In Good Company




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Home > 2009 Theme

Only by understanding itself as the extension of the biblical community of faith, which was called into existence by God and which derived life and direction solely from communion with God, can the contemporary community of faith fulfill its divine calling.

Inagrace Dietterich

2009 Theme: IN GOOD COMPANY: Becoming faithful readers and doers of Scripture

Even as publishers of Christian literature produce more and more programs for congregational Bible study, the individualistic and consumeristic orientation of a secular and pluralistic culture continues to shape the church’s understanding of the authority and interpretation of Scripture. Thus while the Bible continues to be a best seller, it is often treated as one more therapeutic option in the endless quest for self-discovery and self-fulfillment.

Within the church it is quite possible to take the Bible seriously as a personal moral or devotional guide, but to fail to recognize its power to form the whole community for its witness in the world.

The authentic interpretation of Scripture takes place within the context of the ongoing life, worship, and witness of the community of faith. As Stephen Fowl declares: “Scripture simply cannot be understood apart from a community’s ongoing struggle to embody its interpretation in the aid of faithful, obedient living.” Thus reading, hearing, and studying Scripture must be an integrated and integral part of the entire life of the church.

Missional communities are called not simply to study Scripture but to be a people whose identity, common life, and shared ministry is shaped by their interaction with the biblical witness to God’s “wonderful deeds” (1 Peter 2:9).

During 2009, the Center Letter series will explore both the theory and the practice of becoming faithful readers and doers of Scripture. Subscribe now.

The 2009 missional church convocation is designed around the same theme. This richly integrated 2-day learning experience will provide not only stimulating presentations by Dr. Stephen Fowl, but also focused times of communal Bible study using resources created for the convocation by Dr. Inagrace Dietterich. The learning is expanded in refreshing times of worship alongside opportunities for networking and simply enjoyable conversation.

Resources for inviting reflection and discussion in your ministry setting:

“A People Shaped by the Bible” - (will be available online soon)

"Which Story will Shape the Church in the 21st Century?"