Some Notes on the Church Landscape of Rural Missouri Gary Farley
|
|
- Ella Hood
- 7 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Some Notes on the Church Landscape of Rural Missouri Gary Farley At the recent meeting of the advisory committee a question was raised about the meaning of the names of several of the smaller denominations one finds in Missouri. For example, one finds Missionary Baptists among the African Americans in the Bootheel and in the white Ozarks. Are they related? How are the connected to the dominant Southern Baptist denomination? After answering as well as I could from the hip, it came to mind that it might be helpful to the interviewers to have a brief typology and some bibliography upon which they might draw as they prepare for their interviews. First, I looked up the list of Missouri denominations (p. 24) in Churches and Church Membership in the United States, It is helpful, but misses several denominational groups that I know are there. Second, I consulted my copy of Handbook of Denominations in the United States, by Frank S. Mead and rev. by Samuel S. Hill. This is helpful in identifying the history and theological perspective of many of the denominational groups to be found in Missouri. Third, I developed a typology of denominational families one informed mostly by history to use in categorizing the churches in rural Missouri. Please view this as only a first draft which can be revised and expanded as the study moves along. One may consult the references for a fuller treatment of these churches. And I hope that other advisory committee members will share their insights and understandings. (I imagine that this exercise will have some application to subsequent elements of the larger study and applications. I. European Imports. A. Roman Catholic. In places such as the German Ozarks, west and south of St. Louis, one finds what seems to be transplanted parish churches from Germany. Elsewhere one finds similar congregations of French, or Irish, or other origins. Culture, ethnicity, and religion are often closely tied. In addition, particularly in the Lake areas, one also finds new Roman Catholic parishes that are mostly comprised of exurbanite retirees. B. Lutheran, Missouri Synod. Most rural Lutheran churches in Missouri have a similar origin. They were established to serve the spiritual needs of a colony of immigrants from German principalities. They were formed in the second half of the 19 th century. They have a tradition of being very conservative theologically. St Louis is the home of the denominational offices for this Lutheran denomination. There are several ECLA congregations in the state, also, but I imagine that most of them are urban. C. United Church of Christ. This denomination resulted from the merger, several decades ago, of the Congregationalists and the Evangelical and Reformed groups. The latter is mostly Germanic in origin. Both are Calvinistic. In rural Missouri most UCC congregations are former E & R congregations. Often in the German Ozarks and on along the Missouri river counties one finds towns dominated by one of these groups Roman Catholic, Lutheran, or UCC and one or the other present.
2 D. Episcopalian. Like the three above this was an import from Europe where it like each of the others was the established church in one or more nations. There are few rural Episcopalian churches in Missouri. In part this is the consequence that by the time that this state was being settled, the Methodist effort at reform within the Episcopal church had broken away from its mother and many of its traditional members had gone with the Methodists. The denomination has the reputation of being urbane, and across the years its members have tended to move into the professions and into the cities. (I recall a rural American Episcopal church on State Route 37 in Barry County. I think that this was a small break away sect.) E. Presbyterian. An established church in Scotland and Northern Ireland, it was the church of nativity of many early settlers in Missouri. Presbyterians participated in the Frontier revivals early in the 19 th century, but apparently the lack of trained ministers to start churches in the emerging communities placed them at a disadvantage in conserving the fruits of this revival. This denomination lost large numbers to the revivalistic, conversionist denominations as presented in the next section. Today there are not many rural and small town Presbyterian congregations in Missouri. F. Peace Churches. Unlike the other imports these denominations were never the establishment. Rather then were often the subject of persecution in Europe. They came to American seeking freedom and often established rural colonies. Some continue. Due largely to high birthrates, some have expanded in resent years as new colonies have been developed in rural Missouri. Included would be various branches of Amish, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Friends. Most share some elements with Baptists. All are pacificist, unlike Baptists in America. But they do share with the other imports an eccesiology that sees the local church as a church that serves an important centering function toward the community which it serves. This is the parish tradition, one that is less strong among the other denominations that will be presented later. Using the Troeltsch-Weber typology of Church/Sect, these six groups tend toward the church side. (The peace churches originated as sects, but because of persecution they have become primary groups, forming church-like colonies.) And the established denominations have had to adapt to the different climate, a kind of market economy, in the United States. It has been my observation that one of the major difficulties in discussions between the European Import and the Made in America (the denominations to be treated below) comes at this point the expectations of each in terms of the relationship of a congregations to the community in which it is located. The former tend to want to be a parish and serve the community is great depth. The later tends to be much less connected. It may struggle with its role in the community, particularly in those places where it has become dominant, but this is new for it, not its legacy. II. Conversionists. The two Great Awakenings in America ( ca 1740 and 1800) had tremendous implications for denominations in the United States. With no group having enough power to become the established church of the new nation, the concept of separation of church and state became accepted. (The practice in Europe had been for a particular expression of Christianity to be the
3 official or established form, supported and tied to the state.) Basic to this paper is the concept that the Awakenings shifted the understanding of what it means to be a Christian toward the concept of a transformational conversion experience and away from being baptized at birth and subsequently confirmed into the membership as was the case with the establishment churches. Further, this refocusing of soteriology had significant implications for ecclesiology. The local church or congregation became less an institution of society, in the classical sense of Structural-Functionalist sociology, and more like a social group which was a part of a social movement, gathered out of the society. Conversionist churches did not see themselves so much as a religious expression of community life, but rather as a special group within the community. It was more like Weber s sect than like his church category. A. Methodism. This denomination began just prior to the Revolutionary War as an effort to reform the Church of England. It focused on personal holiness. It organized classes in existing Episcopalian parishes with the intent of reforming the life of the church. These were led by pious lay persons. Following the war the movement spread rapidly in the new nation and benefitted greatly from the frontier revivals. During the settlement period of Missouri, Methodism flourished. But within Methodism there was an element that identified with its churchly, Episcopalian origins and another which was informed by the revivalistic, conversionist understanding of the Christian life. After the Civil War it seems that the former gained ascendency in the denominational hierarchy. Toward the end of the 19 th century several groups splintered off. One reason for the early success of the Methodists in harvesting the results of the frontier revivals was their Arminian theology with an emphasis on free will was better fitted to the spirit of the age than was Calvinism which often so stressed the sovereignty of God and predestination, that there was little place for the radical conversional experience that was normative at the camp meetings. One may find African American Methodist churches AME, AME Zion, and CME. in the rural Missouri sample. The origin of these group goes back to the time of Emancipation. Numbers of African American Methodist Christians formed separate congregations and from them grew several black denominations. B. Cumberland Presbyterian. Within Presbyterianism on the frontier were those who sought to modify Calvinism to the spirit of the age. It embraced elements of free will and determinism. Finis Ewing, one of the founders, came to Central Missouri in 1820 and formed a training school for ministers in Cooper County. This movement did well on the frontier. Many of the churches ultimately went back into the larger denomination and it is but a small presence in rural Missouri. C. Baptists. According to the statistics found in Churches and Church Membership in the United States in 1990, Southern Baptists rank a close second to Roman Catholics in numbers of adherents in Missouri. When the various elements of the Baptist movement are aggregated, it is the largest. And certainly in rural Missouri it is the largest presence both in number of congregations and membership. The Baptists came early to America. From the beginning they were divided into the Regulars who were Calvinistic and the Generals who were Arminian. Following the First Great
4 Awakening a third group emerged the Separates. They took their name from the fact that they had departed from the Congregationalist churches of New England to form Baptist churches. About 1800 many of the Regulars and the Separatists agreed to come together as the United Baptists. And after 1845 most of the United became either Southern or Northern Baptists. However, along the way there were always some who where not willing to be a part of the merger, so one finds some United Baptists still in rural Missouri. And also across time some who had merged became uncomfortable and splintered off. One such group present in rural Missouri is the Primitive Baptists. Their roots are in the hyper-calvinistic Regular Baptists. When the old United Baptists began to form mission societies (ca 1820), the Primitives found this running contrary to their theology, and so they splintered off. The United were often called missionary and the Primitive were called antimissionary and hardshell Baptists. Today, in the Ozarks one finds a newer set of rural churches labeled Missionary Baptists. Many of these are affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association. This a group which broke with the American Baptist Association which in turn was formed by churches that withdrew from affiliation with Southern Baptists early in this century. Essentially, the first break came over the issue of supporting missionaries through missionary boards. They felt that churches and associations, not national conventions, should send and support missionaries. (It is felt by many that sociological and ego issues were also involved.) Still another splinter group, Baptist Bible Fellowship, may be found among the rural churches included in this study. The fellowship is headquartered in Springfield. Its issue is connectionalism. Their churches are independent. They fear that belonging to an association and/or a convention compromises these freedom. Each of these groups is very fundamentalist. (An aside: there is a lot of fellowship among the current leaders of the SBC and the BBF. To wit: Jerry Falwell is a featured speaker at a major SBC church leadership training event this summer. And Jerry Vine, a former SBC president is chairman of Falwell s University Board..) In the Bootheel and in Little Dixie one will find some African American congregations that also go by the name Missionary Baptist. Most of them are actually connected with the National Baptist Convention, an African American denomination. Many of the churches were formed shortly after the Civil War by freed slaves who had been members of multi-racial Baptist congregations, but who now wanted to form congregations led by Blacks. Since in 1865 the Southern Baptists were still called Missionary, as distinguished from anti-missionary, the African Americans carried this name out with them. Two Arminian Baptist groups will likely appear in the study, as well. One is the General Baptists. Their headquarters are in Popular Bluff, and they are a presence in that area. The second is the Free Will Baptists. They are also mostly rural and will be found around the state. Each was founded by a charismatic leader. I do not know why they have not merged, unless there are differences in eccelsiology. Most of the Baptists churches in Missouri are connected with the Southern Baptist Convention. But actually, they are connected to three extra local church entities an area association, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and the SBC. As a general rural the rural pastors are local men with no seminary training. The town pastors tend to be seminary trained and more cosmopolitan. The town churches tend to be more toward the moderate stance and the rural churches more toward the conservative stance. Both will tend to see themselves as less fundamentalist than the BMA, ABA, and the BBF. Many Southern Baptists struggle with their
5 role of being the dominant congregation in their community. With their heritage being conversionist, they do not know how to behave like a parish church, but feel pressure to do so. One way this is expressed is in a dichotomy between evangelism and ministry. Some really focus on the former, so much so, that they do not support community activities very well. III. Restorationists An important strain in the Great Awakening was the effort to restore the church to its original, first century, purity. This is an important element among the Baptists, but it more of a focus in the denominations associated with Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone Disciples of Christ, Independent Christian, and Churches of Christ. It seems to me that this has taken two primary forms. One is to be strictly literal in application of the Scriptures, as in the case of the non-instrumental Churches of Christ (many of whom have roots in the Baptist movement.) The other found in the Disciples is to focus on the central elements of the Christian message and not worry about the non-central issues. A. Disciples of Christ/Christian Church. This denomination came to Missouri about 1830 as thousands of people moved west from Kentucky. They settled along the Missouri river in what is often called Little Dixie. And as the Ozarks were settled many thousand moved there, many from West Tennessee where the movement was strong. In not a few places after the Civil War as the American Sunday School Union organized rural Sunday Schools, the Disciples would furnish a minister for worship one Sunday a month, with the Baptists, Methodists, and one of the Presbyterian denominations taking the other. Because of their stance related to Christian unity, the Disciples may have a resurgence of popularity in the emerging retirement communities of the Ozarks. B. Churches of Christ. Not to be confused with the United Church of Christ. These churches splintered off from the Disciples toward the end of the 19 th century. They tended to be literalistic, rural and poor. They loved to debate theology with their Baptist neighbors. Mostly present in the Ozarks. C. Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. This seems to be a rather significant presence in Missouri. This probably reflects some defection by some conservative Disciples, particularly after the 1968 decision to form a more structured national denomination. (But John Bennett can probably be of help here.) D. Church of God (Anderson). This group seems to have much in common with the Disciples. It seeks to promote Christian unity by getting beyond sectarian concerns. IV. Millennial During the second half of the 19 th century several millennial groups emerged in the United States. They are often considered cults by other Christian bodies, but they have some presence in rural Missouri.
6 A. Seventh Day Adventist. B. Jehovah Witnesses V. Holiness and Pentecostal Deep in both the conversionist and the restoration movements is a call for personal holiness. But as Methodism became more mainline and identified with the Episcopalian roots, some defections were experienced. Likewise as Baptists relaxed their stress on a disciplined church membership, they also experienced some defections. Several of the resultant denominations have Missouri connections. Further, for some the logic conclusion of the restoration movement was the restoration of spiritual gifts including speaking in tongues, prophecy and miraculous healing. Both of these movements occurred near the turn of the century. Then in the 1960s there was a second serge of interest in gifts of the Spirit, some of which have issued in new independent churches, and in some quasi-denominations. Examples of these are also to be found in rural Missouri. A. Church of the Nazarene. This Weslyan denomination is headquartered in Kansas City. B. Assembly of God. This group stressed spiritual gifts in addition of holiness. It is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. C. Pentecostal Church of God. Headquartered in Joplin. D. United Pentecostal Church. Publishing House is in St. Louis. E. Church of God in Christ. An assembly like denomination with roots in the National Baptists. Rapidly growing. Primarily African American. F. Independent New Charismatics. As one travels rural America, he or she will become aware of many congregations that seem to be independent ones. This is particularly true of new charismatic groups with nondenominational names. It seems that most towns now have such a group meeting in a metal building on the outskirts of town. Note a dove on the sign and on the side of the building. The pastor is often either a local fellow who broke with some existing congregation, or a product of some charismatic or fundamentalist Bible school. These will be Some may be tied to parachurch groups,etc. VI. Mormonism Independence, Missouri, played an important role in the history of this set of groups. Mormonism is sometimes treated as a restorationist movement. But many Christians see it as cultic. This is based on its treatment of the Book of Mormon being at least as inspired as the Bible, its heterodoxy on such topics as the Trinity, the uniqueness of Jesus, and polygamy, in the
7 past. The two groups most likely found in rural Missouri would be: A. Reorganized LDS B. LDS (Note: on these and the other denominations concerning which I have not written anything, I would encourage the researcher to look at the Mead and Hill book. It will provide an adequate introduction into the theology of each.) Conclusion This will probably need some refinement and expansion. But I hope that it will be a good beginning that can be used by interviews who have not been students of Church history and theology and therefore are not in the position to understand the rudimentary nature of the many different groups that they encounter. These categories should help the interviewer understand which many of the groups fit into the larger church.
Valid/ Invalid Baptisms & Confirmation
Valid/ Invalid Baptisms & Confirmation The following information is provided by the Office of Worship with the hope that it will help you in discerning the canonical status of your RCIA candidates. Adventist
More informationAP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 2009 SCORING GUIDELINES
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 2009 SCORING GUIDELINES Question 1 The map above shows the distribution of three religious groups in the contiguous United States. Part A (3 points) Using the letters in the legend,
More informationGUIDELINES FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS INTERACTING WITH PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF PROTESTANT RELIGIOUS GROUPS
PROTESTANT MCHC 222 South Riverside Plaza CPWR 70 East Lake Street, Suite 205 Metropolitan Chicago Chicago, Illinois 60606-6010 Council for a Parliament of the Chicago, Illinois 60601 Healthcare Council
More informationBAYLOR U N I V E R S I T Y
BAYLOR U N I V E R S I T Y IRT Series Vol. 10-11, No. 42 September 13, 2010 Profile of First-Time Freshmen from s, This report focuses on first-time freshmen from who reported their high school as a home
More informationOrgan and tissue donation is viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity by these denominations. They encourage all members to support donation
RELIGION/DENOMINATION AME and Zion AME Amish Assembly of God Baptist Buddhism Catholicism SPECIFIC BELIEF Organ and tissue donation is viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity by these denominations.
More informationCHURCHES & CLERGY TOTAL COUNT 347,261
CHURCHES & CLERGY TOTAL COUNT 347,261 by WILLIAMS DIRECT ZIP+4 Coded 339,649 Phone Numbers 277,308 Emails 55,232 *Note: Emails are Opted In Churches by GROUP 1100 ADVENTIST 3,738 2000 JEWISH 3,412 1200
More informationReference List. Determining Baptismal Validity by Church of Origin
Reference List Determining Baptismal Validity by Church of Origin The following has been compiled to assist you in determining the canonical status of your people. This list is not exhaustive. If you have
More informationBaptism Issues. Baptism is Only Once
Baptism Issues Baptism is Only Once Canon 864. Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is capable of baptism. Two other sacraments cannot be repeated: Confirmation Orders (each grade) Baptism
More informationFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Claudia Sanchez, PR and Multicultural Outreach Coordinator LifeGift, a Donate Life Texas organization Office:713.349.2572 Cell:832.830.5203 csanchez@lifegift.org Media
More informationThe Disciples of Christ in One Sentence Disciples of Christ-Roman Catholic International Commission for Dialogue January 8, 2014
The Disciples of Christ in One Sentence Disciples of Christ-Roman Catholic International Commission for Dialogue January 8, 2014 Disciples of Christ can be described in one sentence. That sentence goes
More informationBaptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion in the Church of Ireland
Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion in the Church of Ireland A Guide for Primary School Teachers Introduction Recognition of diversity and respecting each other s differences is accorded increasing
More informationEVANGELICAL CHURCHES. Evangelical Churches
Evangelical Churches The Ichthus, an image of a fish and an early Christian symbol, is a recognised symbol in the Evangelical movement. Other common symbols include a plain cross, the Bible or a dove,
More informationProfile. Jerusalem University College
Profile Jerusalem University College 6 Profile History Located on Mount Zion, adjacent to the southwest corner of the Old City wall, Jerusalem University College had its beginnings as the Institute of
More informationTHE ORGANIZATION MANUAL OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
THE ORGANIZATION MANUAL OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION Published by the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention Frank S. Page, President and Chief Executive Officer 901 Commerce Street
More informationThe Holy Spirit. 2016 Summer Theological Series
The Holy Spirit 2016 Summer Theological Series How to Get Involved Every summer in July we stop as a church to focus on a major theological theme. Our summer series allows us to explore the details of
More informationCHURCHES IN THE PORT HURON AREA March 2016
CHURCHES IN THE PORT HURON AREA March 2016 APOSTOLIC CHURCHES FIRST APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF PORT HURON 2631 Barth Road, Kimball Phone: 987-9876 Sunday 1:00 p.m. SS 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday 7:00 p.m. ASSEMBLY OF
More informationWelcome! So go for it! Try out a number of local churches and see where you can both get encouraged and challenged to grow outside of NCU.
Welcome! As the Campus Pastor at NCU, I want to extend a huge welcome to our NCU faith community. Faith is a journey of seeking, asking and discovering. This core value of dynamic and healthy faith development
More informationAMERICAN BAPTISTS A Brief History
AMERICAN BAPTISTS A Brief History The Origins and Development of Baptist Thought and Practice American Baptists, Southern Baptists and all the scores of other Baptist bodies in the U.S. and around the
More informationCOVENANT COLLEGE AND COVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. By Robert G. Rayburn
COVENANT COLLEGE AND COVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY By Robert G. Rayburn A very sympathetic expression was evident on the face of the Chancellor of the University of Missouri as he said to me, Dr. Rayburn,
More informationThe Book of Ephesians
The Book of Ephesians Chapter Four Workbook This Bible Study Workbook is designed to facilitate your study of Chapter Four of the Book of Ephesians. Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that
More informationWELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY
WELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband
More informationEcumenical Vision: Perspectives of Indonesian Seminaries Daniel Nuhamara 1 Introduction Historically the churches and seminaries in Indonesia have been very closely related, mutually benefiting from each
More informationBAYLOR U N I V E R S I T Y. IRT Series Vol. 09-10, No. 54 October 23, 2009
BAYLOR U N I V E R S I T Y IRT Series Vol. 09-10, No. 54 October 23, 2009 Profile of Non-Returning Undergraduate Students Using National Student Clearinghouse Data Fall 2008 to Fall 2009 Executive Summary
More informationStrategic Prayer Guides Prayer for Our Church Family
Prayer for Our Church Family prayer on the needs and issues facing our church family. Pray that marriages and family relationships throughout the congregation will be strengthened. Pray that strained or
More informationA STUDY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
COUNSELOR, TEACHER, AND GUIDE A STUDY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by William Farrand AN INDEPENDENT-STUDY TEXTBOOK Developed in Cooperation with the Global University Staff Instructional Development Specialist:
More informationManpower Codes Lookup
00 NO PREFERENCE RECORDED 01 NO RELIGIOUS PREFERENCE 02 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 04 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 05 GRACE GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP 06 AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES 07 INDEPENDENT BAPTIST BIBLE MISSION 08 SOUTHERN
More informationActs of the Apostles Part 1: Foundations for Evangelization Chapter 2 Evangelization and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
BIBLE STUDY Acts of the Apostles Part 1: Foundations for Evangelization Chapter 2 Evangelization and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) What s This Passage All About? The Feast of Pentecost When most Christians
More informationFoundations. Think About It: Learning Goals Settings Resources Teacher Identification and Development Evaluation
Foundations S H A P I N G T H E M I N I S T RY O F C H R I S T I A N E D U C AT I O N I N Y O U R C O N G R E G AT I O N T he church of Jesus Christ cannot survive without the fundamental ministry of teaching.
More informationFrequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions as revised November 25, 2014 Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Session s Recommendation to Seek Dismissal From Flint River Presbytery to Join ECO: A Covenant Order of
More informationStudies of Religion I
2001 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION Studies of Religion I Total marks 0 General Instructions Reading time minutes Working time 1 1 2 hours Write using black or blue pen Write your Centre Number
More informationGOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS: A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE UNITED STATES 2008
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS: A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE UNITED STATES 2008 by Flavil R. Yeakley Jr., Ph.D. 120 Lambert Circle Searcy, AR 72143 2008 GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS: A REALISTIC
More informationThe Trinity is a mystery. Even great theologians don t completely understand it, and some scholars spend their whole lives studying it.
Holy Trinity Sunday In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Mathew 28:16-20 Sometimes when I m leading chapel for our preschoolers, I ask a question like: Who was born in Bethlehem? And one of
More informationRELIGIOUS VIEWS ON ORGAN/TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON ORGAN/TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION A common question that arises when people are asked to consider donation of their organs and tissues, or those of their loved ones, is: Is donation
More informationLilly Endowment Awards Grants to Help Pastors Address Financial Challenges
Contact: Gretchen Wolfram For Immediate Release 317/916-7304 February 3, 2009 317/255-2640 wolframg@lei.org Lilly Endowment Awards Grants to Help Pastors Address Financial Challenges Sixteen Protestant
More informationScouting In Baptist Churches
Background The Baptist denomination is considered to be the largest world communion of evangelical Protestants. In the United States, about one in five Christians reports membership in a Baptist church.
More informationScouting In The African Methodist Episcopal Church
Background The African, A.M.E. for short, was the first church in the United States to be made up entirely of African Americans. o The church began in 1787 in Philadelphia when African Americans refused
More informationDeveloping Congregational Leadership within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Developing Congregational Leadership within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland No church rises above the level of its leadership! Introduction This short resource introduces the subject of leadership at
More informationBlue Coat Church of England School and Music College. Supplementary Information Form Admission from Sep 2016
Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College Supplementary Information Form Admission from Sep 2016 This form to be completed by the Parents / Guardians of the child seeking admission. If you need
More informationContemporary. Methodism. A discipleship movement shaped for mission
Contemporary Methodism A discipleship movement shaped for mission A summary of the General Secretary s Report to the Methodist Conference 2011 A clear direction for the Church to be a discipleship movement
More informationA United Methodist Glossary of Terms
A United Methodist Glossary of Terms The list below is of terms that candidates for ordained ministry and those who work with them through the candidacy and provisional process should be familiar with.
More informationWHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE CHURCH TO BE ONE?
My the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts always be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our strength and our Redeemer. Every Sunday on which we celebrate the Eucharist, we confess our
More informationRELIGIOUS VIEWS ON DONATION
RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON DONATION An often-heard question when organ donation is being discussed is: "Does my religion approve?" Recently the New York Regional Transplant Program published the views of major
More informationCHAPTER SIX: EPISCOPALIANS AND THE BIBLE
CHAPTER SIX: EPISCOPALIANS AND THE BIBLE The approach Episcopalians take to the Bible is not unique. It is very similar to that used by Roman Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, United Methodists, Presbyterians
More informationPrayer Guides for the Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year
Prayer Guides for the Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year Guide to Prayer During the Holidays: Thanksgiving Give thanks to God for salvation and the spiritual blessings He brings into your
More informationOrdination Study Guide
Introduction Ordination as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ is a matter of tremendous importance. With it comes many great responsibilities and opportunities of unparallel proportion. Therefore,
More informationWhy Churches Close. Rev. Daniel R. Jennings, M.A.
Articles Home (http://www.danielrjennings.org/writings.html) Why Churches Close Rev. Daniel R. Jennings, M.A. Statistically, every Sunday, somewhere in the United States 71 churches will celebrate their
More informationFORMING A COMMITTEE FOR EVANGELISM
FORMING A COMMITTEE FOR EVANGELISM In this lesson, it was suggested that you form a committee for evangelism or a "World Christian" group in your church. Evangelism should not be just another department
More informationChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Commission on Ministry Documents: http://www.disciples.org/ord eringofministry/tabid/698/de fault.aspx Contacts: Rev. Dr. Daisy Machado (dmachado@uts.columbia.edu)
More informationGreetings, Blessings, Scott DeWitt Director of Spiritual Outreach Casas por Cristo
Team Devotional Greetings, Welcome to Casas por Cristo! If you are reading this, then more than likely you are embarking on a week-long adventure serving our Lord and Savior along the U.S. / México border
More informationThe Purpose of the Village Bible Church Missions Program
The Purpose of the Village Bible Church Missions Program Purpose Policies Issue 1 - The Scriptural Purpose of Our Church s Involvement in Missions Honor God To be actively involved in working toward the
More informationWhy Are There So Many Churches?
Why Are There So Many Churches? Our Plea For A Return To New Testament Christianity 1 The Plan And Prayer Of Jesus Birth of Christ 3 4 A.D. Start of Earthly Ministry 26 27 A.D. Death, Burial & Resurrection
More informationThe Holy Spirit works in the world, convincing persons of sin and bringing them to repentance and faith, guiding them to fullness of life in Christ.
The Holy Spirit and the Church The Holy Spirit is a divine person who eternally co-exists with the Father and the Son. The Spirit was present and active in creation, is seen throughout the Old Testament,
More informationRELIGIOUS VIEWS ON ORGAN/TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON ORGAN/TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION When people are asked to consider donation of their organs and tissues, or those of their loved ones, a common question Is donation compatible
More informationConstitutional Musing Misrepresentations about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Constitutional Musing Misrepresentations about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The has had an increase in the number of inquiries about printed materials from outside of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
More informationTwenty Questions About Unity
Twenty Questions About Unity (The following is from the pamphlet Twenty Questions and Answers About Unity published by the Association of Unity Churches.) 1. What is Unity? Unity is positive, practical
More informationFinance Ministry Team
Finance Ministry Team The Committee on Finance shall have special responsibility with the guidance of the pastor(s) to make recommendations to the treasurer as to which outstanding bills will be paid and
More informationAn ORDER of SERVICE for HEALING and WHOLENESS
THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND An ORDER of SERVICE for HEALING and WHOLENESS Ministry of Healing Committee 2011 Healing was central to the ministry of Jesus. It was a sign of God's kingdom, bringing renewal
More informationChapter 6. Early Churches In Ohio
Chapter 6 Early Churches In Ohio 54 The first church of Christ of the Restoration movement in Ohio was organized at Mantua, Ohio on January 27, 1827. Walter Scott organized the church. Steadily, many of
More informationLearning Objectives for Advanced Lay Servant Courses
Learning Objectives for Advanced Lay Servant Courses Accountable Discipleship (pre-requisite for Class Leaders course) By the end of this course, learners will have: Learned about Wesleyan spirituality
More informationStudy of Women who have had an Abortion and Their Views on Church. Sponsored by Care Net
Study of Women who have had an Abortion and Their Views on Church Sponsored by Care Net 2 Methodology A demographically balanced online panel was used for interviewing American women between May 6-13,
More informationGeneral Association of Regular Baptist Churches Baptist Distinctives
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches Baptist Distinctives GARBC Baptist Distinctives Out of all the available options, which church should I attend? People often choose a church based on the
More informationDCE Specialist Certification Program
DCE Specialist Certification Program A post-baccalaureate program of study for placement in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as a Director of Christian Education CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY 11400 Concordia
More informationOriginally published in the Pentecostal Evangel, March 24, 2002. The 16 Foundational Truths Series There is one true God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Originally published in the Pentecostal Evangel, March 24, 2002. The 16 Foundational Truths Series There is one true God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit By Edgar R. Lee Editor s note: This is the second in
More informationTHEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love!
Devotion NT320 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Gift of Love THEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time
More informationTHE ORDINATION OF DEACONS
1 THE ORDINATION OF DEACONS If a minister follows the right process, ordaining deacons can be a blessing to them and the church. What process should you follow? Preach two or three sermons on the office
More informationMissional Leadership for the Baptist Association: The Associational Director of Missions/Church Starter Strategist Model Defined 1
Missional Leadership for the Baptist Association: The Associational Director of Missions/Church Starter Strategist Model Defined 1 Dr. George W. Garner March 2008 Introduction The Associational Director
More informationRECOMMENDED RESOURCES
To be a better steward of resources, the BSCNC will no longer act as the agent for supplying evangelism and discipleship tracts from other organizations. We will, however, continue to resource out of our
More informationLESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone. THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Dear Parents
Devotion NT328 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! This
More informationWorking Agreement Between the Salem Baptist Association and the Director of Missions
Working Agreement Between the Salem Baptist Association and the Director of Missions 1) Employment a) The Director of Missions ( DOM, hereafter) shall be employed by the Executive Board of the Association
More informationHow Pentecostalism Came to Ohio: 1906-1907. Prepared by Gary B. McGee
How Pentecostalism Came to Ohio: 1906-1907 Early Pentecostal revivals: 1901-07 Topeka 1901 Charles F. Parham frames the Pentecostal doctrine of Spirit baptism with speaking in tongues as the Bible evidence.
More informationThe Southern Baptist Theological Seminary LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM COHORT 3 FALL 2016-2018 Tri-Cities Baptist Church is committed to the Great Commission through multiplying churches, pastors, and Christian
More informationDean of James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology
McAfee School of Theology on Mercer University s Cecil B. Day Campus in Atlanta announces a National Search for the Dean of James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology Mercer University - James and Carolyn
More informationKey Elements of an Effective Church Administration Strategy. By Major Stewart
Key Elements of an Effective Church Administration Strategy By Major Stewart Major Stewart is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Flint Michigan. A Definition of Church Administration
More informationThis paper offers some questions to start with, comments of useful process, and some components that will be helpful.
STRATEGIC PLANNING IN THE CHURCH 1 This paper offers some questions to start with, comments of useful process, and some components that will be helpful. It is important to affirm that there are a number
More informationGUIDELINES FOR A PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE. Design for an Interim Ministry
GUIDELINES FOR A PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE Design for an Interim Ministry Purpose & Philosophy of an Interim Ministry The interim between pastors in a church is a time for affirming the church staff and
More informationTongues: Prayer Language Vs. Public Gift
Tongues: Prayer Language Vs. Public Gift By Rev. Mel C. Montgomery The most common question, or challenge, I receive from Christians who are unfamiliar with tongues, is to explain the term prayer language,
More informationCooperative Program Activity Book. Provided by the South Carolina Baptist Convention / Columbia, South Carolina
Cooperative Program Activity Book Provided by the South Carolina Baptist Convention / Columbia, South Carolina this book belongs to: My Name: My Pastor s Name: The Name of My Church: Date: Page 1 When
More informationChurch. The four marks of the Church. One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
Church The four marks of the Church One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Overview This presentation goes along with the handout on Church. First will be a brief description of what Church is Second will
More informationChristian Witness in a Multi-Religious World
World Evangelical Alliance Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World Comments by Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, June 28, 2011 1 When the Evangelical Alliance was established in 1846 it sought to work in four
More informationTheology. 3) Is Jesus Christ alive today, not just in me or in you but alive in the world in situations, in people, changing and healing TODAY?
Theology 1) What is the confusion that Session believes exists in Presbytery over Gospels? (As Rick Wesley says) Why should we leave PC-USA because of facts like only 40% of members of PC-USA read the
More informationThe Church 02. 1 P a g e
The Church 02 In the creed, we say that we believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. These four properties or characteristics were seen as so essential to the nature of the Church that they
More informationMA in Applied Theology. MA in Transformational Leadership. Prospectus
MA in Applied Theology MA in Transformational Leadership Prospectus Why come to IBI? Biblical. Community. Excellence. Diversity. Flexibility. Relevance. Engage with teachers passionate about God s Word
More informationThe Deaf of Thailand The Thai Sign Language Community
Profile Year: 2013 People and Language Detail Profile Language Name: Thai Sign Language ISO Language Code: tsq Primary Religion: Buddhism Disciples (Matt 28:19): Less than 1% Churches: 8 Scripture Status
More information2015 WOCIM PAY SCALE FOR WOMEN OF COLOR IN MINISTRY (for Preaching, Workshops, and Lectures in Churches)
2015 WOCIM PAY SCALE FOR WOMEN OF COLOR IN MINISTRY (for Preaching, Workshops, and Lectures in Churches) I. Introduction In 2013, Reverend Martha Simmons, president of The African American Pulpit Inc.
More informationLifelong Leadership Development Plan
Internship Course: Course Number: Course Title: Name of Intern: Student ID: Lifelong Leadership Development Plan Due Date: Week 5 of the first semester of the Internship Late paperwork will result in the
More informationGen. 1:1 2:4, Mark 1:15, John 14:26, John 16:7 15, Acts 17:22 31, Rom. 3:23 24, Rom. 8:18 27, Col. 1:9 23
Uniting Church in Sweden A Theological Foundation Introduction 1. There is only one true and living God The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit who creates, saves, and gives life. Creation and salvation
More informationREVISED GSQ QUESTIONS
Graduating Student Questionnaire Q1a. Degree program (Fill in one only.) _ Pre-theology _ MDiv _ MA Professional (MRE/MCM/MA in pastoral studies, youth ministry, etc.) _ MA Academic (e.g.mar/ MTS/MA) _
More informationSpiritually Enabled John 16:13
Spiritually Enabled John 16:13 Last week Jim talked about foundations and the importance of having the right foundation in our lives. Without the right foundations, buildings become unstable. Without the
More informationLIFE OF WORSHIP CHURCH LAUNCH GUIDE
LIFE OF WORSHIP CHURCH LAUNCH GUIDE We are a new life-giving church launching in Raleigh-Garner, NC in January 2016. L AU N C H I N G J A N UA RY 2 0 1 6 OUR MANDATE Life of Worship Church exists to reach
More informationVolume MILITARY CHAPLAINCY. Department of Leadership Development. Chaplains Manual
Volume 1 MILITARY CHAPLAINCY Department of Leadership Development Chaplains Manual T H E A N G L I C A N M I S S I O N I N T H E A M E R I C A S Chaplains Manual Mission Resource Center P.O. Box 3427 Pawleys
More informationHow To Teach Education In The Disciples Of Christ
Disciples and Education Lisa W. Davison Professor of First Testament Lexington Theological Seminary Lexington, Kentucky Many people outside the denomination recognize the Christian Church (Disciples of
More informationYOUTH MINISTRY INTERN Kenilworth Union Church
PAID INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION YOUTH MINISTRY INTERN PURPOSE For the intern, this is an opportunity to gain practical ministry experience, to work in an atmosphere of personal and professional guidance and
More informationPhilosophy of Youth Ministry
Philosophy of Youth Ministry Matt Olson, Assistant/Youth Pastor Grace Baptist Church 900 W Northern Ave Taylorville, IL 62568 217-824-3405 youthofgrace.org pastormatt@youthofgrace.org Page 2 of 6 I. Table
More informationWestminster Seminary California A New Old School
C O M I N G I N 2 0 1 2 Westminster Seminary California A New Old School by W. Robert Godfrey and D. G. Hart AN INTRODUCTION TO Westminster Seminary California: A New Old School Americans look to California
More informationThe Greatest Gift is Love
The Greatest Gift is Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 31, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 Corinthians 13 It goes beyond feelings. It is the set of the will for the welfare of another.
More informationRenaissance and Reformation Study Guide and Notebook Checklist. **Use your notes and pages 34-57 and 146-148. Answers in Italics
Renaissance and Reformation Study Guide and Notebook Checklist **Use your notes and pages 34-57 and 146-148 Answers in Italics 1. What is the Renaissance Movement the rebirth of? Art and learning 2. Where
More informationThe Challenges of Evangelism. Sharing your faith in the 21 st Century
The Challenges of Evangelism Sharing your faith in the 21 st Century Definitions What is Evangelism? Evangelism, definitions of: zealous preaching and dissemination of the gospel, as through missionary
More informationPAWHistory. (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc)
PAWHistory (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc) A Brief Historical Treatise of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. by Elder Keith C. Braddy Part IV The Modern Era 1967 to the Present After
More informationPontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. World Council of Churches. World Evangelical Alliance
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue World Council of Churches World Evangelical Alliance Mission belongs to the very being of the church. Proclaiming the word of God and witnessing to the world
More informationThe Covenant between Lyon College and the Synod of the Sun, Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Covenant between Lyon College and the Synod of the Sun, Presbyterian Church (USA) This covenant is the basis for the commitment of the Synod of the Sun (hereafter, the Synod ) to Lyon College as a
More information