The word diakonia is the Greek word for service and sums up in one word the nature of Christian ministry. The last thing we fallen humans like to think of is serving . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 12
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12. Describe your understanding of diakonia, the servant ministry of the church, and the servant ministry of the provisional member.
11. How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, your motives, your role, and your commitment as a provisional member and commissioned minister in The United Methodist Church?
I wish that I could say that my response to God’s call had always been “Here am I. Send me.” Unfortunately, it has often been . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 11 10. Discuss your understanding of the primary characteristics of United Methodist polity.
For me, connectionalism is the primary defining characteristic of United Methodist Polity. Bishops, superintendents, itinerancy, etc. all seem to be outgrowths of this central characteristic. I once heard our own David Stotts say, “Connectionalism is the DNA of United Methodism.” . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 10 9. Describe the nature and mission of the church. What are its primary tasks today?
The Church is the body of Christ in the world, formed for the restoration of God’s created order. The Book of Discipline states that the local church, “as the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs” is . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 9 8. The United Methodist Church holds that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. What is your understanding of this theological position of the Church?
The primary source for our Christian beliefs and practices is the Bible. . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 8 7. How do you intend to affirm, teach and apply Part II of the Discipline (Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task) in your work in the ministry to which you have been called?
As a Christian, my first obligation is to bear a faithful witness to Jesus Christ. As a pastor/theologian, my . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 7 6. What is your understanding of the kingdom of God; the Resurrection; and eternal life?
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” It is a prayer that has been central to the Christian faith from its inception. But what is it that we envision God’s kingdom to be? It is easy for . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 6 5. What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in responsible living in the world?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus talks with the disciples about how the paraclete, an advocate, a comforter, a counselor, an intercessor – the Holy . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 5 4. How do you interpret the statement Jesus Christ is Lord?
The very earliest confession of the Christian church was, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” To those who made this declaration, these words summarized the theology that encompassed all other faith statements. Jesus of Nazareth, the god-man, had transformed our understanding of what . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 4 3. What is your understanding of humanity and the human need for divine grace?
One of the most troubling passages in the Bible for me comes from Romans 7 where Paul contrasts who he is with who he wants to be. He makes the very human statement that, “I do not understand . . . → Read More: Ordination Question 3 |
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