“The call to ministry is something that comes from the Lord himself. Moreover, men need a divine empowering to rise to the challenge of their commission.”
Martin-Lloyd Jones via Sargent in Sacred Anointing
Author: Jonathan Dodson
Covenant Unity or Diversity: Niehaus Responds
The discussion regarding the viablity of reading the Scriptures from a monocovenantal framework continues. Proponents of the view include Scott Hafemann, W. J. Dumbrell, while most Reformed folk and Niehaus disagree. Dr. Jeffrey Niehaus has kindly contributed to that discussion with a clarifying comment here and the discussion has continued here.
Missional Leadership (Hirsch)
In addition to holding to a clear vision, missional leadership involves facilitating the emergence of novelty by building and nurturing networks of communications; creating a learning culture in which questioning is encouraged and innovation is rewarded; creating a climate of trust and mutual support; and recognizing viable novelty when it emerges, while allowing the freedom to make mistakes. – Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways, 233
Unfortunately, it is precisely this question-asking and viable novelty that most leaders fear. The traditional, modern paradigms of leadership advocate a top-down, answer-possessing, anti-novelty approach. Yet, if we will lead remaining open to the power and insight of the Spirit in the Church, we will reap dividends and live out the priesthood of the believers! Oh, do I have room to grow in this!
Pro-Environmental Baptists
The NYTimes has an interesting piece on a movement among Southern Baptists to take more action on climate change an advocate for the environment. A quote:
“I learned that God reveals himself through Scripture and in general through his creation, and when we destroy God’s creation, it’s similar to ripping pages from the Bible,” Mr. Merritt said.