The Ministry of the Whole People of God in a Mainline Congregation: A Critical Exploration

Abstract

This paper describes a project using praxis-reflection methodology to look at and learn from the story of one congregation’s experience of implementation of the ‘ministry of the whole people of God’. The process involved theological reflection centred on the identity of Jesus Christ for today’s Church, taking in issues raised by the quest for the Historical Jesus and the Jesus Seminar and responses to them. A consequence of this was a deepening of the congregation’s understanding of the priesthood of all believers, together with a practical out-working of this. The paper concludes with a vision of a church responding to change.