Church Controversy and the Arts of Ministry

Abstract

“In the present Missouri controversy, some are led to ask whether the dispute is really ‘theological’ or only ‘political,’ a question in which both terms may become degraded…. Social psychologists have described destructive consequences which may ensue from suppression of differences and initiatives within groups, even when these are ‘managed’ in bureaucratic, compromising, or inter-personal ways…. In the work of ministry, however, the systematic task more often than not becomes one of relating affirmation to action, including action bearing on social institutions…. Controversy can help to highlight emergent issues, but, controversy or not, such issues need to be freshly located today. This requires a use of fundamental disciplines alongside specialized skills.”