1. A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

2. Berwick Camp Theology for Today 2013 Rev Dr Rob Fennell Atlantic School of Theology

3. Monday

4. A Prayer to Begin (VU 573) Eternal Spirit of the living Christ, I know not how to ask or what to say; I only know my need, as deep as life, and only you can teach me how to pray. Amen. - Frank von Christierson

5. Theology for Today 2013 5 loose threads in the Untied Church ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) anthropology anthropology (what does it mean to be human?) (what does it mean to be human?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

6. ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) ecclesiology (whats up with the church?)

7. ecclesiology ecclesiology one big mess? four marks, six functions, two awesome promises …and the Blues Brothers

8. Blues Brothers video Blues Brothers videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4YrCFz0Kfc

9. ecclesiology ecclesiology

10. EK + KLESIA + LOGOS

11. the church doesnt have a mission … the mission has a church

12. God raises up: communities of faith, communities of disciples, communities of service, communities of resistance

13. God raises up: communities of faith, communities of disciples, communities of service, communities of resistance … to accomplish peace, justice, joy, bread for all

14. four marks of the church as named in the Nicene Creed: oneholycatholicapostolic

15. six functions of the church as named in the New Testament: didache (teaching the faith) didache (teaching the faith) kerygma (proclaiming the faith) kerygma (proclaiming the faith) diakonia (serving others) diakonia (serving others) marturia (bearing witness in public) marturia (bearing witness in public) koinonia (being a community) koinonia (being a community) leiturgia (worshipping) leiturgia (worshipping)

16. A Song of Faith (2006)

17. With the Church through the ages, we speak of God as one and triune … the One on whom our hearts rely

18. We sing of a church seeking to continue the story of Jesus by embodying Christs presence in the world. We are called together by Christ as a community of broken but hopeful believers, loving what he loved, living what he taught, striving to be faithful servants of God in our time and place.

19. Our ancestors in faith bequeath to us experiences of their faithful living; upon their lives our lives are built. Our living of the gospel makes us a part of this communion of saints, experiencing the fulfillment of Gods reign even as we actively anticipate a new heaven and a new earth.

20. The church has not always lived up to its vision. It requires the Spirit to reorient it, helping it to live an emerging faith while honouring tradition, challenging it to live by grace rather than entitlement, for we are called to be a blessing to the earth.

21. We sing of Gods good news lived out, a church with purpose: faith nurtured and hearts comforted, gifts shared for the good of all, resistance to the forces that exploit and marginalize, fierce love in the face of violence, human dignity defended, members of a community held and inspired by God, corrected and comforted, instrument of the loving Spirit of Christ, creations mending. We sing of Gods mission.

22. Baptism by water in the name of the Holy Trinity is the means by which we are received, at any age, into the covenanted community of the church.

23. Can you offer a positive example of one of the six functions in your local context? didache (teaching the faith) didache (teaching the faith) kerygma (proclaiming the faith) kerygma (proclaiming the faith) diakonia (serving others) diakonia (serving others) marturia (bearing witness in public) marturia (bearing witness in public) koinonia (being a community) koinonia (being a community) leiturgia (worshipping) leiturgia (worshipping)

24. two promises for the church

25. two promises Matthew 16:18 Upon this rock (Peter), I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

26. two promises Matthew 16:18 Upon this rock (Peter), I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Matthew 28:20 I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

27. A Prayer to Close (VU 576) Almighty God, whose son Jesus Christ has taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for him; give us the will to be the servants of others as he was the servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us, but is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. - Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

28. ecclesiology ecclesiology one big mess? four marks, six functions, two awesome promises …and the Blues Brothers

30. Tuesday

31. A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

32. Theology for Today 2013 5 loose threads in the Untied Church ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) anthropology anthropology (what does it mean to be human?) (what does it mean to be human?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

33. A Prayer to Begin (VU 490) Loving God, within Christs body may we find our best and truest selves revealed, called forth, supported by its love to live at peace, made whole and healed. Amen. - Joy F. Patterson

34. anthropology (what does it mean to be human?) anthropos [human being] + logos

35. clip from Wall Street clip from Wall Streethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_iorX_MAw

37. anthropology (what does it mean to be human?)

38. 4 distortions worth-lessdivineconsumersatomized

39. 4 distortions4 alternatives worth-lessbeloved creature-spirit divineservant consumerssteward atomizedmember of the Body

40. #1 distortion: worth-less paradigm: merely carbon & water temptation: rejection alternative: beloved creature with a spirit virtue: charity

41. #2 distortion: self-divinity paradigm: emperorship temptation: domination alternative: servant virtue: humility

42. #3 distortion: consumer paradigm: I shop therefore I am temptation: insatiability alternative: steward virtue: generosity

43. #4 distortion: atomized/private individual paradigm: me against the world temptation: despair alternative: member of the Body virtue: solidarity

44. 4 distortions4 alternatives worth-lessbeloved creature-spirit divineservant consumerssteward atomizedmember of the Body

47. Wednesday

48. A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

49. Theology for Today 2013 5 loose threads in the Untied Church ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) anthropology anthropology (what does it mean to be human?) (what does it mean to be human?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

50. A Prayer to Begin (VU 569) You call us out to praise you, the God who gives us birth; to gather in communion, and treasure your whole earth. We are your living story, to hear and to be heard. We praise your name, who writes us: the Author and the Word. Amen. - Anna Briggs

51. discipleship (calling? what calling?)

52. activity: following, learning, apprenticing identity: being a follower, learner, apprentice mandate: making disciples (Matt. 28)

53. What is a disciple like? What do disciples do in the Bible?

54. In Mark, disciples: Hear a call and follow Travel with Jesus Ask questions of Jesus and are taught Misunderstand Witness Jesus deeds Assist Jesus ministry Are commissioned Testify about the good news

55. are astounded by Js teaching connect the people with Jesus for healing eat with Jesus and sinners cast out demons go for boat rides count bread, money, and people gather leftovers row hard are afraid, astounded, amazed ask for special honours get angry with each other ignore religious laws forget their lunch betray, fall asleep, deny, weep

56. A Markan disciple: relies on the one she/he follows relies on the one she/he follows is often surprised is often surprised has choices has choices is not perfect is not perfect is entrusted with gifts and tasks is entrusted with gifts and tasks

57. For todays disciples: The call to follow is common to us all The call to follow is common to us all Grace comes before discipleship Grace comes before discipleship Perfection is never required Perfection is never required Two distinctions: Two distinctions: Christoformity Christoformity we never stop being disciples we never stop being disciples

58. For conversation: Is discipleship just another lifestyle? One choice among many? An aesthetic taste for a way of life? Like being a vegetarian, or a pacifist, or going to movies on Saturday evenings, or enjoying walking with alpine walking sticks?

59. Varieties of response to the call/invitation Varieties of response to the call/invitation Focus on God, not survival Focus on God, not survival Disposition of the heart Disposition of the heart Feeling Gods pleasure Feeling Gods pleasure

60. clip from Chariots of Fire clip from Chariots of Firehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwyltmUR3MU

61. Members of the Body Members of the Body > a law of love > at communion > in baptism > free people on the Way

62. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you dont know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known? Will you let my life be grown in you, and you in me?

63. Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name. Let me turn and follow you and never be the same. In your company Ill go where your love and footsteps show. Thus Ill move and live and grow in you and you in me.

65. Thursday

66. A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

67. Theology for Today 2013 5 loose threads in the Untied Church ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) anthropology anthropology (what does it mean to be human?) (what does it mean to be human?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

68. A Prayer to Begin (VU 685) We turn to you, O God of every nation, giver of good and origin of life: your love is at the heart of all creation; your hurt is peoples pain in war and death. Free every heart from pride and self-reliance; our ways of thought inspire with simple grace. Break down among us barriers of defiance; speak to the soul of all the human race. Amen. - Fred Kaan

69. atonement (what is it?) … Gods response to sin … overcoming alienation or estrangement … Gods desire to reconcile us and bring us peace … At-one-ment (Wm Tyndale 1526)

70. Why talk about this? 1) we have become unable to talk or even think clearly about sin

71. Why talk about this? 1) we have become unable to talk or even think clearly about sin 2) doctrine of atonement is controversial/neglected 2a - aversion to blood-and-sacrifice 2b - aversion to divine child abuse 2c - less clear about our Christology

72. Liberal theological tradition … pride paralysis pride paralysis awesomenessacedia Pelagianismpoverty of heart overestimatesunderestimates no need to be unable to be forgiven forgiven

73. Johnny Cash, Hurt Johnny Cash, Hurthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF9AJm0RFc

74. Four factors at work to diminish our theological literacy regarding atonement: 1) allergy to the link between blood/sacrifice language and superstition or evangelicalism 2) aversion to any notion of a loving God requiring or desiring Jesus suffering 3) Christological fogginess 4) paradoxes of liberal theology with respect to sin (pride vs. paralysis) – resulting in a kind of a-theology regarding sin (God does not seem to be at work in the area of sin) … as a result, we often just skip this conversation

75. FOR DISCUSSION Does this make sense to you? What would you add or change about this account so far? Other questions or comments?

76. Models of the Atonement 1) Ransom 2) Honour Satisfaction 3) Acceptance 4) Moral Influence 5) Penal Substitution 6) Christus Victor 7) Cross + resurrection together reveal Gods response 8) Non-atonement

77. Why bother with at-one-ment? 1) Theological mandate: God is not prepared to ignore the pain caused by sin, alienation, estrangement : God will not leave a fractured world unreconciled 2) Pastoral mandate: How can we speak of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a world and in individual lives that so dearly need these things?

78. A Prayer to Close Gracious God, we confess that we do not know how to sort out the mysteries of the ways you love and forgive us. But for now, we can say that we are grateful that you do love us, and that you will not let us go or abandon us to our brokenness. Teach us, Holy Spirit; speak through us with your amazing love, so that we can find ways to offer the good news of your reconciling work in Jesus to the others in our lives. Amen. R. Fennell -

80. Friday

81. A Few Loose Theological Threads in the Untied Church of Canada

82. Theology for Today 2013 5 loose threads in the Untied Church ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) ecclesiology (whats up with the church?) anthropology anthropology (what does it mean to be human?) (what does it mean to be human?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) discipleship (calling? what calling?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) atonement (whats to be done about sin?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

83. A Prayer to Begin Gracious and loving God, our source and our joy, be with us again this morning as we listen and speak, discern and discover. Grant us hearts eager to serve you, and fill us with those gifts of your Holy Spirit that will best serve your purposes in our time and place. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. R. Fennell

84. ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?) ministry (gifts of the Spirit? seriously?)

85. clip from clip from Four Weddings and a Funeral (up to the 4-minute mark) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm0XqDm8Uh0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm0XqDm8Uh0

86. ministry ministry Calling – vocation – belongs to all disciples. All disciples are called. >Latin vocare, to call

87. characteristics of callings to ministry characteristics of callings to ministry God takes the initiative Calling is connected to our areas of giftedness The Church has a special task of assisting individuals to discover their calling, to test it communally, and to deploy it appropriately

88. 1 Corinthians 12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. … There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord … To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit … wisdom, and to another … knowledge … to another faith … to another gifts of healing …. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. Ephesians 4 Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christs gift … also … apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, equippers, builders-up …

89. A Song of Faith (2006) We are each given particular gifts of the Spirit. For the sake of the world, God calls all followers of Jesus to Christian ministry. In the church, some are called to specific ministries of leadership, both lay and ordered; some witness to the good news; some uphold the art of worship; some comfort the grieving and guide the wandering; some build up the community of wisdom; some stand with the oppressed and work for justice. To embody Gods love in the world, the work of the church requires the ministry and discipleship of all believers.

90. General Council report (2009) The church is a community of believers (ecclesia) called into existence by the presence of Jesus Christ and the call to continue Christs ministry in the world. Through the Spirit, who enlivens and renews the church, all members are called to discipleship to contribute to Christs ministry, the work of the church. The church is about Gods mission in the world; that there will be shalom for Gods creatures and healing for Gods creation. Mission and ministry cannot be separated.

91. General Council report (2009) While all members share in Christs ministry, the church from its earliest days has recognized that God calls some from within the community through specific gifts to ordered expressions of ministry. … The capacity to respond to Gods call is tested by the community and is therefore a reminder that these ministries belong to the body of Christ.

92. General Council report (2009) Ministry is relational in character in that it is based in the gifts of the Spirit given to build up the body of Christ. …Ministry is accountable in character, in that it is exercised on behalf of and therefore with the authority of the faith community. Ordered and designated lay ministries in their various forms begin with a call that is tested by the community and is exercised under the discipline of a presbytery.

93. But wait, theres more! leadership administration decision-making working with our hands loving teaching parenting/grandparenting befriending neighbouring **encouraging welcoming feeding serving as elders, etc. music ministries working for justice and peace organizing diaconal, ordained, designated lay **praying … and more…

94. For discussion: Which ministries do you enjoy sharing? Which have noticed and appreciated among your fellow-Christians?

95. Christoformity The best ministry is modelled on the ministry of Jesus: … self-giving love … generous … reliant on Gods direction and support … part of a faith community/team/Body … desires others thriving: abundant life

96. Thanks for being part of Theology for Today 2013. Rev Dr Rob Fennell Atlantic School of Theology rfennell@astheology.ns.ca Facebook: Robert C Fennell Please also visit www.touchstonejournal.ca