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

student questions, while at the same time, using the moments as an opportunity to help them understand the apostles’ use of the “marks” and “images.”

What is significant in the application of the Word of God to specific situations is the ability to be flexible and open in how we handle Scripture, while, at the same time, respecting it enough to exegete it with care and reverence. In considering the various experiences and situations of these case studies, it is helpful to think of how you may enable the students to think of the marks and images of the Church at work as a reference library of images to deal with specific ailments and challenges. Each mark and image allows for its own rich reservoir of meanings, interpretations, and connotations, all of which can help us understand who we are and are supposed to be in a particular situation. Being a Christian congregation is to live out an identity, one which the Holy Spirit has provided to us through the multiple images of the Church in the New Testament. As you consider these studies carefully, think of how the marks and the images can allow you and your students to think creatively and expressively about how to identify and address problems or issues in church planting and church growth through a fresh reading of the biblical images of the Church. As much as any lesson in the Capstone curriculum, this lesson emphasizes a key skill that all leaders must have to function effectively in the Church. The images and marks that God provides us of the true identity and authentic work of the Church are not merely for the sake of discussion and reflection. On the contrary, these images make up a collage, a mosaic of meanings which define the very nature of the character of the Church. Christian leaders are to understand and apply these meanings in every level of their local congregational ministries, including their preaching, teaching, counseling, administrating, and leading. As you enable your students to make connections between this material and their ministries, reiterate to them the need for them to become expert in their knowledge of the images of the Church, as well as in their ability to apply the meaning of those images to every phase and stage of the Church’s development and life. As you discuss with them

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