Papers and Pastors - Theology in Practice (cont'd)

I'm still working on my last paper from the quarter that ended several weeks ago. I heard that only getting one extension means I'm doing well.

My working thesis (developed from Webber's Ancient-Future Evangelism) is that when Constantine converted, the church received so many initiates in such a short time that they were unable to be properly catechized. Therefore, the level of commitment and orthodoxy in the Church decreased. The application is that if modern churches were to have a more developed initiation process, the level of commitment to church teaching and to church families would be greatly increased.

After speaking to several pastors, it appears my hunch is correct.

One pastor whose church was featured in a recent book entitled Comeback Churches expressly stated how having high expectations of members brings more out of them. To be a member in that particular church, one must commit to serve. If one is unwilling to commit to service and to the church mission, they can come sit in the pews, but they will not be a member. As a result, most members are actively involved and the church is experiencing continued growth, both in width and depth.

Another pastor of a completely different church in style and method believes strongly in the initiation process laid out by the Apostolic Tradition. It begins in Advent and continues through baptism at Easter and even further for more discipleship. This process for them has been very effective.

I'm still developing the idea and writing, but as of now my conclusion is that the initiation process does directly impact the entire future of the church because it innately expresses what is required of the new member - service in the Church to the glory of God's kingdom.

DL