Theological News On-Line

Issue 36    March 2005	'Promoting Biblical Truth by Networking Theologians'

Published by Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance

Editor: David Parker dparker@pacific.net.au
email distribution: Dr.Paul C. Murdoch Murdoch@ead.de

Welcome to WEA Theological News On-Line - this is the on-line version of our printed quarterly, WEA Theological News (ISSN 0260-3705). WEA TN On-Line is issued approximately monthly. The content of the printed and on-line versions overlap but are not identical. We also publish Evangelical Review of Theology. For more information, visit our website www.worldevangelical.org/tcpubs.html#ert

We welcome news reports on theological matters for both versions - they can cover theological institutions, conferences, publications, faculty, trends and developments, etc. of interest to evangelical theologians around the world.

For more information on the work of the Theological Commission, contact the Executive Chair, Dr Rolf Hille at r.hille@bengelhaus.de

In this issue:

•  Extra - late news: Death of Dr Stanley J. Grenz
•  TC Publishes Two Key Documents
•  WEA Charts its Future with new leadership and a summit
•  World Evangelical Alliance's former General Secretary Joins "Churches Together"
•  ICETE's Next International Consultation
•  Latin American Theological Educators Meet
•  Reflecting on the Tsunami

Late news: Death of Dr Stanley J. Grenz.

Stanley J. Grenz, professor of theology at Carey Hall, Vancouver, and formerly of Regent College, passed away at around 5 am Sat March 12 of a massive brain aneurysm. He lost consciousness and went into the hospital yesterday (Friday). The funeral is likely to be next Friday at First Baptist Church of Vancouver, BC. He was 55.

www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/111/12.0.html

Theological Commission Publishes Documents on the Church, Evangelisation and Fellowship, and on a Theological reflection on HIV/AIDS

The Theological Commission is publishing two important documents in the April 2005 issue of its journal, Evangelical Review of Theology. The first is a study and discussion document from the International Consultation between the World Evangelical Alliance and the Roman Catholic Church on the topics of Church, Evangelization, and the Bonds of Koinonia (Fellowship). This is the last report from a decade long series of talks, and full details of the sequence are printed for reference. As it is a discussion paper, the Theological Commission invites responses from readers.

The second report by Dr Phil Marshall of Australia on a theology of HIV/AIDS was originally presented to a conference of theological educators in South Africa. It was subsequently revised by the author using input from the conference and elsewhere. It too is presented as a 'work in progress' with reactions welcomed. As it stands, it offers a comprehensive theological framework for Christians to consider as they respond to this enormous problem facing the world.

Subscriptions to Evangelical Review of Theology - Paternoster Periodicals, PO Box 300, Kingstown Broadway, Carlisle Cumbria CA3 OQS, United Kingdom Ph +44 (0) 1228-611 723 Fax +44 (0) 1228 51 49 49 email amanda.harding@stl.org or pp@stl.org

See also the end of this newsletter for details of the CD-ROMs containing all issues of ERT up to October 2003.

Task Force on Theological Education to Publish its Findings - Special Edition of ERT Available for Purchase

A Task Force set up in 2003 to study "The Theology of Theological Education" is about to publish its findings in a special issue of Evangelical Review of Theology (ERT). Led by Dr Brian Edgar, Visiting Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, the Task Force was appointed by the Theological Commission and the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) as a result of track on the topic at a consultation held at High Wycombe in 2003.

The papers will be published in the July 2005 issue of Evangelical Review of Theology, and cover a variety of perspectives, including the acclaimed keynote address of the Consultation by Professor Miroslav Volf of Yale Divinity School, "Dancing with Wolves".

The concern for the topic arose out of the ICETE Manifesto on the Renewal of Theological Education which calls for the educators to "take immediate and urgent steps to seek, elaborate and possess a biblically-informed theological basis for our calling in theological education, and to allow every aspect of our service to become rooted and nurtured in this soil."

Readers are advised that special arrangements are being made so that extra copies of this issue of the journal will be produced for distribution to those interested in theological education. They can be forwarded to any part of the world, with the idea that seminaries, churches, missions and other bodies can use the material for study and discussion to develop their thinking on theological education.

Details of the arrangements for ordering and paying for this special issue can be obtained from the ICETE Administrator, Dr Paul Bowers, who is coordinating ICETE orders, on email paulbowers@worldnet.att.net

WEA Charts its Future with new leadership and a summit

The WEA has announced that Geoff Tunnicliffe of Canada has been appointed Interim International Coordinator to take over leadership of the WEA following the resignation of Gary Edmonds as Secretary General. Since 2003, Tunnicliffe has been Director, Global Initiatives for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, where he promotes partnerships among Canadian ministries committed to a global outreach, as well as initiatives involving foreign-based ministries. He continues to help lead the World Evangelical Alliance's Missions Commission. He is also involved in a global campaign, including the WEA, to mobilize Christians against poverty. http://www.christianity.ca/mission/features/weblog.html

Mr Tunnicliffe has announced a "strategic summit" to help chart the way for the future of the organisation. The Summit will take place in Orlando, Florida, May 1-6, 2005. The first phase will be a WEA Leadership Summit for the International Council, Regional Secretaries, Commission Executives and staff, Affiliate Executives and staff, the WEA North American Council, together with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the National Association of Evangelicals. The second phase, called "Move the Stones - The Power of Alliance", will feature WEA leaders meeting together with pastors and leadership from North America churches and missions for mutual dialogue, and to develop the WEA vision and ministry. It is expected that up to 400 people will participate in the second part of the program.

Underlining the importance of this event, the WEA said, "Like no other time in history, God's people are facing major global issues on every continent. And as Evangelicals, we have never had greater opportunities to impact the nations with God's love. That is why the WEA is calling North American evangelical leaders to meet with senior WEA leaders from every major region of the globe for the sake of advancing God's kingdom." The event is planned to provide attendees with information, encouragement, engagement and the opportunity to be equipped with greater understanding for the global task.

For further information: www.worldevangelical.org and gtunnicliffe@worldevangelical.org

World Evangelical Alliance's former General Secretary Joins "Churches Together"

Seattle, January 25 (idea) ­ Gary Edmonds, outgoing Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), has joined the organization 'Churches Together' as executive director. Churches Together is mobilizing North American churches to partner with African counterparts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Churches Together co-chairpersons, Tom Correll of Wooddale Church in the Minneapolis area and Tim Neet of the Perimeter Church in the Atlanta area, said: 'We are pleased that God has led someone of Gary's calibre and experience to Churches Together.' Edmonds himself is pleased that his new position combines his 'passion for functional partnership of the Body of Christ and extending the Church of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.'

Geoff Tunnicliffe of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, who is also a board member of Churches Together, said, while Edmonds' change to a new position is a loss for the WEA, 'it allows Gary to pursue his life mission of leading transformation through churches working together'.

Churches Together was founded two years ago by ten local churches in the United States. They want to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic in partnership with African churches. More than three fourths of the world¹s 40 million HIV positive victims live in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a farewell message to WEA supporters, Gary Edmonds said,

"As I think back over this time, I am grateful that the Lord has used us to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have been able to tackle some of the relational dynamics and financial and administrative issues that have impacted the World Evangelical Alliance. Greater clarity regarding the core purpose and structure of WEA is emerging. There is a growing visibility and respect of Evangelicals as a people who are committed to the good of all and are a source of mercy and hope in the nations. For the future, I encourage us Evangelicals to hold on to three biblical tenets of the faith - affirming that the local church is God's sustaining instrument of transformation in society, that the gospel of Jesus Christ through an equipped people is to touch and transform the whole of life, and that the people of God are to minister in functional and practical unity."

Referring to the appointment of Geoff Tunnicliffe as the Interim Coordinator of WEA, he said, "The WEA is in very good hands. He is very knowledgeable about evangelical alliances and global realities. From his many years of international ministry, he has developed an ability to understand different cultures and develop collaborative initiatives that advance the gospel of Jesus Christ."

ICETE's Next International Consultation

International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) takes pleasure in announcing that its next International Consultation for Theological Educators will be held 7-11 August 2006 in Singapore. The Consultation is intended for theological educators from throughout the ICETE community worldwide. The Consultation will focus on the implications of emerging global Christianity, the "New Christendom," for evangelical theological education. Further details will be announced as they become available. Institutions that are part of the ICETE constituency are urged to begin plans now to be represented at the event.

ICETE's International Consultations offer a unique opportunity for face-to-face professional interaction and reflection among evangelical theological educators globally. The first ICETE Consultation took place in Hoddesdon, UK, in 1980. Subsequent consultations have taken place in: Chongoni, Malawi; Seoul, Korea; Wheaton, USA; Bangkok, Thailand; Katydata, Cyprus; and Unterweissach, Germany. In recent years the events have been held on a triennial basis; the most recent Consultation was at High Wycombe, UK, in 2003.

ICETE News Jan 2005

Latin American Theological Educators Meet

The 5th General Assembly of the Latin American Association for Evangelical Theological Education was held in Lima, Peru, the third week of October 2004. The 73 participants came from Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, USA, Jamaica, Britain, and Peru. The theme of the event was "Biblically Based and Socially Contextualized Leaders". Principal speakers were Dr Steve Finamore from TearFund UK, and Dr Carlos Pinto from Brazil. The Evangelical Seminary of Lima, ably led by Dr Don Smith, provided the hosting venue.

ICETE's global community was represented by Dr Dieumeme Noelliste (President of the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology), and Dr Larry McKinney (Executive Director of the North American-based Association for Biblical Higher Education), both of whom made presentations. AETAL presently links 155 theological schools throughout Latin America. The AETAL Director is Ms Vera Brock of Brazil.

Further information on AETAL may be obtained from: sbpv@opv.org.br

ICETE News Jan 2005

Reflecting on the Tsunami (II)

What is the Biblical Response to the Tsunami Disaster? 
by Tan Kang San, Director for Mission Research, OMF International, Singapore, ihq-dmr@omf.net

As I watched in horror the unfolding crises in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, I was reminded of Paul's description of the groaning creation in Romans 8. Some Christians will say the disaster is God's judgment on the world. Historically, such views have led to the church being seen as interested only in people's spiritual needs. Others see the church as primarily responsible for responding to people's immediate and physical needs-forgetting the deeper longings of those who are hurting. But Romans 8 shows the Gospel seeking to engage meaningfully with the total needs of the whole person to redeem the world for Christ.

Heirs of the whole creation (Rom 8:17-28) 
Romans 8:17-28 shows the extraordinary mission of God's people within His overarching plan for the rebirth of His entire creation. We are God's children, and therefore His heirs (17a). In the Old Testament, God's people were promised Israel as an inheritance. In the New Testament, Paul says the church will inherit the world.

Many Christians have drawn wildly inaccurate conclusions from this. Some have seen the church's task in mission as a triumphalist mandate for us to rule the world: "Onward Christian Soldiers, Marching as to War". This desire motivated the crusades and the colonisation of heathen worlds. Then there are those who reject the world, their motto being "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through." Their church has nothing to say to injustices, and other social problems of society: It is only interested in building spiritual communities.

A Triple-Groaning Reality (Rom 8:17-22)
Romans 8 speaks against such misinterpretations of the church's mission and points us to a genuinely Christian involvement with the world. The passage presents a triple groaning: The world's (19-22), the church's (23-25), and the Spirit's (26-27). As we seek to respond biblically to the aftermath of the Tsunami Disaster, we need to be guided by the Groaning Spirit in His leading of the Groaning Church in the midst of a Groaning Creation.

Let's look deeper into the passage: the creation is (19) good but incomplete; (20) good but presently in bondage; (21) good but awaiting liberation; (22) good but pregnant with the future world that is to be born from its womb. The present creation will give birth to the "new earth and new heavens" out of the groaning of the existing earth. This Christian view of the world leaves no room for simplistic exploitation or idolatry. We do not rush in knee-jerk reactions to solve the problems of Tsunami victims, thinking that is sufficient. Neither should we fold our arms in despair, thinking that there is nothing we can do. Romans 8 points us to a church that bears the pain of the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Incarnational Ministry of the Church in a Broken World (Rom 8:23-25)
What then should be the church's biblical response in times of unprecedented sufferings? The church may be tempted to withdraw, analyse the world's problems, and perhaps try to solve them from the comfort of her four walls.

But that isn't Paul's way. In verse 23, he moves from the Groaning Creation to the Groaning church: "not only so, but we ourselves." For Paul, the church is totally involved in the suffering world, bearing in itself the same conflict, incarnating in its own life the glory and the shame, the tears and the hopes of the whole creation. If the world is groaning in birth pains for the new world to be born from its womb, so the church is also in travail, groaning as she waits for her own adoption. Notice that Paul deliberately uses the same words for the church as is used for the world: "groaning" in verses 22 and 23, "longing" in verses 19 and 23. The female image of the church, groaning in travail, is placed as it were within the female image of the world. Our temptation is to spiritualize so that we don't need to be involved with the sufferings of others. .

The image of the church in mission is that of a pain-bearing community. In the aftermath of Tsunami, our world is in travail. It is blighted by poverty, homelessness, displaced communities, orphaned children, devastated villages, dead and missing loved ones... Should the church isolate herself from the travails of the lost, the least and the last?

The Groaning of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:26-27)
Whenever the church groans, there is clear hint of life within, that there is yet a third level of groaning: "In the same way, the Holy Spirit." (v26) In talking about the ministry of the Holy Spirit today we are used to the idea of the Holy Spirit's power enabling Christians to rise above the world's pain. But that is not Paul's idea, for what is true of the world and the church is true also of the Spirit. Within the groaning of creation and the groaning of the church, God, this strange God-is groaning also.

More specifically, whenever we receive updates on the Tsunami disaster, we long to bring to it justice and peace, the Shalom for which people are yearning. But we do not know how to do it from a distance. These problems seem beyond our feeble resources. We do not even know how to pray, or what to pray for (v27). In our speechlessness, we have the assurance that the Spirit is doing what we cannot do.

Given the groaning of creation, what is our view of the world? To be ruled, or to be rejected? Paul says, God is redeeming His world and we are to participate in it. Christians, of all people, must love the world as God loves the world. The incarnational church says we need to live among the people we seek to reach, learn to love in word and deed. Otherwise, our gospel proclamation will be discredited.

Given the groaning of creation, what is our view of God? We have assumed for too long that we know God, and we know what the word God means. This passage holds a startling picture of God as Creator AND the Incarnate One who is at work to bring healing and hope within the world - the one who suffers and dies, and rises again as the beginning of the new creation.

Paul's picture of God is very much a Trinitarian picture of God the Father and Son and Spirit working together. This is not a Deist God who stays aloof in heaven while victims suffer on earth.

As we think about this God, we must repent from our superficiality in conducting our religious activity without really allowing the true God to use us. But it also means that a distinctively Christian response to the sufferings of the world is God-centered, resulting in practical actions.

In the light of Romans 8, what is God saying to you and me with regards to our responsibilities towards those who are suffering from the Tsunami Disaster? We must give sacrificially. We must pray compassionately. Ultimately, we must live out the message of Hope in a broken world. With the spiritual vacuum created by Tsunami Disaster, we pray for our colleagues in Indonesia and Thailand, as well as Christians in Sri Lanka, India and other Asian countries that God will lead them to respond appropriately.

WEA Theological News On-line

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