andygoodliff

Baptist identity, ecclesiology and assembly

Jim Gordon on baptist identity

Steve Holmes on ecclesiology

Simon Jones has more on the Baptist Assembly

Neil Brighton asks questions about worship

Sean Winter on the next international conference on Baptist studies

Festschrift for Nigel G. Wright (updated)

On his 60th birthday last week Nigel Wright, Principal of Spurgeon's was presented with a festschrift for his birthday: Challenging to Change: Dialogues with a Radical Baptist Theologian. Essays Presented to Dr Nigel G. Wright on His Sixtieth Birthday. It contains essays by many of the current leading baptist theologians Paul Fiddes, John Colwell, Stephen Holmes, Chris Ellis, Rob Ellis, plus Paul Goodliff (my dad), Pat Took and two former members of Spurgeon's staff Raymond Brown and R. Alistair Campbell, plus a token Anglican in Tom Smail (who co-authored with Nigel and Andrew Walker a book examaining charismatic renewal). It should be available to purchase soon ... apparently key an eye (again) on the Spurgeon's website.

I got my copy today (£10 incl. p&p) by phoning Spurgeon's to order a copy.

Contents

Introduction - David Coffey

'Baptists "Relating and Resourcing" in difficult times: A historical perspective' - Raymond Brown (former Tutor in Church History and Principal, Spurgeon's)

'New birth from Water and Spirit' - Alastair Campbell (former Tutor in New Testament, Spurgeon's)

'The Coherence of freedom: Can Church or State ever be Truly Free?' - John Colwell (former student, currently Tutor in Doctrine and Ethics, Spurgeon's)

'Being a minister: spirituality and the pastor' - Chris Ellis (former Principal of Bristol Baptist College)

'"The leadership of some ...": Baptist ministers as leaders?' - Rob Ellis (Principal of Regent's Park College)

'Something will come of nothing: on A Theology of the Dark Side' - Paul Fiddes (Professor of Systematic Theology, Oxford)

'Inclusive representation revisited' - Paul Goodliff (former student at Spurgeon's, currently Head of Ministry, BUGB)

'The radical ecclesiology of Nigel Wright' - Steve Holmes (former student and research fellow, Spurgeon's, now lecturer at University of St. Andrews)

'Church planting, peace and the ecclesial minimum' - Stuart Murray (former Tutor in Church Planting, Spurgeon's)

'Part of a Movement: Nigel Wright and Baptist Life' - Ian Randall (former Tutor in Church History, Spurgeon's, now Director of Research)

'When Wright was right' - Tom Smail (co-author with Andrew Walker and Nigel Wright of Charismatic Renewal)

'The Radical Evangelical: A Critical Appreciation' - Derek Tidball (former Principal, London School of Theology)

'Crown rights of the Redeemer' - Pat Took (Regional Minister, London Baptist Association and a Governor, Spurgeon's)

Book Review: Baptist Sacramentalism 2

Anthony R. Cross and Philip E. Thompson (eds.), Baptist Sacramentalism 2 (Paternoster, 2008), 283pp (with thanks to Paternoster for a review copy)

'Suddenly we are all trinitarians, or so it would seem' wrote Colin Gunton at the beginning of the preface to 2nd edition of his book The Promise of Trinitarian Theology. It does not seem out of place to suggest 'Suddenly all Baptists are sacramentalists, or so it would seem'. This is the second volume of essays on Baptist sacramentalism. The first volume contained essays by Stanley Grenz, Clark Pinnock, John Colwell, Stephen Holmes, Stanley Fowler, Stanley Porter, Curtis Freeman and Brian Haymes amongst others.  The second volume has contributions from Paul Fiddes, Chris Ellis, Steven Harmon, Paul Sheppy, as well as a younger generation in the likes of Sean Winter, Anthony Clarke and Michael Bird. Baptist sacramentalism is alive and kicking.  Philip Thompson in his introduction says a second volume is 'evidence that Baptist engagement with, and articulation of, sacramental theology is not a passing fancy, a strange aberration, something that will run a quick course and pass quietly out of sight and mind'.  The last ten years have witnessed a recovery of a Baptist sacramental theology from historians (see monographs by Cross and Fowler) and theologians (see monographs from Colwell, Fiddes and forthcoming from Thompson). Increasingly these and other Baptists are happy to call themselves 'catholic' (with a small 'c') and engage wholeheartedly in ecumenical conversations.

This second volume, like the first, contains some excellent essays (see contents here).  Chris Ellis' opening essay explores the sacraments as a means of embodied grace, how the sacraments relate to the whole of life: 'the God who is made known to us in the breaking of bread is the same One who is present in every meal' (p.14). This essay is a fantastic place to start in trying to understand why certain things are called sacraments, especially if you're among those Baptists who are suspicious of the word 'sacrament'. John Colwell's essay expands his argument on church as sacrament from Promise and Presence and brings it into dialogue with Miroslav Volf's influential doctrine of the church published as After Our Likeness. While Paul Fiddes' chapter is partly a critique of Colwell's sacramental theology as he argues for an ex opere operato understanding of the sacraments, demonstrating that there is a diversity of thought about a sacrmaental theology, within a commitment to it. Personally I think I still side with Colwell's take.  Anthony Clarke traces the increasing openness of the table in communion amongst Baptists through liturgies produced by the Baptist Union in the last century. Paul Sheppy writes on pennance, Graham Watts on whether Baptists can believe in sacred space and Anthony Cross argues for reclaiming baptism as a conversion-baptism, and so re-generational, critiquing recent positions from Southern Baptists. Sean Winter's paper is an argument for Baptists to be more open, in this ecumenical age, to those who hold differing views on baptism (and so support the work done by Baptists and Anglicans in Pushing at the Boundaries of Unity) through a reading of Romans, including (correctly in my view) subjective readings of the phrases dikaiosune theou and pistis christou.

This a rich and diverse volume of papers, showing not all baptist thinking is becoming pragmatic.  It also reveals that Baptists can contribute in major ways to sacramental theology - we have something positive and helpful to offer and not only something to learn. I wait with interest to see where baptists are in terms of sacramental theology in ten years time.

Bits and Bobs

You can get a copy of Stephen Holmes' George Beasley-Murray Lecture on preaching via the Spurgeon's website - a little awkwardly you have to email someone, rather than it being available to download.

Mike Bird and others are or have been discussing another Steve Holmes piece - his recent article on evangelical doctrines of scripture. See here

Simon Jones, who amongst other things organises Prism at the Baptist Assembly has started some thoughts on Assembly encouraging a wider conversation. See here and here

Jonny Baker is running a short series on worship curation [1] [2]

Luke a postgraduate student from St. Andrews wants to encourage people to sign up for the Genesis and Theology conference happening in July. Apparently there is a discount for clergy and students. It looks good and I'd love to be there, but I'm otherwise committed.

Back with a new mac mini

My 2001 G4 Mac (a hand-me-down from my brother) died last week. Today I received its replacement in the form of a new mac mini (they are certainly mini). Using the lack of computer I took a short break from blogging. Hope to get back into the swing of things from tomorrow.

Spurgeon's seeks new tutor in Christian Doctrine

After 15 years Dr John Colwell is stepping down as tutor in Doctrine and Ethics at Spurgeon's College to return to pastoral ministry, although with space to continue to write and research. The college is now looking for a new tutor in doctrine, so if you're interested, see advert here.

Book Review: Approaching God

Christopher J. Ellis, Approaching God: A Guide for Worship Leaders and Worshippers (Canterbury Press, 2009), 200pp (with thanks to Canterbury Press for a review copy)

In the current climate of worship and leading worship this is a much needed book. Where worship within gathered services is for many equated with the singing of songs and moments of extemporary prayer, this book offers an important corrective. In 21 chapters it covers an enormous amount of material: a theology of worship and how to lead people on a journey in worship through the main ingredients - prayers (thanksgiving, confession, intercession, etc), the place of singing, scripture and sermon and the Lord's supper.  It offers reflections on planning worship in terms of its place in the Christian year; connecting world and worship, worship as pastoral care, mission and as formation. Where too much worship lacks shape and depth, Chris Ellis helpfully encourages those who plan and lead worship to recognise that leading worship is not just a matter of choosing some songs, a few scriptures and some slots for prayer. Planning and leading worship is an exercise in theology, it requires shape and content, it requires been taken on a journey.

The book is a companion piece to Ellis' theology of free church worship, Gathering and to the book of prayers and patterns for communion, baptism and other services he edited with Myra Blyth, Gathering for Worship. As those part of the Baptist family, we can be grateful that for all that Chris Ellis has given and will I'm sure continue give, us in the area of worship, its theology and its practice.

In worship as the title suggests we are approaching God, but the title can also be read as a description of the God who approaches us: we approach God with songs and prayers, with silence and with movement; God approaches us through his Word and through bread and wine.

This is a positive book, Ellis is not out to critcise - he is not anti-hymns or songs, he is not anti-free prayer - but to enable and encourage better worship.  At a time when many of our churches claim that worship needs to be free to be led by the Spirit, this should not be an excuse for a lack of planning - inspired by the Spirit. Planning worship is not something that can be done at the last minute but requires as much thought that is given to a sermon.

I encourage those who involved in leading worship to buy copies for themselves and for their churches. I encourage those training ministers or others to lead worship to buy copies for librarise and make it a core text. The book contains practical exercises (written by Regent Park College's Anthony Clarke), which enable readers (individuals or groups) to reflect on each chapter and on the worship they are planning. I can't think of another book that contains such a wide-range of material and is accesible and relevant to the needs of today's church.

See an interview with Chris Ellis here.

Reflecting on Assembly

Back from Assembly. As Catriona says 'grumbles about Assembly are cheap and easy', so I'll try and stay positive. The two highlights for another year were the Whitley and George Beasley-Murray Lectures respectively. Sally Nelson's Whitley Lecture explored a theology of suffering and disability and the lecture was dedicated to her daughter Flora and BUiLD on its 25th anniversary. Engaging with the likes of Hauerwas, Volf, McFadyen and Soelle, Sally offered us a relational and dialogical understanding of personhood that challenges the view of persons that reduces them to producers and consumers. Stephen Holmes' Beasley-Murray Lecture was on preaching and whether there is a place for proclamation preaching in an age where the 'expert monologue' has been proclaimed dead. Holmes was challenging, informative, witty and left this listener wishing he was more regularly amongst us.

The theme of Assembly was who do we think we are? as we celebrated the 400 yr old anniversary of baptist beginnings. As Neil said in his pre-assembly post this was a potentially rich theme, an opportunity to look back and look forward and ask who are we as a baptist people at this time. This was realised to some extent, but I was disappointed that we didn't really grapple with the question as an Assembly. I felt a disjunction having heard Sally's Whitley Lecture and the constant celebatory feeling of the plenary gatherings - everything has to be a success story. Although this was disrupted on Sunday evening as we welcomed new ministers, by the news of one minister who is currently dying of cancer. Amongst the cheering we paused in silence and in prayer.

Who do we think we are? Another disjunction I felt was between those who are expecting a new revival within this nation (Friday night) and the call to be a radical community (Monday morning). These are of course not exclusive, but I was more drawn to the honesty of Pat Took's bible study (Monday morning) than the 2 Chron 7-based address Friday evening.

Who do we think we are? A diverse group of Christians, who are perhaps more markedly Evangelical (with a big 'E') and charismatic than in the past. Sadly I think a less radical and dissenting community than in the past - here was where we needed to engage more with the story of our past. A community that is increasingly pragmatic and less theologically conscious (although it was encouraging to see the Beasley-Murray Lecture packed out - a bigger venue next year please! - does this reflect that people are hungry for this kind of theological reflection or that Steve had chosen a good title?). A community that proclaims congregational government, but makes little space for deliberation and discussion during Assembly.  Attendance at the deliberation session on public issues was less than at other sessions (I thought this might be because leave early in view of long journeys, but attendance went up again for the bible study session that immediately followed - what does this say about who we are?).  It would have been fantastic to have an open time to hear responses from those who came about who we think we are. Assembly is divided between BU and BMS which restricts time and space to consider BU issues. Recently the BU of Scotland have gone back to an Assembly without BMS partnering. I don't think I want to go that far, but I do think that a larger amount of space needs to be set aside for deliberation and discussion.

With Julie (link below) I was also pleased by the emphasis on inter-faith and women in ministry. A long way to go on both issues but were highlighted positively from the 'front'.

With regards worship, I'll remain silent, apart from saying there were some good signs (sunday evening especially), but I think there is still a long way to go.

For other responses to Assembly see Catriona (serious and silly), Neil, Julie, David, Tim, Geoff, Simon and Craig. 

British Baptist Theologians 14: Neville Clark

Born 1927. Died 2002.

Minister, Rochester (1956-59)
Minister, Amersham Free Church (1959-75)
Tutor, South Wales Baptist College (1975-85)
Principal, South Wales Baptist College (1985-2001)

A founding (in 1963) and longstanding member of the Joint Liturgical Group.

Major Publications

An Approach to the Theology of the Sacraments (SCM, 1956) (This was a version of his MA thesis)

'The Theology of Baptism' in Christian Baptism, (ed.) A. Gilmore (Lutterworth, 1959), pp.306-326

Call to Worship (SCM, 1960)

'The Fulness of the Church of God' in The Pattern of the Church: A Baptist View, (ed.) A Gilmore (Lutterworth, 1963), pp.79-113

Interpreting the Resurrection (SCM, 1967)

'The Crisis of Biblical Theology' in L. G. Champion (ed.), Outlook for Christianity: Essays Presented to Dr. Ernest Payne (Lutterworth, 1967)

'Servant of the Servants of God' in Ministry in Question, (ed.) A. Gilmore (DLT, 1971)

(ed.) with R. Jasper, Initiation and Eucharist: Essays on their Structure (Joint Liturgical Group, 1972)

'Problems and Perspectives' and 'Liturgy and Christian Formation' in Worship and the Child (ed.) R. Jasper (Joint Liturgical Group, SPCK, 1975)

'The Baptist Tradition' in Singing the Faith: essays by members of the Joint Liturgical Group on the use of hymns in liturgy (ed.) Charles Roberston (Canterbury Press, 1990)

Preaching in Context: Word, Worship and the People of God (Kevin Mayhew, 1991)

Pastoral Care in Context: An Essay in Pastoral Theology (Kevin Mayhew, 1992)

'Review Article: Baptist Praise and Worship', Baptist Quarterly 35 (1993), pp.95-100

'Initiation and Eschatology' in Baptism, the New Testament and the Church. Historical and Contemporary Studies in Honour of R. E. O. White edited by Stanley E. Porter & Anthony R. Cross (JSNT Supp 171, Sheffield Academic Press, 1999)