders to an understanding that church leaders must be set apart for their tasks and offices through an acknow ledgment of their gifts of the Spirit and testimony, confirmed through the consensus of the church and its leaders.

C. Our Ministry Implication: TUMI exists to encourage and equip leaders who have been recognized in their congregations as gifted, anointed, and commissioned officers of their church.

V. Shift from Producing Trained Professionals to Equipping Church Men and Women to do the Work of the Ministry.

A. Theological Tenet: Universal priesthood of all believers, Ephesians 4.11-16.

B. Paradigmatic Ramification: Shifting from credentialing a class of professionals to training clergy to equip ordinary Christians for the work of the ministry using the Christ-endowed gifts that have been distributed by the Holy Spirit.

C. Our Ministry Implication: TUMI makes its materials available to any and all Christians in the city who sense God’s call to minister .

VI. Shift from Technical Expertise with Traditional Missional and Pastoral Materials and Procedures to an Awakening of the Empowering Presence of the Spirit in the Life of the Church.

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