Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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

Historically, three critical sources have been especially helpful in the Church to make sense of its true character and function in the world. 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 emphasized 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. The Church’s character and works can also be understood by exploring various images of the Church mentioned in the New Testament. We see the Church’s intimate relationship with God through the images of the household of God, the body of Christ, and temple of the Holy Spirit. We comprehend the Church as agent of the Kingdom of God through the lens of the Church as ambassador of Christ. Finally, we see the Church as doing battle in the Lamb’s war as God’s engaging army.

Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis

If you are interested in pursuing some of the ideas of The Church at Work , you might want to give these books a try:

Resources and Bibliographies

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together . San Francisco: Harper Collins Publishers, 1954.

Ellis, Carl F., Jr. Beyond Liberation . Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1983.

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Ortiz, Juan Carlos. Disciple: A Handbook for New Believers. Orlando: Creation House Publishers, 1995.

Perkins, John. Let Justice Roll Down . Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1976.

Sider, Ronald J. Cry Justice: The Bible Speaks on Hunger and Poverty . Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1980.

You will be responsible to now apply the insights of your module in a practicum that you and your Mentor agree to. The ramifications of this module on the Church are numerous and rich: think of all the ways that this teaching can influence your devotional life, your prayers, your response to your church, your attitude at work, and on and on and on. What you must be aware of now, as you begin to make connections of these truths with your own life and ministry, is the direct and indirect links that are present. These truths about the nature and function of the Church have direct application for your life as a maturing disciple in your church;

Ministry Connections

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