New Path for Discernment in the Congegrational Tradition
This paper, adapted from the author's 2015 D.Min. thesis, explores the history of discernment in Congregational church order, with attention to the strength and weaknesses of the twentieth century "business model." Adopted by rapidly growing congregations for efficiency, this pathway...
| Subtitles: | Session Three$dAwakening to New Dreams |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
NACCC
[2019]
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| In: |
International congregational journal
Year: 2019, Volume: 17, Issue: 2, Pages: 21-40 |
| IxTheo Classification: | KDG Free church NBG Pneumatology; Holy Spirit RB Church office; congregation |
| Further subjects: | B
Congregational Churches
B Holy Spirit B Twentieth Century B Business models B Dreams |
| Summary: | This paper, adapted from the author's 2015 D.Min. thesis, explores the history of discernment in Congregational church order, with attention to the strength and weaknesses of the twentieth century "business model." Adopted by rapidly growing congregations for efficiency, this pathway emphasizes small-group decision-making, leaving little room for the work of the Holy Spirit or for meaningful deliberation by the gathered body. Discernment in Quaker and Jesuit practices, as well as the process narrated in Acts 1, are compared to original and contemporary Congregational usage. A modern methodology that fills in the gaps is described as adapted for congregational use, integrating time for reflection, inspiration, and the gathering of collective wisdom. The paper concludes with examples from applications in the church setting and reflection on collaborative, whole-church discernment and its implications for transformation in the local church. |
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| Item Description: | Der Rubrikentitel und ggf. abweichende Sachtitel ist auf Seite 21 und im Inhaltsverzeichnis in diesem Heft ersichtlich |
| ISSN: | 1472-2089 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: International congregational journal
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