Month: June 2012

Christian Leadership, Christianity, Public Theology

The Importance of a Kingdom Theology

Beginning Sunday, my two little churches are going to do something brave and challenging. We are going to embark on a journey of kingdom theology.

For the next several weeks, we are going to dive deep into our understanding of the kingdom of God. We are going to go beyond the usual statement of saying the “kingdom is here, but not yet,” and begin to process what it means that the kingdom of God is both a present and future reality. We will start by simply defining the kingdom reality and then spend time on general themes throughout the summer and fall. Some of the topics include: being kingdom people, proclaiming the kingdom, desiring the kingdom, and serving as the kingdom.

But, why is it important to focus so much attention on the kingdom of God?  Continue reading “The Importance of a Kingdom Theology”

Christian Leadership, Christianity

Book Review: “How God Became King” by N.T. Wright

Modern Christianity can be defined by two sides.

On one side, you have committed Christians who believe Jesus’ act of salvation on the cross is the most important belief. Jesus came to “rescue” sinners from this world, they argue, so that “believers” may experience eternal life in Heaven. The cross and forgiveness become central ideas in this belief. Others argue Jesus is more interested in building the kingdom of God. This idea was central in the social gospel movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Here, Jesus is about justice and reconciliation.

Both are important contributions to Christianity, but the two sides rarely interact with one another. Those who advocate Jesus is only about the cross often ignore the kingdom realities of Jesus’ life and teaching. At the same time, those who argue that Jesus is building a kingdom often forget that Jesus is interested in naming sin as sin and calling people to forgiveness.

What do the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – have to say about Jesus’ ministry and purpose? What is the message that the gospels are trying to make regarding Jesus, his mission, and his kingdom? Continue reading “Book Review: “How God Became King” by N.T. Wright”

Christian Leadership, Christianity, Public Theology

Characteristics of the American Gospel

In my engagement with public theology, especially in the American context, it has become clear to me that what many claim as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is something else. For the most part, what many see as the good news is ultimately something that is counter to the true hope of Jesus Christ. It is also a gospel that is cultural in its message and application.

That gospel is an American Gospel. This gospel has its own unique characteristics and definitions that often comes near apostolic faith in Jesus Christ, but often runs counter to the true hopeful message. Instead of proclaiming Jesus Christ, it is a gospel that often props up self over community, the teachings of the Founding Fathers above all else, and political party as the main interpretive tool.

The dangers of the American Gospel are many and the consequences of its message are being felt, I believe, in churches and communities throughout our country. In order to understand these consequences, one must understand what comprises the American Gospel. What follows are what I consider to be characteristics of the American Gospel. These are ideas that are often expressed in churches and theological discussions as being true to faith, but are counter to what God truly desires. This is not a complete list, but a sampling of views that can hinder apostolic faith in Jesus Christ. Continue reading “Characteristics of the American Gospel”

Christian Leadership, Christianity

What I Learned at Licensing School

Last week, I went back to school. I went to learn how to be a pastor.

I attended the Kentucky Annual Conference’s License to Preach School on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Ky. The school is a requirement for those seeking a license to serve as a local pastor. A licensed local pastor has the ability to consecrate the elements in the United Methodist Church.

At first, I didn’t believe I needed to attend the school. Call it cockiness, but I felt that my seminary degree was enough and that I didn’t need to attend. My education, I felt, should have been enough.

Instead, I learned I did need this week of deep study, worship, and engagement on what it means to be a pastor. In fact, I learned a lot about myself and my calling.

Here are a few things I learned during my week of eating potatoes at every meal and spending time with some amazing people. Continue reading “What I Learned at Licensing School”