By Yohan Hyun and Frank Macchia
Presbyterian and Pentecostal both begin with the letter “P,” but many believe that is where the similarity ends. Spirit’s Gifts — God’s Reign provides a glimpse of international ecumenical dialog between Pentecostal-Reformed Christians. Two preparatory papers for the Seoul meeting of the Pentecostal-Reformed Dialogue laid the groundwork for a week of intense theological discussion. The Office of Theology and Worship publishes them for the Church in the hope that they may provide a foundation for conversation within Presbyterian congregations and presbyteries and between local groups of Presbyterians and Pentecostals.
The first catechism approved by the 210th General Assembly (1998) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with biblical citations added for reference.
A catechism approved by the 210th General Assembly (1998) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
By Philip Wickeri
Philip Wickeri believes that we are living in a time of fundamental change in the shape and structure of world Christianity. This change creates a crisis that may be described in terms of the churches' relationship to globalization, and its response to religious and cultural pluralism. Prof. Wickeri sets forth an understanding of "mission from the margins," suggesting that, throughout the history of the Christian churches, the cutting edge for mission has come from movements emerging outside established Christian centers. In today's context, these "marginal" movements include the African initiated churches, Pentecostals all over the world, and …
By Barbara Wheeler and P. Mark Achtemeier
Two significant perspectives on the unity of the church, offered by persons who have different views on some of the issues currently dividing the church. Both essays go beyond the preservation of institutional or sentimental ties to genuinely theological understandings of the unity of the church.
By Joseph A. Sittler and Richard R. Osmer
Occasional Paper #13 reprints two significant essays that are no longer readily available. "The Maceration of the Minister" by the late Lutheran theologian Joseph Sittler is an incisive, sympathetic analysis of the plight of ministers. "The Teaching Authority of the Minister in the Reformed Tradition: A Contemporary Proposal" by Richard R. Osmer, the Thomas W. Synnott Professor of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary, presents a creative understanding of the office we Presbyterians used to call "teaching elder."
The Office of Theology and Worship believes that "The Shape of Pastoral Ministry" is …
This resource from the Office of Theology and Worship is based on “The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing,” A General Assembly report for study in the church. An accompanying study guide enables groups to delve deeply into the gift that is the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sessions will focus on the Trinity and the Gospel; what we believe about God; how we are drawn into the embrace of the Triune God in worship and how the Trinity shapes our lives together. In addition, a four-part DVD that features well-known pastors and scholars is available that provides an excellent general …
There is a yearning among many members of the Presbyterian Church for a life of faith that is newer, fresher, and more vibrant. "Growing in the Life of Christian Faith" is a resource that examines both the contemporary desire for a more lively life of faith and the way in which that desire might be appropriately be fulfilled. The booklet suggests that our hope lies in the recovery of the Reformed tradition's commitment to disciplined life in community and points the way toward such a recovery. This resource is bound together with a study guide.
By Leanne Van Dyk
In Theology and Worship Occasional Paper No. 15, Leanne Van Dyk develops a lively metaphor for thinking theologically. Growing Up Theologically spins out the process of organic growth as an imaginative way of understanding ourselves as people who can and do reflect on Christian faith and life, and who can mature in our theological thinking.
Church Issues series, Number 8
As Presbyterians we find ourselves in a place of enduring contention as to who should be ordained without a clear conception of why we should be ordaining anyone. And if we are unsure of the nature of ordained ministry, we certainly will be unclear as to how the ordained exercise authority. Because we live in the midst of considerable confusion and contention around ordination, the Office of Theology and Worship is proud to present “Ordination and Authority,” two essays by Joseph D. Small, in hopes they will serve to push us to clarity around ordination.