Those who nurture and lead a community based on grace and forgiveness can find themselves distanced from those very qualities in their own spiritual life. The openness, vulnerability, and honesty encouraged in disciples of Jesus can be seen as liabilities for leaders. When leaders don’t meaningfully engage in grace and forgiveness themselves their message becomes …
It is a mistake to think that Jesus brings pastoral ministry to the church as one distinct group meeting the needs of another distinct group. There is only one group, one people. Feeding Jesus’ sheep is a relationship of mutuality and community. After having asked Peter three times, “Do you love me.” Jesus says, “Feed …
Nouwen’s observation emanates from the growing sense of irrelevance that Christian leaders can have in a society that expects leaders to demonstrate a competence that leads to a control of circumstances. This demand that leaders provide certainty and security sees Christian leaders transform their roles in ways that provide certainty and security, or leave their …
Westminster Confession Of Faith – Lord’s Day 50 Chapter 31 – Of Synods and Councils I. For the better government and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils. II. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers and other fit persons to consult …
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