Digital Commons Network^™

Witness Beyond Technique: Gospel, Conversion, And The Moral Formation Of The Church, Christopher Flanders

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

Technique, efficiency, and measurable outcomes typically govern contemporary Western approaches to evangelism. Such approaches presume a thin account of the gospel, a punctiliar understanding of conversion, and an instrumental view of the church’s witness. This article argues that these assumptions represent not merely pragmatic missteps but theological distortions. Drawing on Scripture, historical theology, missiology, and practices of Christian initiation, I contend that evangelism is best understood as ecclesial witness oriented toward the moral formation of persons and communities under the reign of God. Conversion, on this account, is not a discrete decision secured through persuasive technique but a transformative journey …

Embracing Unified Diversity: The Church’S Life-Giving Witness In A Divided World, Laura Callarman

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This article contends that the church’s call to embrace diversity and creative contextualization are essential to its faithfulness to the gospel. The church flourishes through varied expressions of Christian discipleship shaped by cultural contexts, and rather than striving for uniformity, it should embrace this multiplicity as a reflection of God’s nature and mission. By engaging different ecclesial traditions with appreciation, Christian communities can foster unity amid diversity, engage opportunities for growth, and enrich their witness. Ultimately, the article invites a renewed commitment to love, humility, and mutual learning, calling the church to embody an alternative story of reconciliation and hope …

Reading In Frames: A Guide For Homiletics, Mason Lee

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

The past thirty years have witnessed an explosion in volume of work produced within Homiletics. The sheer variety of topics, questions, themes, orientations, and points of emphasis can make it intimidating for a working preacher to engage in these resources or know where to begin. The options seem too broad; the approaches, issues, and resources so diverse as to become unwieldy. Said differently, those of us within the field of Homiletics are prone to look upon this expansion as a form of “Pentecost” in which the diversity is a gift that can lead one to better preaching. Yet the question …

Missional Interpretation Of Scripture, Greg Mckinzie

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

Missional interpretation of Scripture offers a way forward for Churches of Christ, which are commonly characterized as experiencing an ongoing hermeneutical crisis. This article traces the contours of missional hermeneutics, introduces its cutting-edge, and ends with practical implications for local churches. In summary, missional interpretation depends on the formation of local reading communities through a rhythm of prayerful, intentional engagement in God's mission.

The Spiritual Impact Of Disability On Parents And Caregivers, Grant Azbell

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This study was designed to examine the impact of disability on the faith and faith communities of parents and caregivers of persons experiencing disability. This study proceeded by asking nine parents or caregivers of persons experiencing disability a series of seven questions to evaluate the impact of disability on their faith and on their relationship to their faith community. The interviews were conducted on Zoom and the recordings were transcribed and coded to observe discernable patterns and themes amongst the participants. What emerged from the data is important for ministers, church leaders, and anyone wanting to know more about the …

Practicing Missional Hospitality In A Suburban Church, Kevin Stewart

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

The West Houston Church of Christ is typical of many churches in North America that struggle to relate in meaningful ways to the surrounding culture. Over thirty years West Houston changed from a small, vibrant young church with a thriving family-like atmosphere to a large church in a new building, yet mourning its loss of family connections. It was struggling to find a new identity. In this article I discuss the ingrained sense of family that has served as the identity of West Houston and explore both theological and practical ways—specifically those involving missional hospitality—through which a church can navigate …

Ignatius: A Guide For Congregational Discernment, Benjamin Gensic

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

Congregations find themselves living in transformative times, but transformation is often an act of subtraction, which means congregations find themselves living in anxious times as well. Within this context, it is tempting for congregations to base decisions on either financial constraint or political expediency. However, such superficial discernment is incapable of guiding congregations wishing to respond to God’s activity in the world. This author argues that Ignatius of Loyola provides congregations with an alternative.

To accomplish this, the author walks the reader through the basic principles of Ignatian spirituality and discernment, making suggestions for how these can impact congregational decision-making …

A Narrative, Missional Approach To Discipleship And Spiritual Growth, Travis A. Sharpe

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

All Christians have the desire to grow in faith and knowledge of God. The difficulty is that most do not have the tools to help them accomplish the task. While churches desire to help their members grow in faith, many have never created an intentional plan to make spiritual formation possible. While there are a multitude of ways this could be accomplished, one avenue would be for churches to implement an intentional discipleship program. A discipleship program that combines a missional/narrative reading of scripture with spiritual disciplines has been shown to help participants grow in spiritual formation and join the …