Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

1 1 8 /

T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

The Church at Work

Segment 1

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Historically, believers have identified and argued for certain criteria by which to understand the various dimensions and elements of the Church, and how we may detect authentic Christian community through the Church’s actions and lifestyle. Three sources have been especially helpful to make sense of the biblical vision of the Church. First, the marks of the Church according to the Nicene Creed emphasize its oneness, holiness, apostleship, and universality. The definition of Church according to the teaching of the Reformation emphasize the preaching of the Word, the observance of the sacraments and the right order of discipline. In regard to doctrinal truth, the rule of St. Vincent emphasizes those things which have been believed everywhere, always, and by all. These marks are helpful in discerning right practices and doctrines of the Church.

Summary of Segment 1

Our objectives for this first segment of The Church at Work :

• Our aim is to understand the various dimensions and elements of the Church, and how we may detect authentic Christian community through the Church’s actions and lifestyle.

4

• We will look at the marks of the Church according to the Nicene Creed.

• We will briefly explore the dimensions and definition of Church according to the teaching of the Reformation. • We will look at the Church through the lens of the Vincentian Rule, a helpful guide to understand and evaluate traditions and teachings claiming to be binding upon Christians.