Michael Kinnamon

This little book was written about 40 years after the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) officially became a denomination. Ironically, it is about then (40 years ago, or so) that theologians and other religious leaders began to recognized that we, especially those of us in North America, are living in a post-denominational age.

The authors, both Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) clergy, were inspired to write down their thoughts as to where their denomination is today and where it is headed, and in the context from which it came. Although the denomination continues to practice some of its distinctives, e.g., believers baptism by immersion; an open, weekly, celebration of the Lord's Supper; and an emphasis of the importance of the unity of the Church, it has moved (the authors prefer to use “grown”) to the left of the theological spectrum.

Following the Preface, here are the titles of the ten chapters which make up the book. They are intended to provide a partial answer to the question: “At a time like this, why a book about the American-born denomination called the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?'

1. Why We Are Disciples
2. Covenant: Freedom with Accountability
3. Scripture: Common Source, Diverse Readers
4. The Lord's Supper: One Table, Many Guests
5. Baptism: Bold Discipleship and Humble Spirit
6. Unity: One Church and One World
7. Mission: The Ministry of Reconciliation
8. Congregation: Church, but Not the Whole Church
9. Leadership: Pointing Direction, Sharing Responsibility
10. Being Disciples in the Twenty-first Century

Whether or not the authors succeed in answering the question is up for readers to decide. One thing that seems to plague the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is that the clergy seem to be way ahead of the lay people in their theological “growth.” Hence, there continues to be clergy-lay tension, and/or indifference, and/or plain old fashioned ignorance.

In chapter 10, the first action the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) should take, in answer to the question: “What Kind of Church Do We need to Be to Express Who We Are as a People?” is to ordain openly homosexual candidates for ministry. (p. 130) Other suggestions include giving more power to the office of General Minister and President (p. 134) and reduce the number of the denomination's seminars, which currently is four (p. 135). There are other suggestions as well.

I believe clergy and lay persons, especially those of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, will benefit from reading this book and reflecting on the analysis and recommendations of the authors. It is one of the study aids suggested in Mark G. Toulouse, Renewing Christian Unity: A Concise History of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (ACU Press, 2011).… (altro)