I think this is one of the consequences of the Reformation. Ultimately we place our theological authority within ourselves.

The question is whether a betrayal of the structures we think will prevent this will actually help it more? If we are willing to engage in theological discourse with a larger breadth of the church won’t this counteract the very thing you are talking about? Or at least give us a better shot at it?

In my own life there is no question that the best thing the could have prepared me for being a Nazarene pastor is to go and learn from as many people as I could that weren’t Nazarenes. This background has greatly improved my ability to understand my denominations theology, baggage, strengths and weaknesses. I feel much better prepared to help the teach and impact in whatever way God allows, the future of our denomination because I was not limited to the voices within my denomination.

Doesn’t this tie in with the willingness to betray denomination authority by clergy? Is this mindset coming bottom up or top down? I guess my concern is that as clergy become less tied to denominational loyalty, laity will be less committed to any one theolgical perspective creating a pick and choose theology that is poorly informed by Church history and scriptural understanding. Where is authority found for the average joe when those they have turned to as sources of authority are no longer there or not standing on set authorities?

I have been thinking of you some this week as I read the book “Preacher, can you hear us listening?”