postmodernbible

Empowering Grass Roots Methodism - a response to Fruitful Field #apersonalresponse

Methodism has been engaged in a consultation process regarding its training for ministry across the whole denomination.  I've been engaged in lots of different conversations over the course of the autumn but decided that I wanted to put together my own response.  I have decided to publish that response publically rather than just send it in to an email address and a committee.  I wanted my views in the public arena not least because I offer an alternative reading to the Liverpool Minutes, to the Isaiah passage which refers to the fruitful field and also to the concept of the Ministry of the Whole People of God in the World.

For those who don't want to read the whole report, I argue that a better strategy to equip the whole people of God for ministry and mission within contemporary society would be to establish four or five local hubs across Methodism rather than accept the vision of one central hub.  These hubs should focus specifically on resourcing the whole of the Methodist Church in the region and do ministerial training as a secondary activity.  My argument is that we will only develop the Church as a learning community if we intentionally foster the informal learning structures which are already actively at work within the local church.

My recommendations are:

• Recommendation 1: Empower Methodism at the grass roots to spread Scriptural Holiness throughout the Land
• Recommendation 2: Encourage the informal learning structures of the local church.
• Recommendation 3: Develop a co-ordinated but Connexionally-distributed team of skilled, theological educators.
• Recommendation 4: Do not establish the central hub.
• Recommendation 5: Create a Connexional Learning Network

 

 

 

 

Here is the full response: 

Empowering_Grass_Roots_Methodism.pdf Download this file

Please remember that it is a personal response and does not relate to my role at WSC or to my role as Faith and Order Secretary of the Methodist Church.  I am a Methodist prebyster called to serve the Church and this calling transcends any office or role in which I am currently stationed.

God bless and Merry Christmas.

Pete

http://pmphillips.posterous.com/empowering-grass-roots-methodism-a-response-t

Vicky Beeching, Christian Blogger of the Year, is to be a research student with CODEC at Durham University

Vicky Beeching will be starting a PhD in Theology at Durham University in January 2012. She is widely known as a worship leader, but already having a BA and MA from Oxford, studying has always been a huge passion in her life.

Vicky has chosen Durham as its Theology department ranked No. 1 in the UK in recent years for its excellence in research, ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge. Vicky's PhD will focus on the relationship between the online world and Christian spirituality.

Alongside her studies, Vicky will be a Research Fellow at St John's College, Durham working with CODEC and Cranmer Hall/Wesley Study Centre.

CODEC is a cutting edge research initiative exploring the interfaces between the Bible, the digital environment and contemporary culture.

Cranmer Hall/Wesley Study Centre is a vibrant theological college training ordinands for the Church of England and the Methodist Church.

Vicky will continue to lead worship, write blogs, make albums and work with organisations like Spring Harvest and Compassion. Her PhD studies will enrich all of these outlets and she is very much looking forward to combining them.

To see Vicky's own announcement, see here

http://pmphillips.posterous.com/vicky-beeching-christian-blogger-of-the-year

Wooden Smartphone With Removable Toy Block Apps (via http:laughingsquid.com)

via laughingsquid.com

I want one!

http://pmphillips.posterous.com/wooden-smartphone-with-removable-toy-block-ap